Towing with a 2008 T4R V-8 Limited

LEM · 04-29-2009, 08:27 AM

I'm thinking about getting a camper. How well do these 4Runners tow a camper of around 6,000 pounds? Any special hitches needed? What about electronic brake connections?

Thanks.

jdmccright · 04-29-2009, 12:30 PM

Your truck should be capable of towing 7,000 lbs so no issues there. A tranny fluid cooler is always suggested especially on long or hilly treks.

Your trailer is borderline a Class 3 or 4, so you'll need at least a Class III hitch with weight distribution (again borderline) or Class IV hitch.

You'll also need a brake controller going to a 6- or 7-pin trailer connection. Check your manual for where the trailer wires are routed (usually along and inside the left frame rail inside the brake light wiring loom). Tekonsha's Prodigy controller is one of the more well-regarded units. Any reputable trailer hitch dealer should be able to set you up right. Good luck & happy trailering!

BTW, here's a link to a good glossary of trailering terms.

http://www.trailerhitches.com/towingglossaryarticle.cfm

Airjer_ · 04-29-2009, 01:22 PM

If the trailer starts at 6000 lbs and then you load it up with groceries/gear/other essential you may be pushing the 7000lb limit. I have no doubt that It will tow and stop the trailer at 7000lbs but I wonder how much the trailer will throw around the vehicle on a windy day?

LEM · 06-29-2009, 02:18 PM

We've towed the trailer a bit now and the 4Runner does very well. The gas mileage goes to pot ~ 11 mpg, but it doesn't seem to have any problems moving it down the road and with the electric brakes stopping is not problematic.

I did read in the maintenace schedule that I should change the front and rear differential fluid at 15,000 and tighten the propeller shaft bolts if I'm towing; the vehicle has just over 17,000 on it and maybe 300 miles of the last 500 was towing. So I am planning to change the fluid and go with Royal Purple synthetic in both. I'd like to re-torque the shaft bolts as well, does anyone know what the torque is for these?

Anything I need to be aware of before changing the fluid? Any lessons learned or pitfalls to avoid?

Thanks.

jdmccright · 07-07-2009, 11:22 AM

This may be a late post, but I'd check your owner's manual to see if you need to add some friction modifier additive to the rear differential lube...those with limited-slip diffs tend to call for it. Mechanical locking diffs are different and typically don't need it. Then if needed, see if the lube type you want to use includes this additive. The newest models like yours may not need it, but better to not need it and have it than need it and NOT have it. Have heard bad towing stories of early diff failures due to not including the additive.

I think the Royal Purple brand includes the additive in their formulations. There are others but I don't know them offhand...read the bottle carefully!

Good luck!

LEM · 07-07-2009, 02:16 PM

Not too late; I haven't done anything yet. I'll check the manual as you suggested for any type of recommended friction modifier additive.
Thanks.

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