Community Forums

Unicorn Driver · 09-25-2017, 07:49 AM

Hi all,

If I want to tow my 2010 4 runner I need a drive shaft disconnect kit.

4WD\AWD is a must for me as is a big cargo area if I did get something else.

A separate toad is not an option.

Any input?

thanks,

Rockwood27 · 09-25-2017, 08:00 AM

My advice: it may be cheaper to sell the 4runner and buy a Chevy Equinox or Ford Edge or maybe a Honda CRV. Can you even get a baseplate for a 4runner?

Unicorn Driver · 09-25-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockwood27

My advice: it may be cheaper to sell the 4runner and buy a Chevy Equinox or Ford Edge or maybe a Honda CRV. Can you even get a baseplate for a 4runner?

Just checked and no base plate for the a 4 runner.

I have driven an Edge and liked it

rgvtexan · 09-25-2017, 09:11 AM

We use a Ford Flex, it is bigger than the Edge and is AWD. Put in neutral and go.

RVNewbie55 · 09-25-2017, 09:16 AM

If your 4Runner has a manually shifted transfer case then you can flat tow it. If you can't find a tow kit for it a good option is to buy an aftermarket off-road style bumper that has tow hooks on the front. Most of the companies making tow kits make a kit to fit tow hooks.

Unicorn Driver · 09-25-2017, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVNewbie55

If your 4Runner has a manually shifted transfer case then you can flat tow it. If you can't find a tow kit for it a good option is to buy an aftermarket off-road style bumper that has tow hooks on the front. Most of the companies making tow kits make a kit to fit tow hooks.

Unfortunately it's an automatic.

RVNewbie55 · 09-25-2017, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stMH

Unfortunately it's an automatic.

Bummer...I know there are ways to get the electronic T-case into neutral but do not know of anyone who has flat towed that way. I bought my 2007 Lexus LX470 specifically because it was the last year for the manual T-Case.

Superslif · 09-25-2017, 11:52 AM

Toyota will say "no Toyota's can be towed 4 down". I think that is to limit any warranty issues from towing using them as toads.

My father wanted to by a new Tacoma as a toad, they said Toyota re-stated none of their vehicles can be towed 4-down without voiding the warranty

lllkrob · 09-25-2017, 06:25 PM

What you need is a 4Runner Trail Edition base model or the later 4Runner TRD Pro Edition. Toyota started building these in 2012. They are automatic with a manual shift transfer case with neutral position. This makes them fully 4 down towable as is, no modifications needed. Of course Toyota has the blanket statement that none of it's vehicles are towable behind a motorhome for legal reasons. But if you choose to ignore the warning these 4Runner models make excellent toads.

Unicorn Driver · 09-25-2017, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lllkrob

What you need is a 4Runner Trail Edition base model or the later 4Runner TRD Pro Edition. Toyota started building these in 2012. They are automatic with a manual shift transfer case with neutral position. This makes them fully 4 down towable as is, no modifications needed. Of course Toyota has the blanket statement that none of it's vehicles are towable behind a motorhome for legal reasons. But if you choose to ignore the warning these 4Runner models make excellent toads.

That's great to know, I would love to be able to have a 4 runner as a toad.

Thanks,

BW in TX · 09-26-2017, 07:53 AM

Roadmaster makes brackets for the 4Runner and yes, you would need driveshaft disconnect on that model 4Runner. I just rigged up my Tundra in the same manner. I looked long and hard at it and debated getting a different toad but really wanted a Toyota and already own the Tundra. The only major difference cost wise is the driveshaft disconnect as you'll need brake system, light wiring etc on any toad. Very happy with my Tundra rig and glad I didn't go with another vehicle.

Unicorn Driver · 09-26-2017, 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BW in TX

Roadmaster makes brackets for the 4Runner and yes, you would need driveshaft disconnect on that model 4Runner. I just rigged up my Tundra in the same manner. I looked long and hard at it and debated getting a different toad but really wanted a Toyota and already own the Tundra. The only major difference cost wise is the driveshaft disconnect as you'll need brake system, light wiring etc on any toad. Very happy with my Tundra rig and glad I didn't go with another vehicle.

I am very happy with my 4 runner.
Even though its 7.5 years old it looks new as got aftermarket leather added 2.5 years ago. Also added a rearview camera and remote start.

I would happily keep 4 runner for another 5 years.

Unicorn Driver · 09-26-2017, 08:48 AM

I called Remco and my 4 runner can be flat towed with a lube pump.

The lube pump is 1695$ and takes about 6 hours labour and about 2 hours to install the lube pump monitor in the coach. So that's about 2500$

BW in TX · 09-26-2017, 10:54 AM

Believe driveshaft disconnect would be cheaper. One concern I had with the lube pump solution was concern of some reports of pump failing and causing trans damage. If pump quits while in tow you may not realize until its too late. Maybe others who have used one can chime in to see if that concern is justified.