4Runner as tow vehicle for 19'

[smeagol]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

I assume you mean GX 460; the LS 460 is a sedan.

Since the spare tire is not on the rear door of the GX, I'm surprised that the door is side-hinged.

The previous generation (GX470) was the same way, and was one factor towards me purchasing a 4Runner instead. On a related topic, 4Runners have a roll down rear window, while the GX470 does not. Very useful feature IMO.

For those that are unaware, the GX470 shares chassis/frame with the 4th generation 4Runner (Toyota 120 platform). Similar situation with the GX460 and 5th generation 4Runner.

Another vehicle I was considering was a used 100 series Toyota Land Cruiser (or Lexus LX470 is the equivalent). In the states they didn't have huge production numbers, and regarded as little more than mini-vans. Overseas they have tremendous respect as bulletproof expedition vehicles; the drivetrains on all of these vehicles are very similar (or identical in many cases).

[crnelson]

Thanks Brian, super helpful...originally from chicago area. This is helpful, I am just not comfortable with a 4500 GWR on the 21 pulling with the 4runner unless I could find a great used older model with the v8....will investigate Lexus LX470 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Thanks

[crnelson]

Looks like toyota is doing some re-design on the 4runner and will be offering the V8 option for 2016, only thing is I wanted to buy used and the limited with the v8 might not be in my budget.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by crnelson

Looks like toyota is doing some re-design on the 4runner and will be offering the V8 option for 2016, only thing is I wanted to buy used and the limited with the v8 might not be in my budget.

The current 4Runner is apparently built on the platform of the Prado 120, which came with a V8 (as the Lexus GX 470), so little if any redesign would be necessary. Even an "all-new" 4Runner would presumably be built on the Prado 150 platform, which is already sold in North America with a V8 as the Lexus GX 460.

I suspect that a V8 for 2016 is purely rumour, perhaps started by any of the many web sites which claim to offer news of upcoming models, but are really near-random material assembled in broken English to attract people doing Google searches and thus sell advertising.

I have not seen anything from Toyota about this, and a 2016 model year 4Runner would already be in production so there should be no mystery. Toyota USA is already featuring the 2016 4Runner as the current model, and I don't see any indication of an engine choice beyond the 4.0 L V6.

[smeagol]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

The current 4Runner is apparently built on the platform of the Prado 120, which came with a V8 (as the Lexus GX 470), so little if any redesign would be necessary. Even an "all-new" 4Runner would presumably be built on the Prado 150 platform, which is already sold in North America with a V8 as the Lexus GX 460.

I suspect that a V8 for 2016 is purely rumour, perhaps started by any of the many web sites which claim to offer news of upcoming models, but are really near-random material assembled in broken English to attract people doing Google searches and thus sell advertising.

I have not seen anything from Toyota about this, and a 2016 model year 4Runner would already be in production so there should be no mystery. Toyota USA is already featuring the 2016 4Runner as the current model, and I don't see any indication of an engine choice beyond the 4.0 L V6.

Current generation 4Runner (5th gen, or 2010+) uses the 150 platform, I am almost certain. I *am* certain that the 4th generation 4Runner (2003-2009) is on the 120 platform.

Either way your point is valid, a V8 should be easily accomplished on the platform; I have yet to see any official news on the topic.

[Norseman]

Good call Craig on passing on the 4500 GWR. My 2003 V8 is rate 7000Lbs and 700 on the pin. Pulling my 19er with a 50% cushion is huge. Even with that the no load is 2000rpm and 2500 as soon as the hitch hits the ball. So 25% more fuel before it leaves the driveway.....

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by smeagol

Current generation 4Runner (5th gen, or 2010+) uses the 150 platform, I am almost certain. I *am* certain that the 4th generation 4Runner (2003-2009) is on the 120 platform.

The 150 series platform would make sense for the 5th gen 4Runner because it was introduced at the same time as the Prado update, but I haven't seen a clear statement of that and didn't have really authoritative information about it. I suppose comparing a GX 470 to a GX 460 chassis might reveal the 120 to 150 series differences, then one could look for which one the 5th gen 4Runner matches... just entertainment for gearheads.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Norseman

My 2003 V8 ...
...
Even with that the no load is 2000rpm and 2500 as soon as the hitch hits the ball. So 25% more fuel before it leaves the driveway.....

I assume that you mean it cruises on the highway at 2000 rpm in 5th gear without the trailer, and at 2500 in 4th gear at the same road speed with the trailer, with the automatic transmission selecting the gear.

Fuel consumption is not proportional to engine speed in general, but the difference does indicate that the engine is working substantially harder. Adding a couple of tons of trailer to a tug which is about the same weight should increase fuel consumption by at least one quarter.

[Miguezc]

Nice to seethis thread of messages. I am goingthrough the same decision making process. We are planning on getting the 21’Escapeand debating whether the 2015 or 2016 4Runner is strong enough to pull thetrailer. As we all do, we usually pullmore than just the trailer but also bikes kayaks, etc. My question is does the4Runner come with the Class 3 hitch and a transmission radiator/cooler?

Thanks

Carl

[GRINGOandTICA]

Originally Posted by Miguezc

Nice to seethis thread of messages. I am goingthrough the same decision making process. We are planning on getting the 21’Escapeand debating whether the 2015 or 2016 4Runner is strong enough to pull thetrailer. As we all do, we usually pullmore than just the trailer but also bikes kayaks, etc. My question is does the4Runner come with the Class 3 hitch and a transmission radiator/cooler?

I pulled a 19' with a 2014 4Runner this Summer from Chilliwack, BC to NJ. I broke no land speed records, and cruised around 65mph. I think if I purchased the 21' I would personally prefer a higher tow rating and some more power if speeding time up in the mountains.

