Towing with a Four Runner

[rrtom]

My step daughter bought a 2018 Toyota Four Runner. Now she is looking for a small trailer. The info I found on the Four Runner says if "properly equipped" the towing capacity is 5000 LB. When you deduct for any thing carried in the trailer, it seems like it would have to be an awfully small trailer.

Any thoughts on "properly equipped" or a small trailer that might work?

[aether_one]

Properly equipped means having a Weight Distribution Hitch, Anti-Sway Bar, Trailer brakes actuator/controller and possibly a transmission cooler.

When looking for a trailer look at the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and make sure it is under 5000 lbs. Do not fall into the trap of the unloaded weight rating being only X lbs (like 4000 lbs).

You also need to look at the Combined Vehicle Weight Rating for the truck and insure the trailer you select will not cause the truck to exceed that rating with people and equipment loaded.

[tuffr2]

Look at the T@B 400, the Little Guy Maxx, A-Liner, Rockwood 'A' frame, Winnebago Drop or maybe the smallest Micro Mini, or just about any pop-up.

I bet she will like the cute T@B 400.

Anyway the Honda Ridgeline I had with 5,000 towing capacity was bogus. I would rate it at 3,500lbs towing comfortably.

[Shutterbug57]

There is a YouTube FT family (Lifestyle Overland) that tows with a 4Runner They pull a Turtleback with a fold out tent on top of the trailer. They take that rig well off road.

[Desert Flyer]

You should check out the towing calculators at the beginning “Stickies” section of this Towing forum. Play around with those, learn the terminology, especially Payload Capacity, and Rear Axle Gross Weight Rating. Those will limit your towing ability. Your 4R will need to haul all the payload in it including passengers, dogs, coolers, other stuff in back, 100 lb weight distributing hitch, AND about 12%-15% of the gross weight of whatever TT you tow. Forget about dry weights as they are nearly meaningless. As an example, our 2006 Ford Explorer (very similar to the 4R) is body-on-frame, has a 5,400-lb tow rating, but only 1,282-lb payload capacity. After figuring in my family, cargo, hitch, and a bit of margin for towing in the mountains, I figured I could tow a smallish TT with listed dry weight of only about 3,300-lb max. 3,500-lb if no canopy, A/C, and some other TT options. Read up, study these posts a lot, and have fun with your new adventure!

[Mtn. Lion]

FWIW, the 4Runner payload is 1,600 lbs on some 4X4 configurations. There are like 5 variations/models to choose from and the limited edition is a bit less, about 1500 lbs.

That 1,600 lbs. payload is higher than the Tacoma truck. The full size 1/2 ton Ramcharger truck isn't that much either.

[Desert Flyer]

I don’t recall seeing any 4R with a payload that much at the Auto Show when I last saw them. That is great news if true. I do recall (and surprised by) the paltry payload of the Lexus GX with its taller body, heavier V8, and LOTS of luxury ad-ons. I think it was down to around 1,200 lbs or so. I really want to like the GX, but that rear door, that low payload, that thirsty V8 (13 mpg!), and that price!...

[Mtn. Lion]

Originally Posted by Desert Flyer

I don’t recall seeing any 4R with a payload that much at the Auto Show when I last saw them. That is great news if true. I do recall (and surprised by) the paltry payload of the Lexus GX with its taller body, heavier V8, and LOTS of luxury ad-ons. I think it was down to around 1,200 lbs or so. I really want to like the GX, but that rear door, that low payload, that thirsty V8 (13 mpg!), and that price!...

The payload numbers I quoted were right off their website. Pretty impressive for a 4-by.

FWIW, the Hummer H1 is next in line for impressive off-road capability with high payloads. Date back to 1995 and those mo-fos have a 4,300 lbs payload capacity in the 2-door truck variant.

[Desert Flyer]

I’ll bet dollars-to-donuts that 1,600-lb payload number is for a base model with no options and probably 2WD, not 4WD/AWD.

[Mtn. Lion]

Originally Posted by Desert Flyer

I’ll bet dollars-to-donuts that 1,600-lb payload number is for a base model with no options and probably 2WD, not 4WD/AWD.

Toyota doesn't play the options game like GM and others. They include features in models w/out having to buy options like PKG Level 16 for $9,500 to get automatic headlights and with that you get a bunch of **** you don't want or care about.

Weights and Capacities
SR5 Premium 4X4
6300 GVWR
4675 Curb Weight


Pay up

[Desert Flyer]

Done...I stand corrected!

[TXiceman]

With the short wheelbase and high center of gravity on a ForeRunner, I would look at a Casita or a smaller Pop up trailer. I would not over about 3500# loaded.

Ken

[Mtn. Lion]

A teardrop trailer would be a good fit. 2,200 lbs loaded. https://nucamprv.com/tag-trailer/202...pecifications/