Towing with a 4Runner?

I just bought a 2004 Supra Launch (pending inspection) and I am thinking about buying a 2000-2001 4Runner with a 3.4L V6 to tow it. That 4Runner is rated to tow 5000 lbs. The boat weights 3200 lbs and the dual axle trailer weights 900 pounds.

Am I pushing the limit? I will mainly be towing locally and will only be going over the mountain pass (Seattle area) a few times a year. Will the 4Runner work?

Thanks in advance for your input!

I towed my boat with a 90 4runner (3 liter engine) and it pulled it to the boat launch, but i wouldnt go on the interstate with it. Theres a big difference between the 3.0 and the 3.4 though, you would probably be fine.

keep it out of overdrive, and invest in a transmission cooler. you'll be close, especially with a full tank of gas and equipment in the boat...

It'll do it. But it won't like it.

I have a 91 3.0 liter runner and I tow my 86 supra but It hates me every time I do it. I stopped a year ago and used my bros expedition until I can afford a new ride. If its a 5 speed then no way, my clutch is roached from pulling my boat for a season. Its not all from the boat since its the original clutch but that did not help.

(Message edited by Ironcross25 on February 19, 2007)

I have a 99 Tacoma with the 3.4L V6 it has a 5000Lb tow rating and I tow my 06 Supreme V220 that weighs in 4800Lbs with trailer and I would not recommend that you tow long distances with it, it will get it done but it won't be happy about it.

you can do it as long as you drop a V8 under the hood and put some real brakes on it.

Steve speaks the truth....

I had a 98 Tacoma 4x4 3.4V6, and it did ok towing my old 95 Prostar 205...not good at all for long distances...certainly not good for long climbs.

I recently sold the 205 and picked up an 05 Sante 210. I tried towing it with the Tacoma, but I realized I needed an upgrade when the boat pushed my truck in the rain. So...now I drive a Tundra.

If you two in reasonably flat areas..for short distances....you'll get by with the 4Runner...

I tow my X-9 about an hour a few times a year with my 2002 4Runner - no problems. I actually think it tows really well - don't sweat it.

I towed a 2001 Infinity ZX-1 from FL to WI with my 96 T-100 and didn't have any problems. I wouldn't say it was ideal but it handled it ok. I was able to do 70-75 even through the hills in TN. You will definitely need a trans cooler though. I put one on mine way back when I towed a bayliner with it cause it was overheating the trans. I still tow my Supersport nautique with it in the spring and fall to and from storage. If you are doing a ton of towing you may want to look for something else to tow with but for minimal stuff you should be ok.

I have a 2004 Supra Launch and I tow it with a 1999 v6 4Runner. I tow it on the interstate but I try and stay away from huge mountain passes. It will tow the boat and pull it up the ramp, but the transmission and probably brakes are going to take a beating. If you're only going to mountain tow a couple of times, I think you'll be okay ... but given the choice, I'd get the V8 model.

how much does it cost to switch a a v8 engine generally or would it be better to just buy a new (used)truck

I used to have a 1993 4runner V6 in high school and that thing was a dog! The 33" tires and auto tranny didn't help either. I remember maxing out going over a pass at 45mph...that was sad. I sold it as soon as I could!

By the way, I pulled my Supra with the 4Runner from Arkansas back to St. Louis when I first bought it. The truck pulled it just fine.

You will need a transmission cooler and Trailer brakes.
the 4runner is rated at 5500lbs 500lb tounge weight.

check out www.yotatech.com for any 4runner related question. I have a 96 4wd and it towed a buddys 05 SV211 very well. it is the best car that I have owned. my mom has one and my bro has one as well.

If you do tow with it increase your following distance from the guy in front of you. This will be annoying because as soon as you leave enough space to feel comfortable, someone will merge into it and you will have to back off again. But with a 4runner if you have to really emergency brake, the boat will push the rig like crazy and possibly even jackknife it since the boat loaded with fuel and gear will weigh as much as the 4runner. The short wheelbase won't help either.

Back when I was first pulling, we had an original 92 Explorer and I had to slam on the brakes coming into a construction zone one time when the guy in front of me drifted into a barrel cone, the boat was only about 3300-3500 lbs but pushed me around and back end nearly came around on me and I was only pulling about 55-60, slower than traffic was going.

My personal preference it to step up to a full size frame in whatever manufacturer you are comfortable with.

I would tow that thing to the ramp locally and that is it with a vehicle like that. I would not venture down the highway at all because of your braking distance, tranny damage, and overworking that little engine. If you are dropping the cash for a boat I would consider upgrading to a vehicle that will be more suited to pulling and stopping that load instead of trying to upgrade a few things and trying to "get by". I know since getting a diesel a while ago I will never haul down the road without one. Good luck with what ever you decide to do though.

I tow with a GMC Jimmy 4.3L. Make sure you add a tranny cooler. I also second increasing your following distance. The Jimmy took our boat over the pass slowly, but it made it.

Does the trailer brakes help prevent jackknife?