towing weight with 4-runner

[stunner_23]

boat and trailer weight close to 5000, and towing max is 5000/5000 on 4 runner. Is this OK.

 

[JB]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

Howdy, stunner.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. <br /><br />In theory, it is within limits if there is very little load in the truck and no cargo in the boat. In actual practice it threatens the life of the truck and any occupants, not to mention other people on the road.<br /><br />Just my opinion, mind you, but I think you need something rated to tow 7,000lb or more.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

Did you consider a full load of fuel, gear, batteries, and other stuff? If not, you are over the towing limit and I hope the trailer has brakes.

 

[jlinder]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

You need to get the boat weighted. If you are going by factory data you will be very suprised by how much more it is with PFDs, anchor, cooler, fuel, gear, people (in the car), tools, and any other accesories you might have added.<br /><br />Once you have that, I would raise the question of whether or not you want to run right up to the limit on what the vehicle is rated for. I tow about 4000 with a 5000 tow rating and I am comfortable, but I would not want to pursh it any closer.<br /><br />My opinion on the safety margin.

 

[RomanRegal]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

I don't know what year of 4 runner you have, but that suv has a tendecy to squat in the back quite a bit. Generally, Toyota recommends a weight distributing hitch when you begin to get close to limits. Tha rating on the newer 4runners generally run 500/5000 without a weight distributing hitch. 700/7000 with a weight distributing hitch.

 

[SliderM72]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

I had a 95 4 Runner v-6 and it struggled to tow my 2500 # rig. I had the squatting problem too, but fixed that with some high performance springs. Hopefully yours is a newer model with a v-8. I have since traded up to a v-8 Chevy and not only get better gas mileage but I can relax knowing that my motor isn't likely to overheat or worse. Good luck.

 

[RomanRegal]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

The 3rd generation 4 runner had a very different engine than a 2nd generation. A 95 would be a 2nd gen 4 runner. The 3rd gen engine had more horsepower and torque and could tow 5000lbs easily in terms of power. However, the squat problem was still there.<br />Roman

 

[stunner_23]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

it is a 2001 v-6.

 

[JBL]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

I had a 95 with the so called (squat problem) but my newer 98 has no squat problem. That was mostly because the front wheel well was higher than the rear making it appear that the back was dragging. My 98 has no sag but to tell the truth I wish it had something like a fuel injected 318,but then of course it wouldn't be a Toyo motor and wouldn't last nearly as long. Viva Toyota 4Runner BOATZ

 

[craze1cars]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

Just my opinion, but I would never consider towing so close to the rated max (assuming your 5,000 load and limit estimates are accurate). There's not enough margin for error. I share JB's recommendation...I'd strongly recommend a bigger truck.<br /><br />But if you have no other alternative, then definitely take every precaution you can take...including changing all fluids (transmission & transfer case especially), install external trans cooler, load distributing hitch, don't let tires wear past 50% tread, keep trailer and vehicle brakes in PERFECT working order...inspect them often, don't tow in overdrive, NEVER exceed about 50 mph, don't take on any significant hilly terrain, and make sure you don't take any luggage, family, or friends on your trips since they'll push you well over your weight limit.<br /><br />Many people often forget when they see for example that a vehicle has a 5,000 lb towing limit, the "fine print" usually turns out basing this rating on about a 300 lb load on the tow vehicle. For most of us that covers a driver, a suitcase, and a 12-pack. Most of us have more than one person and gear on our truck, so that cuts into your towing capacity. So don't pay too much attention to the estimated tow ratings, but instead pay very close attention to the max GVWR sticker on your door jamb. This tells you the REAL numbers for the combined rig, but takes some math and patience to think through.<br /><br />Load your rig up, weigh it at a truck stop, and study your owner's manual very carefully. That's the best way to get accurate answers.

 

[RomanRegal]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

If you have a 2001, you have a 3rd gen 4runner. If you are going to be towing short distances, with the proper setup you should have no problem. I have a 1998 4 runner. I tow 5ooo pounds with a weight distributing hitch. My 4runner recetly turned over 300,000 miles. Since I tow, I do some very simple things every year: beside changing the oil faithfully, once a year, the transmission fluid, gear oils and transfer case oils are replaced. These trucks last a long time. I plan on keeping this one until 400,000. Then I am going to get another. Roman

 

[CATransplant]

Re: towing weight with 4-runner

Wow! If the empty boat and trailer already weigh 5000, it's pretty much guaranteed that you're going to be over that vehicle's limit when you're actually using it. <br /><br />I'd consider upgrading your towing vehicle to one with a little more oomph, unless your only towing is going to be a few miles away.<br /><br />I don't think you're going to be happy with this setup, and you may well be driving an unsafe combination.