Towing w/ a 5th Gen 4Runner

[Z man]

Anyone towing short distances with a Toyota 4Runner Limited? I'm considering a G21 and would tow twice a year or so to dealership which is about 40 miles.

[Nautiquehunter]

What is the max tow rating on the Toyota? If its over weight it dosn't matter how far you tow if there is an accident your insurance may deny your claim.

[beach]

5k max tow rating on a 5th gen 4Runner.

5500 dry weight+1500 (minimum trailer weight, probably higher) = 7000 lbs assuming your gas/ballast tanks are completely empty and there is absolutely nothing in the boat. Realistically with some gas+ equipment in boat, you would be 50% over max capacity.

[JD ski]

Beach said it well, Natiquehunter has great emphasis on the topic. Is there any more that needs to be said?

[Nautiquehunter]

If you are only towing 2 times a year just get a buddy with a tow pig or rent a truck.

[TimmyH79]

I have a 5th gen and tow my 210 twice a year - I have air bags in rear - it does okay but would not tow anything heavier

[aguyupnorth]

Trailer is 1800 lbs.. no go if it was me.. remember.. you might move it.. won't stop it.

[Z man]

The tow pig is the answer that solves it for me.

[seth]

You should be fine, there is a guy in another thread towing a G21 with a mustang.

[lashburn]

7400 on the scales with mine. 1/8 tank of fuel.
we did not get the 4 Runner because the Tow rating
If you tow twice a Year, just Grad a PU truck from U-haul on those days
or Rent a Large SUV...Ive done that

[nyryan2001]

And the weight carrying config... i.e. A regular tow... you're ~3500-4000lbs max.

that 5000lb limit is with a WDH.


you'd be at near 2x your limit.

[jmo]

The 4Runner is built on the same platform as the Tacoma, if you upgrade to the Sequoia which built on the tundra platform - your in business.

+2 on asking a friend with a truck to tow it for you. I help out my friend with his old MC twice a year since his Highlander is no match for it.

I bet the dealer would come get it for you for a fee as well - might be the cheapest option?

Finally, towing G series boat with your 4Runner will hammer the 4Runner.

I towed my 196 with my wife's Honda Pilot once to/from a friend's lake about 90 miles and it ruined the rear struts and brakes, despite it being tow rated at 4500 lbs - the boat & trailer is 3500 lbs. Never again will I tow with a vehicle that's close to the limit, let alone well over it.

I know this is not what you were hoping to hear, but it's just not worth the risk to the safety of the passengers and the boat.

Good luck - let us know what route you take.

JMO


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2006 SN 196 Limited Excalibur
2001 Super Sport Limited GT40