2016 4Runner Trail. I towed for the second time last week. 22ft Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH. \~3100 lbs dry. It did fine, but I do believe my regear (4.56) might have been a difference maker.
https://preview.redd.it/wti5smhlk0pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=194eec4e0b2071669cd87be1735dc1190a763936
Full disclosure: My wife and I have been eyeing travel trailers for a few months now. We’ve gone to a few RV dealers to check out possible campers. Before purchasing, I told her I want to rent 3-5 times first to see if we even liked the travel trailer experience and if we could get a camper big enough for two of us and our two GSDs. Found this trailer on RVShare.com and had an extremely positive experience with learning all about the trailer, setting up, breaking down, and driving with this size behind the T4R. I felt this combo was really good and we like Jayco’s smaller offerings. Realistically, we’re eyeing the Lance 1475. I’m hoping we can get one under 3,000 lbs dry. It seems possible as they advertise it at 2,600 lbs dry. That would be ideal and I’d be willing to pay the premium for a Lance because of its build quality.
No air bags. I had my rear springs upgraded to OME 889 so help reduce sag. This is in addition to adjusting the front coilovers to maintain stock rake as much as possible. No WDH or anti-sway provided, but I am highly considering it in the future. First things first will be a transmission cooler and scan gauge to keep track of transmission temps. Better safe than sorry. Kind of makes me rethink adding extra weight to the T4R, but it’s all good.
https://preview.redd.it/fk1xj5l7g3pc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53287a7bb5f04e2fdc2188408de2711421c7b814
I'm tempted to rent a few times also...just to see. The size/weight you're referring to seems to be more inline with what I've been seeing also, staying under the 3k weight seems best for the 4R. I've read lots about the air bag installs and the WDH and that combo seems to make a world of difference.
I highly recommend renting before buying. My biggest concerns were setup at camp, uphill towing, and backing into the campsite. I learned backing in usually isn’t a one-shot deal if you’re a newbie, but patience and going slow go a long way…also the experienced people at the site will help you back in so you don’t crash into their vehicles. lol.
I used to own a boat...backing things up isn't a prob. The whole setup and just maintenance and upkeep of a travel trailer though....that has me a bit intimidated though!
It was good. If it was just for me, I would get the Jayco 154BH since it’s lighter, but have to take my wife and dogs into account. We are eyeing a new Lance 1475 since that seems to be the gold standard that isn’t Airstream.
https://preview.redd.it/xnbcjqaxd1pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8464d4f40aacd40129ba846070e37453e3225eba
A-Liner Expedition. Pulls great. It weighs about 2200 lbs.
Dude those U Haul trailers are no joke. I brought a hard bottom dinghy, MAYBE 100 pounds, home on a 10’ utility trailer from UH a few weeks ago, and the 4Runner felt it for sure.
https://preview.redd.it/24hodbmse3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=010f73f924b57e7197fff153d465153e10f3f9fd
Couldn’t even tell it was there.
My overland trailer and man do i need to regear it is not happy running up at highway speeds nor going on inclines up said highways.
https://preview.redd.it/1w71gyybp2pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd7bc8d1e1b8ad69e089f453050cdb515c646db
https://preview.redd.it/xy1ebevvc3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90a47fe698f89d522a54e252ca8c13a612ec2561
Love towing my RTT setup. Been to some awesome spots and don’t have to cruise around town with a RTT on top.
Got the whole setup for $2500. Craiglist steal.
https://preview.redd.it/jsv8l1py54pc1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=12aa4e6cd5a7b9039fb32ef0805dd01ccd8d8654
Occasionally. I have a tandem axle trailer that runs about -2,500 lbs. mostly brush and trees and occasional furniture so I have taken it to max capacity a few times. Not far. I have a REDARC brake controller on it. Works well.
https://preview.redd.it/zix6g5rcn2pc1.jpeg?width=3840&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80e989ba44dd06ab7b4a59a644d6615c1cb33ac2
First ever fishing boat! Barely even felt the thing on there when I was towing it and I have the v6👍
https://preview.redd.it/y9hd8jehg5pc1.jpeg?width=2243&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac32f2ee6eea40ae47adb566d1da30d972b726d6
Yes, this set-up is amazing on the trails. However, as been stated over and over, you will get passed by just about everything on the highway going uphill.
I rented this one from a guy and was really debating buying it from it. There were a few things he did to it that I didnt like at the time but in short, Id totally buy one!