[crnelson]

we are looking at vehicles with more muscle to pull our 21, 4runner rated at about 4700 GWR which is just not high enough for us...we are looking for a vehicle with about 6,000 plus/minus GWR...I use consumer reports free through the library to do my research and then ask folks here what their experience is...we are looking at 2014 Dodge Durango, 2008 Lexus 470 and 2010-2012 Lexus 460......

[MyronL]

I've towed my 19 with a 2014 Silverado 5.3L. over hill and dale up and down mountain passes from here to Chilliwack without a weight distribution hitch or a care in the world.

2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 Towing and Hauling:

• 4.3L EcoTec V6 max towing cap. 5,600 lbs.
• 5.3L EcoTec V8 max towing cap. 11,200 lbs.
• 6.2L EcoTec V8 max towing cap. 12,000 lbs.

[Jake930]

i have I 2014 Tacoma 4x4, double cab w/step rails and cap , 6 ft bed. Even though rated for 6200 lbs tow, the GVW sucked at 1050 lbs. with the cap, step rails, me, my wife, 2 watch dogs(24lbs combined) our recumbent trikes in the bed , tonuge wt estimated on the 19 (380)I was 22 lbs over. I was not comfortable with that. So off I went to the dealers to look at Tundras. I did not think I needed the 5.7 for a 19, so I went with the 4.6 SR package. Got a great deal. Had enough ecgitiy in my Tacoma so no money changed hands. My payments are only 20.00 more a month. So I lose 12 months payments on the Tacoma but the way I look at it, it was the same as leasing it.
The tow rating is 6500 lbs so I picked up 300 lbs. but most importantly I picked up 550 lbs on the GVW so I got a cushion now . So the wife can stop at tag sales and we can throw it in the back lol. I know I will lose a couples mpg, but with the 327 lbs torque over the Tacomas 276, I think I will do a little better towing mpg wise especially in the mountians. I guess time will tell. But now I have more piece of mind.
I know when I towed my Chalet, witch is 2900 loaded with the Tacoma,she worked pretty hard on some of the hills here in central New York, some times down to 3rd gear, and the 19 is going to be at least 800lbs more loaded.
It's a 2016 so it will be 6 or 8 weeks before I take delivery. Any one need a cap for a Tacoma? It's only a year old. It's the one that's higher in the back and slopes down towards the cab. I think I paid a 1000-1100 dollars for that high one. I'll take 700 for it if anyone's interested. If not I'll put it on Craig's list.
Now that I have a bigger truck coming hmmmm, Escapes got that 21, It's only 400 lbs more, I wonder if I changed if they would let me keep the same completion date, hmmmmm

[cpaharley2008]

It's cheaper now than later to get that extra space.......

[rbryan4]

Sounds like you scored John.

If you have any doubt about ordering a larger trailer, best to get the two-foot-itis out of your system right away. The 19 is perfect for us, and we've no desire to upsize, but I've seen a lot of folks want to move up after only having their trailer for one or two seasons.

[abby]

Originally Posted by Jake930

Now that I have a bigger truck coming hmmmm, Escapes got that 21, It's only 400 lbs more, I wonder if I changed if they would let me keep the same completion date, hmmmmm

We switched our order from the 19 to the 21 and asked for the same date or an alternative date that was at the cusp of the production cycle for 19s and 21s (which happened to butt up in the spring of 2014). Was a no-go. Went from a mid-May delivery to a late-July delivery date. The production schedule seems heavier now, so you may not have as much luck as we did. Never hurts to ask, though.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Jake930

Even though rated for 6200 lbs tow, the GVW sucked at 1050 lbs. with the cap, step rails, me, my wife, 2 watch dogs(24lbs combined) our recumbent trikes in the bed , tonuge wt estimated on the 19 (380)I was 22 lbs over.

1059 pounds would be the payload, not the GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). The payload is the difference between the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or how much the truck is allowed to weigh when loaded) and the curb weight of the truck (how much it weighs ready-to-drive but with no passengers or cargo).

I agree that the lack of payload is a problem. It seems to be a relatively common problem for truck owners, who have been sold the idea that "truck" means "can carry everything", while in fact they often have no more capacity than a minivan. My minivan, for instance, has more than 1050 pounds of payload.

[Jake930]

You are right I just looked up the ratings. What ever they are called I still picked up 500 more on payload. Thanks for correcting that.
I think people are still thinking that trucks are still built like they were in the old days when most persons that had pickups were in the agricultural business of some sort. I had a 77 Chevy half ton that I bought new , 2 wheel drive, first new truck 3800.00dollars , I had that truck for 14 yrs. I had side boards on it that were as high as the cab. I would load that up with fire wood as high as the cab, put 40 bales of hay on one time straped down with ropes I was young and did'nt know better. We drove it from Conn.To Colorado, and back, with a home made cap that was a foot higher than the cab, loaded up with furniture and what have you. Pulling a u-haul 4x8 covered trailer load to the gills, me, my wife, three small children in the cab. Wore out a brand new set of tires on the back that trip. To be young and dumb agin. I put 225,000 miles on that truck. I guess what I'm getting at is that half ton trucks were built back then. Not so much anymore. Sure wish they would bring back those straight sixes, they had torque.
Ok enough down memory lane. It's a wonder that we all survived.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Jake930

What ever they are called I still picked up 500 more on payload.

Yep, reducing engine weight by choosing a smaller engine leaves more weight capacity for people, cargo, and tongue weight.

[Jake930]

I don't know. According to the book if I would have chosen the 5.7, I would have picked up another 130 lbs. but I think the 5.7 would be over kill for a 19 or 21. That's a powerful engine.