Hello, I've got a 99 SR5 4x4, TRD SC with low boost (5psi), tranny cooler, airbags, swaybars, and deckplate.

I just started towing. Got myself an 1100lb 6x12 tandem axle utility trailer, no brakes. In the next few months, I'll be using it to haul machinery from L.A. to San Jose. It's mostly flat but there are hills in the beginning and at the end of the trip, and the trip is 320 miles.

My heaviest load will be a Bridgeport mill (2200lbs + trailer weight).

I read the thread from 11/17/04 about pulling 4000 lbs+ ... conclusion was that 4000-5000 lbs is probably a bad idea... pushing the limits. How about 3300 lbs? Easy? I'm hoping so. Thanks for any help.

If the trailer had brakes, your 4Runner will do great towing 3300 lbs. You're setup well for that. I've only towed trailers that had brakes. I don't think it would be good with that much weight to not have trailer brakes, but I don't know.

Hey, I just ran across a cool webpage that lists all states laws about trailer brakes:
http://www.rvsafety.com/StateBrakeLaw.htm
Looks like you'll have a problem since CA requires trailer brakes for trailer weights over 1500 lbs (according to that site).

Frankly, if you're going to tow something like mills / lathes, etc., you want to get at least surge brakes for the trailer.

I've towed several loads of 3K plus with a trailer with no brakes, but they were low COG and at 3K plus, the shorter the tow, the more confident I felt about it. I recently added surge brakes to my trailer and it helped a great deal with towing feel and confidence. For my business, I tow a 6X10 enclosed trailer with generally somewhere around an 2100lb. gross weight and it has surge brakes as well... Erring on the side of safety doesn't hurt IMHO.

If you come across a smoking deal on a Matsuura twin spindle 760, please PM me <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .

Mike

Thanks, guys. I have about 3 months before I start towing heavy stuff. For now, it's just a "lightweight" 80 gal compressor and short distance lumber hauling.

I would like to install the brakes myself... are they easy to install? I'm thinking electric brakes would probably be the easiest since I wouldn't have to mess with fluid. Also, can you recommend a good pair and a good source for them? Thanks again.