towing question with a 90 4runner
Jun 15, 2003 | 09:32 PM
#1
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towing question with a 90 4runner
I have a 1990 4runner SR5 V6 and I was wondering if anyone knows if it will be able to tow a 6x12 automotive trailer which wieghs about 1,000lbs and i'll be loading a car on the trailer that wieghs about 3,000lbs. I'll be traveling about 250 miles from Seattle to Vancouver BC. I recently did a major tune up on the 4runner so it's in good condition. Any help would be apprieciated. Thanks
Jun 15, 2003 | 09:50 PM
#2
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From: Midland, MI
Do not use overdrive, and go slow! are we talking hilly highways, or a desert?
I think my biggest concern would be the coolant system, and making sure the tranny has clean fluid and doesn't over heat.
there was a time when my auto tranny temp light came on when towing a snowmobile trailer at 75mph over some steep hills. I slowed a little, used O/D on the downhills, and it didn't come back on. This was in the winter time, about 15*f outside.
Your truck is rated for around 5000lbs (IIRC), technically, you should be able to handle that load. My only caution would be that if there's a weak link that you've over looked, you're going to find it at the most inopportune time!
Good luck!
I think my biggest concern would be the coolant system, and making sure the tranny has clean fluid and doesn't over heat.
there was a time when my auto tranny temp light came on when towing a snowmobile trailer at 75mph over some steep hills. I slowed a little, used O/D on the downhills, and it didn't come back on. This was in the winter time, about 15*f outside.
Your truck is rated for around 5000lbs (IIRC), technically, you should be able to handle that load. My only caution would be that if there's a weak link that you've over looked, you're going to find it at the most inopportune time!
Good luck!
Jun 16, 2003 | 05:34 PM
#5
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From: Indianapolis
Is your truck an auto or 5speed? If it's a auto remember to use the ECT button it works well in conjuntion with the O/D being off and will down ˟˟˟˟ and shift so it will put less strain on your tranny.
Jun 16, 2003 | 07:04 PM
#6
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From: Auburn, WA
3500 LBS
I bet your 'Runner has a tow rating of 3500 lbs.
That is the tow rating for my '89 V-6 5-Speed 4X4 truck.
It is NOT recommended to exceed this rating. Trying to tow 4,000 lbs probably isn't the greatest idea, or the safest.
Used to tow my ski boat. With trailer, I was right at my tow rating limit. You had to plan every move very carefully. And, the brakes were really stressed trying to stop all that mass. Had someone pull out in front of me on the freeway, and I almost plowed them. Didn't have the brake power to slow the rig enough. Never mind that I kept several car lengths between me and the car in front. Moron just jumped in front of me, and hit his brakes. (That never happens-right?)
Anyway, double check your tow rating, and think twice before exceeding it.
Jim
That is the tow rating for my '89 V-6 5-Speed 4X4 truck.
It is NOT recommended to exceed this rating. Trying to tow 4,000 lbs probably isn't the greatest idea, or the safest.
Used to tow my ski boat. With trailer, I was right at my tow rating limit. You had to plan every move very carefully. And, the brakes were really stressed trying to stop all that mass. Had someone pull out in front of me on the freeway, and I almost plowed them. Didn't have the brake power to slow the rig enough. Never mind that I kept several car lengths between me and the car in front. Moron just jumped in front of me, and hit his brakes. (That never happens-right?)
Anyway, double check your tow rating, and think twice before exceeding it.
Jim
Last edited by mytruck; Jun 16, 2003 at 07:06 PM.
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