Who here tows with a 3VZ-E 4Runner? How much do you feel safe hauling? My truck is a 5-speed so I'm not worried about the transmission, more worried about getting stuck on a steep hill. Thinking about pulling one of the 5x8 U-Hauls about 1600 kms total (1000 miles). Grateful for any advice, dos and do-nots etc. Already have 2" receiver and wiring installed.

 

If you keep an eye on engine temperature, keep the oil full, and don't flog it for all it's worth you shouldn't have any problems, just gear down for the hills.
It's also not so much about the size of the trailer as it is about the weight. Like if you're hauling a load full of feather pillows or lead shot.
If you inspect your rig once in a while and maintain it properly it'll treat you right. I don't know what all is included in a "special service" package, but if you have 160K miles on it an have never replaced the timing belt you may be in for a bad trip.
Make your rig ready, keep your load reasonable and don't get in a hurry.

 

Thanks for the reply, it will be loaded with random stuff, probably nothing too heavy, I doubt I'll exceed 2500lbs actually being towed. Special service package was Toyota's remedial work program to fix the problems with the early 3.0 engines, I actually have no idea on the timing belt, but I can try asking the previous owner.

 

You won't use 5th gear much towing 2000.

The 3vz doesn't make much power under 3800 or 4000, but if the engine is in decent shape it can run 4000 and better, all day long.

Don't run it with your foot all the way in it. Take a lower gear where the engine can run somewhat free with some pedal left.

I think most 3vz troubles originate with long term consistant lugging of the engine. That, and poor cooling system upkeep.

 

no problem if only 2 thousand pounds. I had a factory hitch rated for 7K lbs I think,,it was a heavy piece! Towed my OT truck back from Minnesota and pulled my 17' boat regularly with this old 4runner. 3L auto. NO issues ever.. Not sure how the newer suspensions were but toyotas always soft in the rear...

 

4runners always sag.
i know the 1st gens werent designed with the weight of the top in mind. Just pickups suspension unmodified. Idk if that carries over to 2nd gen.

Its something to add to your list though because that sag does make your braking and steering more dangerous. Generally you want borh your load and tow vehicle level.

 

Does not directly carry over. 2nd gens use coil spring rear. Like any other suspension, they sag from fatigue over time.

 

Back in 09 I towed a 93 Suzuki Swift on U-Haul tow dolly, full of everything I owned, with my 93 V6 pickup 1200 miles. It was a very slow trip,but it didn't let me down.

 

I used my 1990 V6 4Runner to tow my 3500lb boat and trailer (18' inboard/outboard 4.3l V6 ski boat) and my 26' loaded travel trailer (not at the same time!) for many years and it is still going strong. As has been said: be ready to go slow on steep hills bur don't worry about the truck, just gear down.

Jim G.

 

I agree with all comments. I've used my '94 3vze manual to pull my 2500 lb pop-up over the Rockies from Loveland to Ouray Colorado several times. That's two 10,000+ foot major passes plus multiple other hills that would be mountains in any other state. Lots of time at 4000 rpm, ~40 mph in 2nd gear, but the engine never faltered. Temperature stayed right in the center even on 10 mile upgrades. Like Millball says, don't lug it. Shift down on the hills and keep the rpm between 3500 and 4000.

Speaking of hills, don't forget to downshift going down long grades. The service brakes will NOT survive controlling a 3000 lb trailer going down a several mile grade without a lot of braking help from the engine. Rule of thumb, if you're braking more than 20-25% of the time to control speed, you need to shift down.

I did put air bags in the rear coils to beef up the rear suspension. For $100 and a couple hours of your time, it's a good way to add some support back there.

 

Air bags are great!

 

Yeah man the 3vz got a bad rap early on but was never fully realized after the head gasket recall. I bought mine with 289k and I think it had 320k on it when I moved 1200 miles into the rockies with a car in tow. I spent a lot of time at 5000+ rpm on that trip, sometimes in first gear, to get over some of the passes but that ol' V6 never let me down.

 

I know it's been a while, and maybe you have made your trip already, but I would say the only major "do not" is, do not try to drive too fast while towing. If the speed is 80 mph for 5 miles straight downhill, just don't. Be safe, be smart, it's not a 3/4 ton tow vehicle.

 

I agree that stopping and not overheating the brakes is a way bigger concern than being able to move the weight. Get a Uhaul trailer with brakes if you can. If you are worried about being stuck on a hill, you can always use 4 low to get moving again and save your clutch. If you have manual hubs, leave them unlocked and just be careful not to get on it too hard since all the extra torque going to the rear wheels increases the risk of breaking something. There is a good chance your model is even synchronized when going back to high range, which makes it easy. My truck is not, but double-clutching is not difficult once you get used to it. I have used "2 low" this way in my 22r truck for years and it has really saved my clutch with larger loads. I have found the best way is to drop it down one gear when going back to high range, something like 1st low, 2nd low, 1st high. That keeps the gear ratios close for quicker shifts and lower RPM drops.