I have a 2001 4runner sr5 and going to trailer my boat from n.y. to s.c. about 700 miles. Boat and trailer is 4500lbs. I've done all the fluids on the truck and added a transmission cooler. Will the truck handle the drive or am I over doing it? Also While on the highway do I keep the O.D. disengaged.

Do you have the 3.4, or the 2.7?

Automatic I take it...

I've towed 3000 lbs (ish) from Arkansas to California before with My 3.0. 5 speed, 4x4. That was gross-weight.
I just 4th geared it alot. mileage dropped a little, but it towed fine!

If you have the 3.4, I would say don't sweat it!

Well, do you have a tow-hitch? Or are you just connecting straight to your bumper?

-Dano- <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

Since you have the tranny cooler, and IF you have a tow hitch and the 3.4 then yes you will be ok. You will most likely not want to run in overdrive unless it is rally flat ground though.

Yes it is a 3.4L engine. thanks for the replies.

As you mentioned, it is best when trailer towing to run with O/D off.. The transmission ECU is very aggressive about keeping the torque converter locked up when operating with O/D off to keep the heat down.. and is recommended by Toyota for trailer towing for this reason.

4th gear with the torque converer running in max torque multiply yields nearly the same gear ratio as 3rd gear with the torque converter locked.. The difference is the former generates tremendous amount of heat in the torque converter and the latter produces near zero in lock up state..

Read this for further explanation..

You have trailer brakes I hope?

I've towed 3500 lbs up mountains to 5000 ft elevations starting at 0, so as long as your drive is relatively flat, you should be fine. Since your trailer weight is higher than your TV weight, definitely keep things slow.

Yes my trailer has brakes, I had all 4 wheels drums, but the saltwater took care of that. I just installed frt brake only. My tow rate for the truck is 5000lbs. so no fuel in the boat tank which is 90gals. is a weight saving. gives me more room for some fresh NY bagels and bread lol. I hope I81 isn't that bad this time of year, otherwise its I95 all the way.