How much can I tow with my 2001 limited 4runner?
I am looking at a 28 ft camper that weighs about 4500 lbs. Has anyone towed anything that big with the V6?

Specs say max weight is 5000lbs, 500lbs tongue weight. I tow a 3200lb boat. When I take it on vacation, I load all my crap into the boat, so I've probably broken the 4000lbs mark. I tow with the V6, 3.90 gears, 32" tires, auto transmission, and a TRD tranny cooler. I could use some extra power now and again towing that kind of weight, but the rig doesn't show any signs of mechanical wear from it.

I do highly recommend a tranny cooler if you're running an auto transmission.

I pulled a 25ft camper. I was told that it was too big for my vehicle, but thought I would try anyways. On a even road it proved to be no biggie. However, I would think twice about it if there are any hills in your area. Stopping was kinda an issue...I had a few times that the brakes had some major fade. The last issue was the thing sucked gas like no ones business(pulling and OD off I got about 140-150 miles I think). BTW I used a huge hitch thingy that had a couple extra bars to keep the swaying down. The problem is that the runners are so short and the trailers/campers are sooooo long that it can sway you right off the road. I noticed in your sig line you have a Tundra...that would be my choice not the 4Runner.

Too much trailer, not enough truck.
IMO 3000# is more realistic # for these trucks, and it still sucks on hills which it sounds like you have judging by your signature.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Originally posted by pmurf1:
<strong>Too much trailer, not enough truck.
IMO 3000# is more realistic # for these trucks, and it still sucks on hills which it sounds like you have judging by your signature.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, Helv, Helvetica, Sans">Agreed. I have way over maxed my utility trailer at around 4500# a couple of times and it was simply too much. Scary braking characteristics, even with electric brakes.

Mike

Do you have a 4x4 or 4x2? 4x4 tow capacity is less than the 4x2. The max I would pull under either configuration would be 3500lbs. net. Brakes, tranny, seals, etc. are not designed to be a tractor puller. As mentioned, I would use your Tundra for towing.

4x4 tow capacity is 5000 lbs. What's the 4x2 tow capacity?

I agree with above that 3000-3500 is the realistic max. It's not good to tow a trailer that weighs more than the tow vehicle even with electric trailer brakes. I've towed a trailer that was well over 5000 lbs over mountains, but never will again due to the safety risks.

Thanks to all for your replies. If I do get this camper I will pull it with my Tundra. It is a 4X4, and I think the V8 will be able to handle the load.

Postal Bill.
Careful on your numbers.
You said the trailer weighs 4,500lbs. Where did these numbers come from.
Most trailer manufacturers do not put the "delivered weight" on the trailer. This is usually the factory weight. Then they start adding air conditioning units, awnings, leveling jacks etc.
My 23' trailer has a UVW (unloaded vehicle weight) of 3,630 pounds.
Well i weighed mine and i'm right around 4,200 pounds with just some light items in the trailer.

On your Tundra...
The specs for a limited Tundra with a V8 and 3.91 gears is a towing capacity of 7,100 pounds.
Most people say to use the 75% rule when towing.
So take 7,100 pounds and subtract 25% and your towing comes to 5,325 pounds. They use this 75% as a safety margin.

Now this 7,100 pounds that Toyota states is for a vehicle with one 150 pound person, 1/2 tank of gas in a bone stock Toyota.
Once you add a full tank of gas (1 gallon of gas= 5.8lbs) another person, your gear and anything else, you need to subtract this weight from the 7,100 pounds that Toyota states.

Your Tundra should do fine but be careful.
You will need a weight distribution hitch because the tounge weight of the trailer will cause your Tundra to squat real bad.
Take a look at this weight distribution hitch.
http://www.rvstuffusa.com/weightdistributinghitchesbyeazlift.html
This is what i run on my GMC Yukon.
Here is a picture of my Yukon without the weight distribution hitch. Notice how much squat i have.
<img src="http://home.att.net/~***ering4/wsb/media/137360/site1023.JPG" alt=" - " />
Thats funny. The forum will not take the picture because of my last name. It blocks the "F.A.G." in my name <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="images/icons/shocked.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Mad]" src="images/icons/mad.gif" /> .

Email me if you want to get my web site.

Your Tundra has a small wheel base like my Yukon.
The weight distribution hitch will make a world of difference.

Whew. Hope i didn't put you to sleep <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
Hope this info helps.

<small>[ April 24, 2003, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Toddski ]</small>