So prior to towing a 6x12 uhaul, I did a lot of research on towing, because I had never done any. Hopefully my simple observations will help anyone in the future who had the same questions I did.

I have a 99 4runner with the 5speed and supercharger. No upgraded brakes. I got a reese hitch, because I worked at advance auto, and I got an awesome deal. It's not "supposed" to fit the 4runner, but it does. It just hangs down kind of low, and the body lift doesnt help.

I was towing a fully loaded 6x12 that probably weighed around the max 5,000 rated capacity. The trailer also had electrical surge brakes.

As far as power and pulling was concerned, it did real well. I drove from Boone, NC down to Charlotte, so it was very hilly for a while. Going up the hills was a breeze in third gear. Going down the 8% grade was a little nerveracking as picking up speed happened faster than I expected. I did what was advised and let the engine do a lot of the braking.

The trip was a total of about 150 miles because I had to make a stop for my roommates stuff (moved out of an apt). I got around 12mpg, and I noticed I probably could have added some air to my rear tires to get a little better, but as it was pretty cold in the mountains, I decided not to.

Overall I was very pleased with how comfortable the ride was. The stock brakes performed well, but I definately recommend checking out everything beforehand. I recently changed all my fluids, had a u-joint replaced, and inspected all my brakes.

I definately would be curious how the stock engine performs with the same load and similar hills. Everything I read suggested that power wasn't a question, so I guess it does fine, but the supercharger sure made climbing hills fun

Oh yeah, and happy 1,000 post to me!

 

Right on!!! I remember the first time I towed anything with my 4Runner. It was a 14 foot aluminum boat and weighed around 350 pounds.....that includes the boat, motor, trailer and full gas tank. The sad thing is, I noticed a difference in power when towing it. lol

 

I notice a difference when I take on a third passenger .

 

lol. Me too. A full tank of gas is noticeable up hills.

 

wheres the pics???

 

yea i know i meant to put up some pics.

i definately don't recommend towing anything in the snow though. ill put up some pics tomorrow of the snow we've got up in boone. its been pretty crazy.