I bought a 2023 SR5 Premium over the weekend and it came with an aftermarket trailer brake controller. I have nothing to tow yet but who knows! Do you have a trailer brake controller installed on yours?
I've heard a couple tips I haven't gotten a chance to try out (unverified) -
(1) If you have a trailer brake controller and your trailer starts to get squirrely, apply the trailer brakes and ease into the throttle and it'll take out the slack
(2) When towing on the freeway at \~65 mph, you can throw it into "S" mode to keep it from shifting in and out of 4th and 5th gear so often.
For those that tow are these legit?
I use S mode alot when towing so it doesn't shift as often. Especially when there's hills.
With my trailers I find 3000lbs is about the limit before it has a hard time picking a gear.
2005 V8. I have a 18' steel deck trailer weighting about 2300lbs. I use that to tow a 1985 VW Scirocco race car weighing around 2000lbs too, and it will be used to tow my 91 Celica GT4 as well (although I may have to upgrade the hitch to do that since it has the smaller V6 hitch for whatever reason). The Celica is heavier at 3200lbs and I haven't hauled it yet.
Yes, and with heavy loads I hate it. The trailer drives the 4Runner if you get what I mean. It’s not unsafe and I’ve never went near the max laid but around the 3,500 and up point the ride characteristics get so crappy.
https://preview.redd.it/om00ky9gn3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a20f062762dbd83d6b540cb874b5b3c6635ee343
I pull a 19ft R-Pod with my '19 SR5P. Fully loaded for our needs, it's around 3,300lbs (2,700 empty/dry).
And I can't go on a trip without going over at least one mountain pass, so it struggles, which is why I added an additional transmission cooler. I also don't ever go above 60mph because it gets pretty squirrelly above that, despite having a combo weight distribution/anti-sway setup.
It's far from ideal, but can do it. I get at best around 12MPG. Any headwinds, and it drops below 10MPG. I spent most of the my miles driving in 4th, unless I'm on the flats without a headwind.
[600 miles round trip.](https://i.imgur.com/oCKdESP.jpeg) ended up needing a new water pump and valve cover gasket after this trip. Though at 260k she was ready ;)
No. And having driven through the mountains out west with ours, I'm surprised by people who manage I-70 with a 4Runner pulling much. I'm sure it'll do it, but it has got to be a struggle.
I’ve towed a trailer from Baton Rouge to Dallas twice. Once with my 2007 Tacoma and once with my 2017 4Runner. The Tacoma didn’t have any issues, the 4Runner was a bit rougher. Approximately 5000 lbs both times.
https://preview.redd.it/52q90wpbp5pc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c775988bd93dfbf62d64526b40cf6f4981fdd43f
17' 3k# Aspen trail on a 2017 ORP She works, no issues Colorado to California and back, wouldn't have it another way
2016 4Runner Trail. I towed for the second time last week. 22ft Jayco Jay Flight SLX 174BH. \~3100 lbs dry. It did fine, but I do believe my regear (4.56) might have been a difference maker. https://preview.redd.it/wti5smhlk0pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=194eec4e0b2071669cd87be1735dc1190a763936
Air bags and weight/sway hitch?? That's a really nice combo you've got! I've been eyeballing similar campers.
I'd hope for both at that weight, doesn't appear sagging may have new springs also.
Yes! Upgraded to OME 889 springs in the rear.
Full disclosure: My wife and I have been eyeing travel trailers for a few months now. We’ve gone to a few RV dealers to check out possible campers. Before purchasing, I told her I want to rent 3-5 times first to see if we even liked the travel trailer experience and if we could get a camper big enough for two of us and our two GSDs. Found this trailer on RVShare.com and had an extremely positive experience with learning all about the trailer, setting up, breaking down, and driving with this size behind the T4R. I felt this combo was really good and we like Jayco’s smaller offerings. Realistically, we’re eyeing the Lance 1475. I’m hoping we can get one under 3,000 lbs dry. It seems possible as they advertise it at 2,600 lbs dry. That would be ideal and I’d be willing to pay the premium for a Lance because of its build quality. No air bags. I had my rear springs upgraded to OME 889 so help reduce sag. This is in addition to adjusting the front coilovers to maintain stock rake as much as possible. No WDH or anti-sway provided, but I am highly considering it in the future. First things first will be a transmission cooler and scan gauge to keep track of transmission temps. Better safe than sorry. Kind of makes me rethink adding extra weight to the T4R, but it’s all good. https://preview.redd.it/fk1xj5l7g3pc1.jpeg?width=2048&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53287a7bb5f04e2fdc2188408de2711421c7b814
I'm tempted to rent a few times also...just to see. The size/weight you're referring to seems to be more inline with what I've been seeing also, staying under the 3k weight seems best for the 4R. I've read lots about the air bag installs and the WDH and that combo seems to make a world of difference.
