'06 V8 4Runner with 21': What hitch?

Maury&Julie · 07-07-2015, 12:19 AM

I've been reading all about hitches and it sounds like each marriage between tug and trailer is unique. I'd welcome any suggestions on what hitch to get with an '06 v8 4Runner (2wd, rated for 7300 pounds).

My thought is that even though the 4Runner may have the power, it could be pretty small and light relative to the 21 foot Escape. Is the Anderson hitch the way to go? I'm new to this so any insights are welcome. Thanks!

Fletch Dobbs · 07-07-2015, 01:04 AM

Hi,

We also have a 2006 V8 4Runner and a 21, and have used the Anderson hitch exclusively since we picked the trailer up in May 2014. I can't offer a contrasting comparison, but I will say I am glad to have such a stout hitch and weight distribution setup with this vehicle combination. The ride and control feel quite stable and secure, especially considering the size of the vehicles relative to one another. I would choose the Anderson hitch again.

As for power, the 4Runner does a great job. For my comfort level, the 21 is the perfect choice for this TV, even though Toyota says I can tow a much heavier load. I like to have a little more power than absolutely needed, and with this combo, I do.

Cheers!
Fletch

Maury&Julie · 07-07-2015, 09:15 AM

Thanks for the help, Fletch. That's exactly what I needed to know. How does the 4Runner do going up hills?

Dave&Kathie · 07-07-2015, 09:37 AM

Hi guys,

We also have an 06 V8 4runner. Great vehicle! It is a perfect match for the 21. We towed the 21 for a few months with no WDH. We decided to try the Anderson for that extra measure of safety. Dave is very happy with it. It has it's own little quirks like unhitching and hitching at an angle but once you figure that out it is, as Fletch stated, a very stable solid ride.

Happy trails and as always, Safe Travels!

Kathie

Maury&Julie · 07-07-2015, 09:41 AM

Awesome! What useful info. We'll go for the Anderson just to be safe.

Fletch Dobbs · 07-07-2015, 09:27 PM

Hi,

The 4Runner has the juice to get over all the hills I have been dumb enough to follow my Garmin GPS onto so far. :-)

Seriously, we did get sidetracked following the GPS once on the California coast near Point Arena. Ended up following a very steep and narrow road for probably 15 miles or so (nowhere to turn around ...) before we got back on track to our destination. The 4Runner stood tall on every twist, turn and grade we encountered, and if you've ever travelled north or south just east of highway 1 almost anywhere in California, you will agree this is no small accomplishment. And as importantly, between 4 wheel low and foot off the gas for the last 2 miles down, and feathering the brakes as gingerly as my nerves would allow, we made that in good shape too. The 06 V8 4Runner has gotten it done in very good form for us.

Cheers again!
Fletch

Maury&Julie · 07-07-2015, 11:51 PM

Music to my ears, Fletch. We live in NorCal so I know all about the craziness of highway 1.

Now if I can overcome operator error. We rented a U-Haul last week and pulled a trailer behind a truck. I nearly took the top off a fire hydrant. Hope I get better at trailering. Thanks for the reassuring words about the power of the 4Runner.

smeagol · 07-13-2015, 08:21 PM

How is the visibility with the 4Runner and the 21' trailer?

I ask as I have an 07 V8 4Runner that tows a Bigfoot 21' trailer and I've struggled with finding side mirrors I've been happy with. It's a foot wider per specs (8'4" vs Escape 21 7'4").

fudge_brownie · 07-13-2015, 09:28 PM

Even with the wider Toyota Sequoia I need mirror extensions towing the Escape 21. I use the Millenniums that are recommended by many on this site.

Rossue · 07-13-2015, 10:08 PM

You mean Milencos?

gbaglo · 07-13-2015, 10:49 PM

Here is a link:

http://www.amazon.ca/JR-Products-291.../dp/B0095TC6I6

**rbryan4** · 07-14-2015, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Here is a link:

http://www.amazon.ca/JR-Products-291.../dp/B0095TC6I6

Or, the US link, for Wisconsinites:

http://www.amazon.com/JR-Products-29...ywords=milenco

float5 · 07-14-2015, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maury&Julie

I've been reading all about hitches and it sounds like each marriage between tug and trailer is unique. I'd welcome any suggestions on what hitch to get with an '06 v8 4Runner (2wd, rated for 7300 pounds).

My thought is that even though the 4Runner may have the power, it could be pretty small and light relative to the 21 foot Escape. Is the Anderson hitch the way to go? I'm new to this so any insights are welcome. Thanks!

The usual weight for a 21' loaded is about 4200 lbs. The max allowed is 4600 lbs. Our 4Runner is always at least 5000 loaded.

We have the common WDH that Escape sells and it works just great.

Fletch Dobbs · 07-14-2015, 12:58 AM

Hi,
While the visibility is not terrible without them, I am not comfortable towing our 21 without the mirror extensions that are mentioned earlier in this thread.

Cheers!
Fletch

fudge_brownie · 07-14-2015, 08:11 AM

Just a note on towing with a V8 4Runner. There maybe some different specs for those V8's equipped with a towing package and a Class IV hitch. Toyota played with their hitches across several model years. I have read, but not confirmed, that some towing equipped V8's were rated at 7,000 lbs hitch and 10,500 GCWR.

The definitive method to determine your accurate capacities is to visit your Toyota dealer and have them run the VIN number through their system and generate a printout of the specifications. I would think this advice could apply to anyone, regardless of brand, who is venturing into a new TV or new trailer.

Just a note, the websites that offer this service for free do not return the same information as a VIN report generated by a dealer.

Dave&Kathie · 07-14-2015, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fudge_brownie

Just a note on towing with a V8 4Runner. There maybe some different specs for those V8's equipped with a towing package and a Class IV hitch. Toyota played with their hitches across several model years. I have read, but not confirmed, that some towing equipped V8's were rated at 7,000 lbs hitch and 10,500 GCWR.

The definitive method to determine your accurate capacities is to visit your Toyota dealer and have them run the VIN number through their system and generate a printout of the specifications. I would think this advice could apply to anyone, regardless of brand, who is venturing into a new TV or new trailer.

Just a note, the websites that offer this service for free do not return the same information as a VIN report generated by a dealer.

It's always good to check but I believe most V8 4 runners (only produced from 2002 to 2009) have a hitch bolted to the rear frame cross member and are rated to tow 7,300 for the 2WD and 7,000 for the 4WD. Great vehicle, wish they still made them!

Kathie

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