3rd gen trailer towing questions...

[Martinjmpr]

(Also posted on T4R.org)

Something's come up and without getting into the details, I may have to help someone move on fairly short notice, from Billings, MT to Denver. Not sure how much stuff he has but I know when he moved to Billings last year he had to make a couple of trips. He's got a full size Dodge Ram 4x4 pickup which I assume can pull a pretty big trailer.

Anyway, if we have to move him, we'll be doing it in one shot, most likely. My thought is that I could help him out by pulling a trailer as well.

Here's the thing, though: I've only pulled a trailer (for any distance) once before, when I moved from Denver to Laramie, I rented a 5 x 8' Uhaul single-axle trailer and pulled it behind my 1999 Ford Ranger using a bumper hitch (actually, a ball mounted on the factory step bumper which was supposedly rated to 3000lbs.) I had no problems but the move was "only" 125 miles.

So here are my questions:

1. Looking at the manual, it says my 1999 4runner with the 5vz 3.4l V6 motor can pull 5,000lbs. That seems way too high to me! I do not have the "heavy duty towing package" to my knowledge (how would I check?)

2. My truck does have a Class III receiver and an electrical connector, so all I'd need to buy is a socket with a ball to go on the receiver. Any recommendations?

3. The manual says that if the trailer weight is over 2,000 lbs, I need a "sway control." What is that? Is it something electrical or mechanical? How difficult/expensive is it to put one on? I'm particularly concerned about sway because the 560 mile trip from Billings to Denver is over the open plains and there are often heavy crosswinds.

4. Assuming I get a smaller (5 x 8') trailer (single-axle), with a trailer weight of <1000 lbs and a loaded weight of <3000lbs, do I need a trailer brake? Right now I don't have one. Honestly, I'd like to keep the trailer as light as possible by carrying bulky-but-not-heavy items.

5. Currently I do not have an auxiliary or aftermarket transmission cooler. Should I get one before I make this trip? If this was a cross-town trip or even a 125 mile trip to Laramie, I wouldn't worry, but 560 miles is a long drive!

6. Any other tips/tricks from the veteran towers out there?

Thanks in advance!

 

[njtaco]

If you are renting a trailer, check with u-haul (or whoever) for a trailer with surge brakes so there is no need to wire the truck with a brake controller.

A friction type sway control requires little expertise and no wiring. It does require a part installed on both the trailer tongue and the drawbar on the truck (not the receiver). Drawbars can be purchased with the mount already welded in place, and the trailer end requires 6 holes drilled and screws/bolts installed. Consider buying the bracket and borrowing the expensive part if only using once. Too bad you aren't local, I probably have all the stuff here...

A transmission cooler is a good idea even if you only tow once in a while. They run about 50 bucks and take about an hour or so to install. You will probably need to buy more hose than is provided in the kits. The one in the link is the one I have in my FJ62. I paid $49 at Advance Auto for the kit.

Find out the ball height on the trailer you are going to use, and buy a drawbar and ball rated to at least 5000lbs that places the top of the ball about an inch higher than the trailer spec, so it "sags" to level the trailer when hooked up.

A two-axle trailer may tow better than a single axle (sway, pitch, yaw, and roll are reduced), so if given the choice between two of a similar size, go with the tandem. It may give you less "moving capacity" due to the trailer being heavier, but the weight is low and unsprung. Just carry the bulky light stuff, like you said.

Of course, make sure your truck is in tip-top shape. Double check the fan clutch. I don't know if they are prone to failure on your year and model truck, but it can ruin your day.

Drive slower when towing. :smiley_drive:

I see your tires are upsized a bit, which theoretically reduces your tow capacity. Just keep it in mind, and watch your temp gauge. I'd use 4000lbs as a guideline but let's face it, you aren't really going to know how much you are hauling unless you weigh it all.

My 2c...

 

[SilverBullet]

Here are my thoughts from towing with a 98 4Runner. My answers are in CAPS, so please don't take it as yelling, just making it easier to read.