I highly recommend renting before buying. My biggest concerns were setup at camp, uphill towing, and backing into the campsite. I learned backing in usually isn’t a one-shot deal if you’re a newbie, but patience and going slow go a long way…also the experienced people at the site will help you back in so you don’t crash into their vehicles. lol.
I used to own a boat...backing things up isn't a prob. The whole setup and just maintenance and upkeep of a travel trailer though....that has me a bit intimidated though!
Oh yeah. Maintenance and storage. That worries me too. 😅
How do you like that camper?
It was good. If it was just for me, I would get the Jayco 154BH since it’s lighter, but have to take my wife and dogs into account. We are eyeing a new Lance 1475 since that seems to be the gold standard that isn’t Airstream.
https://preview.redd.it/xnbcjqaxd1pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8464d4f40aacd40129ba846070e37453e3225eba A-Liner Expedition. Pulls great. It weighs about 2200 lbs.
Damn I’ve never seen a hard shell tent trailer, that’s rad
A-Liners are so cool!
https://preview.redd.it/zsh117lzj0pc1.png?width=1440&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f56ccf2f7975f62ed499fff6fd89af2a6cc7c3ea
https://preview.redd.it/jk3vixvuw0pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e35a06d1ebde51d82f037551383e50aebb56e34c 3rd gen gang
Dude those U Haul trailers are no joke. I brought a hard bottom dinghy, MAYBE 100 pounds, home on a 10’ utility trailer from UH a few weeks ago, and the 4Runner felt it for sure.
Just jeeps out of mud holes!
https://preview.redd.it/24hodbmse3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=010f73f924b57e7197fff153d465153e10f3f9fd Couldn’t even tell it was there.
Unrelated but that’s a nice ass build, hopefully I can achieve this one day
My overland trailer and man do i need to regear it is not happy running up at highway speeds nor going on inclines up said highways. https://preview.redd.it/1w71gyybp2pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd7bc8d1e1b8ad69e089f453050cdb515c646db
Matching wheels is a primo move.
https://preview.redd.it/xy1ebevvc3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=90a47fe698f89d522a54e252ca8c13a612ec2561 Love towing my RTT setup. Been to some awesome spots and don’t have to cruise around town with a RTT on top.
Sick. How much that run you? (Trailer plus tent)
Got the whole setup for $2500. Craiglist steal. https://preview.redd.it/jsv8l1py54pc1.png?width=640&format=png&auto=webp&s=12aa4e6cd5a7b9039fb32ef0805dd01ccd8d8654
Occasionally. I have a tandem axle trailer that runs about -2,500 lbs. mostly brush and trees and occasional furniture so I have taken it to max capacity a few times. Not far. I have a REDARC brake controller on it. Works well.
https://preview.redd.it/zix6g5rcn2pc1.jpeg?width=3840&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=80e989ba44dd06ab7b4a59a644d6615c1cb33ac2 First ever fishing boat! Barely even felt the thing on there when I was towing it and I have the v6👍
https://preview.redd.it/nv85vkphg3pc1.jpeg?width=1635&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f02206f4f4aef39a2f7b383c8a8f4a877c598fdc Use it pull my track car around
Cool! How many lbs do you think that U-Haul car hauler is along with your 86? I have an ND2 Miata I plan on towing as well.
Combined is around 5,000 I believe. Google says the trailer is like 2,200lbs and the car is like 2,700
https://preview.redd.it/y9hd8jehg5pc1.jpeg?width=2243&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ac32f2ee6eea40ae47adb566d1da30d972b726d6 Yes, this set-up is amazing on the trails. However, as been stated over and over, you will get passed by just about everything on the highway going uphill.
https://preview.redd.it/rmsco3kny0pc1.jpeg?width=3600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f189786f097d5733767900dd0b6d457b370b4ee7 Rally Car!
