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 > 4runner towing 23 footer?

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jroden

buffalo

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Posted: 08/16/08 05:43am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have been towing a 16 foot hybrid w/ a newer v6 4runner w/ WDH and I'm happy with how it tows. I was looking at the Jayco 23B and a nice potential upgrade. I'd be picking up quite a bit of weight and length and I'm wondering if this will be a good combination and if I would need to think about other hitch/equipment options to compensate for the short wheelbase. Our typical camping trip involves driving 100 miles on fairly flat terrain and staying at a campground, nothing very adventuresome.

rscraig

Denton, TX

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Posted: 08/16/08 06:15am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I think you'd be overreaching. I towed a 23B for a couple of years with a Sequoia and it did fine, but I felt I was pretty much at the limit with that set-up. The issue is one of both power and wheelbase. Check out this link from RV Towing Tips.


Steve
2007 Wildcat 29RLBS
2006 Dodge 2500 4x2 QC 5.9L CTD


Chuck_S

Broadview Hts, OH, USA

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Posted: 08/16/08 06:18am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

A Jayco 23B weights about 5000 pounds. "Newer" 4Runners can tow up to about 7000 pounds.

Short wheelbase? While I've seen a few references to wheelbase in towing my experiences indicate it has nothing to do with towing ability in this size range. The trucks I see towing 60' mobile homes have wheelbases like my 114" wheelbase Explorer which towed my Roo 23SS without any issues at all for two seasons. Your 110" isn't going to make any difference. My yard neighbor tows his Jayco 23B with a 105" wheelbase LR2 Land Rover, again with no issues (now that he fitted an Equalizer WDH).

There's probably laboratory data that a long wheelbase tows super great, but just great is usually good enough.

-- Chuck


'06 Roo 23SS behind '07 Expedition out of Cleveland
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APA_Ed

Wantagh, NY

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Posted: 08/16/08 08:02am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

roo 233 towed with a sequoia. NOT THRILLED!!! i wanna TUNDRA . good luck


Me
DW
DS 10 yrs
DD 5 yrs
Harley the camping dog

2007 Sequoia
2008 Rockwood Roo 233

skipnchar

Topeka Kansas USA

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Posted: 08/16/08 08:05am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've NEVER seen wheelbase in any towing specifications but it IS figured into establishing tow ratings by MOST manufacturers. Those who use a "rule of thumb" (which means someone just made it up) are asking you to factor it in a second time. Longer wheel base DOES make for a more stable towing situation but if it was necessary to have the BEST towing characteristics we'd all be towing with a Peterbuilt, NOT one ton trucks. Stay within the limits set by Toyota so your warranty isn't effected, stay within the GVWR and GAWR because THOSE are (the only) safety related numbers, and you should be fine.


2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer

We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART


kknowlton

Wisconsin Border Country, IL

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Posted: 08/16/08 08:17am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Make sure you have good sway control is the main suggestion I have. It's not an ideal setup, but should work for you. Definitely have a system that has two sway bars at the least. Some folks might say you need a Hensley, but for short trips, an Equal-i-zer or Reese dual cam will do fine. As long as you're within your numbers with the weight, you should be ok.

eddie3260

Florence, al

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Posted: 08/16/08 08:40am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I may be possible, but you and the 4runner will not like it.

smccollamjr

WV

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Posted: 08/17/08 06:17am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I'd say the 4-Runners with a 7k rating have V8s.

I tow a Jayco 23B with a 2002 V6 4-Runner with 132,000 miles on it through the mountains of WV. It's not "ideal" and you won't win any races but it works. Must haves are a WDH, sway ontrol, brake controller, transmission cooler, and take your time. I also do NOT use overdrive when towing. You're going to notie a BIG difference from your 16 footer, but it can be done.

My opinion on wheel base: The only time it comes into play is in the case of extreme trailer sway. In that situation the longer the wheel base the better.


2008 Jayco 23B
2002 Toyota 4-Runner V6
Me, DW, & 2 Boys


bruceandjenna

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Posted: 08/17/08 05:26pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Wheelbase specs? Read How to Tow Safely by JD Gallant, well respected RV expert and founder of the RV Consumers Group. According to Gallant, wheelbase is the most important factor for safe towing.

In the book, he includes a table of minimum wheelbase for length of trailer. Plus a reduction factor for fifth wheel trailers.

According to his table, you can safely town trailers with one ton trucks. But, for example, a one ton truck is not long enough for a 37 foot trailer.

My guess: trailer manufacturers don't spec out TV wheelbase because they are required to and don't want to take responsibilty. RV sales people and truck sales people often don't know any more about RV towing than their customers. (Don't get me started on my experience. )


Bruce and Jenna
Denby, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi
On the road in America

Fulltime in Sept 07
* 2007 F350 PSD DRW Supercab Lariet 4x4 TowCommand 4.3LS axle & other fancy stuff. "The Honker" (Size, not behavior )
* 2007 Excel Limited 33RSE

Shogun

Winnipeg

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Posted: 08/17/08 06:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

My palamino stampede 195sd has dual axels and a 19' towing length from the hitch to the back of the bumper 23' when folded down.

My 4runner is a 2000 with a v6. Our power to weight ratio's are about the same but I have to say that I am upgrading to the v8 in a few weeks. My new runner is on order and will arrive in 7-14 days.

The v8 will make a bigger difference.

Sure my truck tows great at 80kph with OD off but.... add some head wind and a little incline and the guts just aren't there.

The other thing is to look at tongue weight loaded.. That is where I have to be really careful. Your truck is max 500lbs tongue weight with weight carrying or weight distributing hitch. Same as me.

The bigger runner has a max tongue weight of 700lb weight distributing hitch and a 7000 lb towing max.

Just my thoughts.

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