Hi guys, I have a 16' travel trailer that weighs in at 3200 lbs gvw. Towing it doesn't seem too bad so far, although I haven't towed it very far yet. I have learned in the past that when towing a trailer you just can't be in a hurry. So the trucks power doesn't bother me too much (though I agree more is always better). I have a load equalizer hitch and a "Hayes Engage" time delay brake controller and am getting a tranny cooler as soon as possible. I am also considering looking into rear airbags or some other type of suspension upgrade but I'm not sure if its necessary yet.

What are you guys towing with your rigs? What problems have you encountered and what mods you have done to overcome them? Also, what suggestions do you have for better towing with the 4Runner.

 

The heaviest thing I tow is a 10' pop-up camper that weighs in at the heavy end at 2800 lbs. dry. Add in all the gear, firewood and other crap that is kept in the trailer and added for a trip and I'm sure I'm pushing 3200 lbs.. I found that the airbox mod seems to have added some passing power and that (and this is probably my mind playing tricks) tanking up with higher octane a fill-up or two before a trip helps, also. I try to keep the O/D off unless i'm running flat out, too. The biggest problem I experienced was brake fade. Replacing the OEM pads and discs with PF and Brembos helped some. Take your time remember that you have over 1 1/2 tons you're yanking along and pushing you when you decelerate.

 

I tow with a 18 foot car hauler tandem with E brakes on the rear axle and controller up front. My rig is a Suburban SL 4x4 (99) with tow package and 5.7 liter Vortec. I wouldn't dream of towing a car hauler with something smaller. IMO, those surge brakes can be dangerous and with a larger vehicle comes larger brakes, stable ride etc.

I don't know, like with our rigs, guys tend to take their tow rigs as serious and it usually ends up being a race to the trails.

HTH

Jutty

 

ive towed a supra and a M5 with a uhaul dollie. just take ur time and u will be fine...

 

I tow my 18" boat all summer.

 

I pulled a 5x8 U-haul 700 miles three weeks ago, and I am going to be pulling a 6x12 (loaded down) this weekend.

 

Last fall I towed a 67' firebrid on a tow dolley with my 99' automatic and it did fine. The only real issue was slowing down from highway speeds and acceleration up steep mountain grades, a little slow at times but it got the job done!

 

I tow my 17' boat without any problems...