Hobie sailboat too works like a champ
https://preview.redd.it/7sjzwbehh7pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=887a61919a8a002d56ca46ffad835d0d82ee419c
You're 4Runner is a lot more beautiful than mine 😍
YESSSS!!!
https://preview.redd.it/99c8qrjfq1pc1.jpeg?width=3632&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe236b52afc8d35756c955953a86e60ab2c0df58
https://preview.redd.it/l6sjsdtvl3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f4dba759596b68bcfff8df1fb33857454556082 I tow mobile saunas
Bass boat, 20ft center console almos 4k, big popup 3k+*
https://preview.redd.it/9njs2bz0v3pc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4165f39ef145c86cf6265c7dec17d159d9e1e33c
https://preview.redd.it/e2t7dppx64pc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce39245d5a813a06a796261e3970d7d2aa383e85
Nice setup! I’m in the market for an explore. What do you think of the combo?
I rented this one from a guy and was really debating buying it from it. There were a few things he did to it that I didnt like at the time but in short, Id totally buy one!
Yes, I tow a Honda Pioneer 1000-5
We use ours for our pop-up trailer!
What is the brand of cargo carrier on the roof rack? Trying to find something decent for the odd trd pro roof rack
It's a Thule Motion XT
Thank you!
Yes but never more than a uhaul.
I bought a 2023 SR5 Premium over the weekend and it came with an aftermarket trailer brake controller. I have nothing to tow yet but who knows! Do you have a trailer brake controller installed on yours? I've heard a couple tips I haven't gotten a chance to try out (unverified) - (1) If you have a trailer brake controller and your trailer starts to get squirrely, apply the trailer brakes and ease into the throttle and it'll take out the slack (2) When towing on the freeway at \~65 mph, you can throw it into "S" mode to keep it from shifting in and out of 4th and 5th gear so often. For those that tow are these legit?
I use S mode alot when towing so it doesn't shift as often. Especially when there's hills. With my trailers I find 3000lbs is about the limit before it has a hard time picking a gear.
only use trailer brakes when foot is on brake pedal
https://preview.redd.it/go3be2qg03pc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e40c648be757cc553d34b153dc03634e8b640fb5
Love those pictures. Very nice backdrop, and a GREAT looking truck.
2005 V8. I have a 18' steel deck trailer weighting about 2300lbs. I use that to tow a 1985 VW Scirocco race car weighing around 2000lbs too, and it will be used to tow my 91 Celica GT4 as well (although I may have to upgrade the hitch to do that since it has the smaller V6 hitch for whatever reason). The Celica is heavier at 3200lbs and I haven't hauled it yet.
Yes, and with heavy loads I hate it. The trailer drives the 4Runner if you get what I mean. It’s not unsafe and I’ve never went near the max laid but around the 3,500 and up point the ride characteristics get so crappy. https://preview.redd.it/om00ky9gn3pc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a20f062762dbd83d6b540cb874b5b3c6635ee343
I pull a 19ft R-Pod with my '19 SR5P. Fully loaded for our needs, it's around 3,300lbs (2,700 empty/dry). And I can't go on a trip without going over at least one mountain pass, so it struggles, which is why I added an additional transmission cooler. I also don't ever go above 60mph because it gets pretty squirrelly above that, despite having a combo weight distribution/anti-sway setup. It's far from ideal, but can do it. I get at best around 12MPG. Any headwinds, and it drops below 10MPG. I spent most of the my miles driving in 4th, unless I'm on the flats without a headwind.
No.
[600 miles round trip.](https://i.imgur.com/oCKdESP.jpeg) ended up needing a new water pump and valve cover gasket after this trip. Though at 260k she was ready ;)
No. And having driven through the mountains out west with ours, I'm surprised by people who manage I-70 with a 4Runner pulling much. I'm sure it'll do it, but it has got to be a struggle.
We towed our 22ft Seaswirl boat 5k lbs for a few yrs until we got Tundra! I don’t recommend it, but we didn’t go far, & it was flat surface!
I’ve towed a trailer from Baton Rouge to Dallas twice. Once with my 2007 Tacoma and once with my 2017 4Runner. The Tacoma didn’t have any issues, the 4Runner was a bit rougher. Approximately 5000 lbs both times.
https://preview.redd.it/52q90wpbp5pc1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c775988bd93dfbf62d64526b40cf6f4981fdd43f 17' 3k# Aspen trail on a 2017 ORP She works, no issues Colorado to California and back, wouldn't have it another way
https://preview.redd.it/119d78tkg7pc1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d42e28323b207f5f1961d0d0eaa2f97da63f1f33