Is anyone using a recent Toyota 4Runner to tow a 21

[DennisJGray]

Hello;
We have a 21NE on order and we have a 2020 Toyota 4Runner. It has a 5,000 towing capacity. I am wondering if anyone has a 4Runner pulling a 21 and can share their experiences.

We rented a RV last year that was about 500 pounds heavier - single axle and the 4 Runner had no problems pulling through the Adirondacks and in high winds. Eventually, we will get a Land Cruiser or a truck, but since the 4 Runner is fairly new with only 12 k on it, we would like to see if it will work on.

Thanks, Dennis, Ithaca, NY.

PS Maricelis and i LOVE this forum... it is soo helpful and full of ideas and mods.

[JeffreyG]

Does your 4Runner have 2 row or 3 row seating?

The 4Runner GCVWR is pretty OK, 11,100 pounds (4x2) or 11,300 pounds (4x4) and I suspect that this plus cargo plus curb weight will have plenty of room. So the total weight of the trailer will probably not be a problem.

The problem with keeping a 4Runner within specifications will be the cargo capacity, especially if you have a three-row SUV.

2 ROW = 1165 pound cargo capacity
3 ROW = 865 pound cargo capacity.

Those are low numbers for towing a 21, and I don't think the 865 number can actually be met realistically.

Toyota requires a WHD and brakes with a 21.

Figure 450 pounds for tongue weight, 75 pounds for WDH (if you look for a light weight one). That would leave only 340 pounds cargo in the case of a 3 row 4Runner, which is basically two people and no stuff.

Things are a little better with the 2 Row, but in either case you would want to put all your 'stuff' in the trailer and not the SUV. And you are not the guy who rolls into camp with a face-cord of wood, a big cooler for drinks, and 2 Rottweilers.

[DennisJGray]

Thank-you!

Ours is a two row 4Runner.

Just two if us as passengers .. 33o pounds total.

... and tks for the funny homour.

dennis

[jeffrow]

Should be ok, just watch the load inside the Runner. I tow a 21 with a v8 4runner with adequate comfort. Having said that a 1/2 ton truck will be my next tow vehicle. I have a set of air bags in the back and use the E2 equalizing hitch. If the new 4Runners don't have a trans temp gauge I would recommend a Scanguage. The trans seems to be the potential weak point in this setup. I have to watch it like a hawk in the mountains.

[Great Eggstrications]

Have a look at this:

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...cle-20057.html

Discusses 4Runners towing 17's, 19's, and 21's. Perhaps more info than you may need or want.

We tend to bump into the rear axle weight limit before anything else.

[Doug2000]

See the last post...………..I commented on the combo.