JohnCow
Harbor Springs, MI - USA
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I'm new and have a '97 4Runner - 4 Cylinder - Manual. The owners manual says I can tow up to 3,500 lbs. From the posts I've read I shouldn't try to come close to that weight. I'm planning on going through the southwest. Is there a trailer light enough that I can safely tow?
John
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Kenneth
Washington, the state
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Joined: 03/20/2001
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http://www.scamptrailers.com/
http://casitatraveltrailers.com/
http://www.burrotrailers.com/
Ken
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mp5medic
spring valley lake california
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I had a 4-runner and tried to tow a set of sea-doos. it was'nt a pleasant experience. If the ground is anything other than flat , expect to slow way down. They just arent meant to tow. It was'nt very comfortable and did'nt feel very safe at all. I did'nt even have enough power to get out a remotely tight spot, good luck! louie
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bschott
Limerick, PA
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I dont agree with mp5medic. A 4Runner is a body on frame TRUCK like SUV and it is ment to tow, howerver its towing is a bit more limited than say a full size truck. I have a '98 4Runner with the 3.4V6 and it tows fine as long as you keep the weight in perspective of the braking power of the truck. The engine is always going to have to work hard to tow because the max HP and Torque are above 3500RPM unlike most american SUV's where the torque lives down low (where you need it).
Having said that, I believe that JohnCow's 4-cly 4Runner should be more than adaquate to tow smaller or mid-sized pop-ups and those trailers above that Kenneth listed (I'm personally not familiar with any of those). Beyond that, I belive that the engine is probably going to get pushed too hard.
Brian
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Jetsfan68
NJ
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I don't agree with the statement that a 4Runner is meant to tow. They have a short wheelbase and high center of gravity. In John's case- he is dealing with a 4cyl which is not helping the cause. I owned a 95 Tacoma 4x4 with the V6 and had a rough time towing a 12' pop up. I would be very hesistant to tow anything even close to that weight (3500).
Good Luck
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bschott
Limerick, PA
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My '98 V6 4Runner had towed our coleman pop-up just fine. Prior to the 4Runner I had a 96 Tacoma 4x4 v6 manual which towed that same pop-up also fine. The camper never swayed or got funky behind either of these two vehicles. I agree that they have a high-center of gravity and a short wheelbase, and I'm curious as to why you would have major problems with a Pop-up though.
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Jetsfan68
NJ
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Brian-
I don't think you would have major problems- I just think with the smaller engine, I would have some concern about power. Toyota makes some pretty solid engines- The V6 I had put out some decent power, but still didn't have enough low end IMO. Again- I am only speaking based on my experience and what I feel comfortable with. I'm sure if he wanted to pull a small trailer with that it would pull it, but I would have hesitations.-but that's just me.
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bschott
Limerick, PA
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Aleo,
I wasnt trying to bust your chops or anything. As you state, it all boils down to how you feel comfertable in what your towing. I personally feel that my v6 is a little weaker to say a 4.0L Ford Explorer (or so it feels by the seat of my pants when the driver nails the gas -- plus a lame drag race comfirmed that as well). I've never driven a 4 cylinder 4Runner, in fact I'm suprised that they actually imported any. Anyhow thanks for your input.
Brian
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BurbMan
Long Island, NY
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I had a 4Runner with a V6 (actually two, a '94 and a '97). The 4-banger is a gutsy little engine, especially with the 4 speed. You should be OK with a smaller pop-up, probably no more than 1500-2000 fully loaded. You won't get anywhere in a hurry, but it should pull it OK.
You could look at some of the smaller trailers like the Casitas, but be careful about the weight.
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RogerC
Winchester, VA
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Burbman,
The 4 cyl's are gutsy little motors, but they suffer like most Japanese cars do... no torque. You want a motor that will twist repeatedly to 7-10k rpm and they've got you covered. Look for pulling torque and you'll still be looking.
And before someone accuses me of being anti-japanese, hardly. It's just a fact of life with the cars, and they way they're engineered. That said, I love my Celica! :-)
Roger and Teresa Crawford
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