Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

[Mark Conte]

Hello everyone, first day posting on the forum, interested to hear thoughts from the pros on the towing capacity of my mid-sized SUV. It has a high towing capacity of 7300lbs with the 2WD V8 but it has a shorter wheel base than you'd see on a half ton truck, while I'm rather experienced towing cars, those are 16' and the boat I am looking to purchase is a 20' Center Console with a Mercury Outboard so it's a bit larger than my normal load (and most of my towing experience has been with Diesel Trucks. I understand my little 4Runner is in a weird segment, 7k+ towing cap in a mid size is pretty unheard of, but if anyone has any comments about towing boats I'd love to hear it. Thanks everyone in advance!

 

[Dam2009]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

http://forums.iboats.com/trailers-towing/towing-mdx-602145.html
This should shine some light on you question.

I have a 07 Acura MDX with 3.7L V6 (300hp) and I'm pulling 21' Sea Ray without any problems. I'm pretty sure my wheelbase is shorter than the one of 4Runner.

 

[astrodavis]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

I have an 03 4-runner V-8 4x4 and pull a 20ft Astroglass Bass boat. My vehicle handles well and does great on the highway. I have also pulled my 64 el Camino with the Runner on an 18ft car hauler and she did well.

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

We've got a 2006 GX470 and couldn't be happier with it, even towing. I do wish the wheelbase was a tad longer and had a little more track width, but can't have everything. We tow a 7x14 and a 6x10 enclosed utility trailers with it besides our small Javelin 17' boat.

Never a problem nor felt it was lacking power.

 

[jkust]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

http://forums.iboats.com/trailers-towing/towing-mdx-602145.html
This should shine some light on you question.

I have a 07 Acura MDX with 3.7L V6 (300hp) and I'm pulling 21' Sea Ray without any problems. I'm pretty sure my wheelbase is shorter than the one of 4Runner.

Yeah plus the 3.7 is 275lbs of torque which is the important number for towing. Those are minivan and midsized car numbers these days. It takes suprisingly little tq or hp to move a lot of weithg. I'd be focused on the frame of the suv to deal with outlier situations and both of the ones you mention are very capable. What does the subject 20 foot center console weigh on the trailer? I'm betting the trailer length on that is 26 feet but the weight is really the key.

 

[stylesabu]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

i have tow to different boats to canada,900 miles one was 16 SYLVAN DEEP VEE AND the other was A Lund 18 PRO V)much heavier and wider. both with a 2001 grand caravan 3.3 v6,had torque convertor modified,kevlar lock up clutch. lund was wider so hard to see behind. lund also harder to pull. key is stopping power.i now have a 12 sequoia with a 5.7 now thats a truck to tow with

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Anyone with a 2003-2008 4Runner V8 or GX470?

For those not familiar with Toyota 4Runners, the OP has a 4th generation T4R. The newer 5th gens have been severely decontented starting w/2009 due to the devaluation of the $ against the yen at the time (the dollar has climbed dramatically in value against the yen since last fall).

If interested in buying one, remember the T4R comes standard in 2wd; 4wd is an extra cost upgrade. I think the GX470, based on the T4R, is already 4wd.

Also, depending on the total weight of your rig, you might be able to get by with the V6 version of the T4R (the GX470 only comes with V8). The T4R V6 has a towing capacity of 5,000#. With the V6 you can forgo the timing belt change at 100k miles that is required on the T4R V8 and all GX470 models, and get a little better gas mileage at the same time.

Yes, I am the owner of a 2008 T4R V6 FWD Limited. An absolutely wonderful machine!