4Runner owners, info needed

Sneaks · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject: 4Runner owners, info needed

The late model (2003-2006) 4Runner hitch receiver cannot use a "generic" hitch/ball combination because the distance between the hitch pinmount and the spare tire isn't long enough.

I have noticed one or two Brats own and tow with 4Runners. Did you buy the "Genuine" Toyota hitch and mount a 2" ball to it or did you simply whack off 3/4" from the end of a generic ball mount hitch and go with that?

Don

B~C · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 3:11 pm Post subject:

somewhat related- we used to have a Landcruiser and I had to shove the hitch in rather hard up against the spare to get the pin in...I always thought I should trim some off the hitch before I ended up tearing up the spare....we ended up trading the luxry craft off for a diesel jetta which left more money for boat gas Smile

C-Hawk · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 4:08 pm Post subject:

B~C · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 6:30 pm Post subject:

welll, just damn fine but I'll never post a picture of it on iflish though Smile

we takes the f150 for boat towing and the jetta for Worldmark/trendwest junkets....but if we still had the LC, I'd be whittling about an inch off that hitch

Sneaks · Posted: Wed Oct 05, 2005 7:52 pm Post subject:

Precisely what I did, Ken. Today during their lunch break I had a nearby steel fab shop chop off 3/4" plus the mark which got it short enough to just clear the little new tire "titties". Cost? 6 pack of cold Carta Blanca.

OTOH, a genuine Toyota hitch bar that fits can be had for $79.95 plus shipping and a 2 week wait. On top of that, it doesn't even come with a ball.

Almost as bad as buying a Ford accessory.

Don

cadenza · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:12 pm Post subject: 4Runner owners, info needed

Hi all,

I'm new to list but have been reading and enjoying all the good stuff here for a couple of months. I'm finally getting serious about buying a new C-22 and am now looking for a tow vehicle. I would appreciate any comments as to whether a 4x4 4Runner with a V8 is adequate for the job. The other option is a Sequoia, but would rather go with the 4Runner if it can handle it. I plan to get an aluminum trailer, so that will lighten the load somewhat. Thanks.

Steve
Future C-22 owner

Sneaks · Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2005 2:33 pm Post subject:

My 6 cylinder 4Runner is rated for 5,000 lbs, a V-8 is rated for 7,000 lbs. I tow the 22' Jenny B locally with no problem at all but choose to use the diesel beast for trips that take in long 6%+ grades. It shouldn't be a problem with the V-8 at all!

Don

M1911 · Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 30 City/Region: Framingham, MA

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2005 7:52 pm Post subject:

I have a Durango 4WD with a 5.9-L (360 cu. in.) V-8 rated at over 7000 lbs. No problem towing encountered yet.

But the real challenge occurs when you have to stop in a emergency, not going up hill. You have to have good trailer brakes, particularly with a smaller tow vehicle.

Try it going down a 6% grade in snow and see you do for the ultimate test. Stopping pretty quick on the highway = OK. In the ditch, snowback, or down in the bottom of the river canyon = not so good! Joe.

cadenza · Posted: Sat Mar 25, 2006 8:55 pm Post subject: New 4Runner

Just wanted to thank everyone for their opinions and advice regarding using a 4Runner as a tow vehicle. We bought the V8 4Runner with AWD and towed the new CD22 with it for the first time this week. I didn't get to test it on any mountains here in Florida, but it towed the boat very easily at 65 mph on the interstate coming back from the Keys today. The rig handled well even with the big trucks on I-95 and a 20 mph headwind. Thanks again for the advice.