towing with a toyota 4runner

[ben]

Curious if any of you guys have towed with a new say 98 or newwer 4runner. I have a 17 foot tuffy boat and am looking to hear back on performance. Thanks ben

[Phil]

Ben:
I have a 98 4 Runner V6 manual 5 speed w/ cruise. It came with factory equiped tow package. I haul a 21' heavy glass boat, 150HP OB motor on a dual axle bunk trailer. Boat, motor, trailer and gear total about 4500 lbs. (near 5K capacity of 4 Runner). It's a little doggy on the interstate in 5th gear with top end about 60 MPH. Can crank it up to 65 MPH in 4th gear. Fuel economy hauling this load isn't that great either probably about 12 - 15 MPG. Backing this rig up with the manual transmission is a pain.

But with all that said, it still gets me to where I need to be. Have hauled several hundred miles with no major problems. Through hilly terrain or mountains, it could get a little dicey. Check the weight of your boat, motor, trailer, gear, full fuel tanks, etc. I would venture a guess if you're in the 3000 to 4000 lb range you should do just fine. More than that, you're gonna be most happy with more vehicle.

I'm considering stepping up to a V8 when I can, just because my 4 Runner is probably underpowered for what I'm hauling.
Hope this helps,
Phil

[phil]

Sorry - Should add that it is a 4X4. Need the 4 wheel drive when hauling the rig out of the water. Wouldn't even try without the 4 wheel drive. 2 wheel drive on the roads does fine.

[DAM]

I tow a 1650 Angler SS with a 3.8L Oldsmobile and my friend cannot keep up on the highway with his 4-banger 4-runner above 60 mph. He says it does tow well otherwise. I am looking at the 2001 Durango R/T 5.9L (7000 lb towing).

[Jay Hames..MN]

I have a Camping Life Mazagine..Nov/Dec. It tells you about
2001 tow rating. I looked up for information on 4Runner.
It said
4Runner 4x2/4x4 SR5......V6.....5000lbs (tow limit)
4Runner 4x2/4x4 Limited..V6.....5000lbs (tow limit)
Both are REGUIRES AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

Thought let you know, any more questions, you want to look other vehicles. I have all kinds and models. Jay..MN

[Scott]

With a heavy 21 foot glass boat, you won't be happy with anything less than a small 8. I tow a 22 foot heavy with a 4.6L ford V8. It is adequate, but I wouldn't head for the hills with it and pretend to be off to the races. It will drag it down the relatively flat interstate over 70. Have plenty left, just don't go much faster than that towing.

If you get 12-15 towing a 21 foot heavy glass rig, that isn't all bad. I get about 11 on a decent day. Big boats drag bigger against the wind.

[legend]

I have owned several 4Runners and have towed a '90 18 foot Lund ProV w/90hp motor with both. I don't tow a lot, because the boat is usually on the lift at the lake. When I do pull the boat, it is on hilly roads and not on freeways.

The 4Runner is a great all round vehicle. I only buy used ones because I drive many miles for work and the Toyota holds its value and is very reliable. If you are buying strictly to tow, I would consider another vehicle, like the tundra or something else with a V-8. If it is an occasional thing or you tow on flat roads, I would get the 4Runner.

Had a '91 5 speed and replaced it last spring with a '95 auto, both have the V-6. The manual was very good towing if kept in 4th on the road. Couldn't find a manual when I sold the '91. The auto transmission pulls very well if you lock out the overdrive. This is recommended by Toyota. You can also change the shift pattern using the "power" button. The vehicle handles a trailer well and is very maneuverable at the ramp. I have not used 4 wheel drive to pull the boat out yet but its nice to have that option. The 4WD is great in snow!

The 4runner has always been noted for being a bit on the wimpy side in the overdrive, in order to improve mileage. Even when not towing, I will turn off the O/D for improved acceleration to pass on 2 lane roads. I believe the engine and transmission are the same on the '96+ models as on the '90-'95. Hope this helps.
Regards