1. Looking at the manual, it says my 1999 4runner with the 5vz 3.4l V6 motor can pull 5,000lbs. That seems way too high to me! I do not have the "heavy duty towing package" to my knowledge (how would I check?)
TOYOTA WILL SOMETIMES INCLUDE GEAR, STIFFER SPRINGS, OR A TRANSMISSION COOLER IN THIS PACKAGE,. YOU CAN STILL TOW WITH OUT IT THOUGH.

2. My truck does have a Class III receiver and an electrical connector, so all I'd need to buy is a socket with a ball to go on the receiver. Any recommendations? MAKE SURE YOU GET ONE RATED FOR THE TRAILER TONGUE WEIGHT.

3. The manual says that if the trailer weight is over 2,000 lbs, I need a "sway control." What is that? Is it something electrical or mechanical? How difficult/expensive is it to put one on? I'm particularly concerned about sway because the 560 mile trip from Billings to Denver is over the open plains and there are often heavy crosswinds. A SWAY CONTROL IS MECHANICAL. YOU CAN GET THEM AT A TRAILER STORE OR EVEN WALMART. THEY HOOK TO THE TRAILER AND TO YOUR HITCH. NICE HELP, BUT NEVER BACK UP WITH ONE CONNECTED.

4. Assuming I get a smaller (5 x 8') trailer (single-axle), with a trailer weight of <1000 lbs and a loaded weight of <3000lbs, do I need a trailer brake? Right now I don't have one. Honestly, I'd like to keep the trailer as light as possible by carrying bulky-but-not-heavy items. CHECK YOU RLOCAL STATE LAWS AND YOU RCOMFORT LEVEL. I TRY NOT TO EXCEEP ABOUT 50% TOWED WEIGHT BEFORE GIVING SOE SORT OF BRAKE TO HELP. THIS IS MOSTLY UP TO YOU, UNLESS THE STATE SAYS OTHERWISE.

5. Currently I do not have an auxiliary or aftermarket transmission cooler. Should I get one before I make this trip? If this was a cross-town trip or even a 125 mile trip to Laramie, I wouldn't worry, but 560 miles is a long drive! UP TO YOU, BUT NOT A BAD IDEA.

6. Any other tips/tricks from the veteran towers out there?
AFTER TOWING TOS WITH MY OLD F250, I WAS REDUCED TO TOWING WITH OUR 98 4RUNNER. I OWN A 3000 TENT TRAILER AND WE TOWED I TA LOT, UNTIL IT BROKE THE BOLT OUT OF MY SHOCK MOUNT ADN WE ENDED UP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. NOW I ONLY TOW LOCAL WITH THE 4RUNNER, AND USE OUR LARGER NAVIGATOR FOR TOWING DUTIES. LONG STORY SHORT, YOU MAY WANT TO BEEF UP THE SPRINGS IN THE REAR, BTU IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I used to tow my boat around frequently... no issues, except the obvious. 4Runner brakes suck, so go slow, with the OD off. The biggest issue you will have to be mindful of is the tendency for the trailer to "walk," which can cause a dangerous situation, especially in a SWB rig like your 3rd gen. Uhaul trailers are infamous for bent axles, which can magnify this effect. 5k lbs. is a bit more than I would feel comfortable towing, even with tundra brakes and beefy rear suspension. A good rule of wrist is to keep it under 3k. Do not use cruise control. Be prepared to lose speed when going uphill... don't push it, and use engine braking when you can to slow the rig down.

Largest load I have hauled was LaOutbackTrail's rig... around 190 miles. No issues... used lower gears and went slow... for the most part.

 

[JCMatthews]

I think you will be okay

I have a '97 Cherokee, it has pretty good 4.0 and a manual transmission. I have towed a single Uhaul trailer loaded to the gun whales without insident. Cherokees are know for in adaquate brakes as well. The Cherokee was so loaded with things that there was only room for me, this included things on the roof. The key is to give yourself plenty of room to stop and don't expect to go over 60 mph on the flat, and much slower on any grade. I think that if you stay within the weight recommendations of Toyota you will be fine.

 

[tacollie]

I towed towed a fj55 from Buena Vista to Colorado springs with my 02 Tacoma on a 22ft flatbed trailer. Its a 100 mile trip in the mountains. Drive at a reasonable speed and be aware of the wind.