Trailer vs. Roof

[b63215b]

Hello guys,

As many of you know I built a trailer and have loved using it over the last 2 years. I am starting to realize that my 4runner is a puke with its 3.4. Driving on hills is hard, hills and wind is harder, don't get me wrong the truck takes it like a champion but I am worried about the wear and tear on the motor and trans.

So here is my question, keep in mind I do not care about gas mileage, would it be less wear and tear on the truck to have the RTT with a loaded vehicle on the roof or pulling the trailer which is 650lbs plus loaded trailer?

Give me some pros and cons. Thanks guys.

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[fifty]

I'd say trailer. Simply because aero takes way more hp to push than weight.
Plus the trailer adds storage and its removable.

 

[grogie]

I have no experience with an RTT on top of a vehicle, but I wouldn't think that your MPG for one would improve with an RTT on the top vs. towing a trailer. But who cares about MPG?!

I'm actually in a similar situation as my trailer is 1100#s loaded, and my lifted Jeep TJ is also not meant to tow, however I would not put an RTT on top of my Jeep being short wheel based as it would certainly increase its center of gravity. Maybe that's less of an issue with your 4runner?

In my situation, I have more pros then cons with having a trailer. More space, can leave it at a camping spot, don't have to close up the RTT to drive my Jeep somewhere, RTT is closer to the ground, I don't have to take the RTT off of the rack it's bolted to after at trip, my trailer is always packed and ready to go, and at least with my Jeep and it may sound odd, but the trailer actually adds a little stability on the road with the trailer's weight behind it. That's besides having to tug the 1100 additional pounds on the highway and up and down the hills you mentioned as I know what you mean.

The cons also would be that I will not tow it up or down tight switch backs that I have no problem taking my Jeep on. I'll note that I have added an after market transmission cooler, which really helps as it runs a lot. My other issue with towing with my Jeep is that when I'm heavy in the throttle because of hills and that added weight, there is an A/C cutout relay that shuts off the A/C compressor to divert the engine's power for acceleration. And when this happens its already toasty warm outside!

But all in all, I will not get rid of my trailer, at least not until I'm old(er) and buy an RV. :ylsmoke:

 

[b63215b]

I have no experience with an RTT on top of a vehicle, but I wouldn’t think that your MPG for one would improve with an RTT on the top vs. towing a trailer. But who cares about MPG?!

I’m actually in a similar situation as my trailer is 1100#s loaded, and my lifted Jeep TJ is also not meant to tow, however I would not put an RTT on top of my Jeep being short wheel based as it would certainly increase its center of gravity. Maybe that's less of an issue with your 4runner?

In my situation, I have more pros then cons with having a trailer. More space, can leave it at a camping spot, don’t have to close up the RTT to drive my Jeep somewhere, RTT is closer to the ground, I don’t have to take the RTT off of the rack it’s bolted to after at trip, my trailer is always packed and ready to go, and at least with my Jeep and it may sound odd, but the trailer actually adds a little stability on the road with the trailer's weight behind it. That’s besides having to tug the 1100 additional pounds on the highway and up and down the hills you mentioned as I know what you mean.

The cons also would be that I will not tow it up or down tight switch backs that I have no problem taking my Jeep on. I’ll note that I have added an after market transmission cooler, which really helps as it runs a lot. My other issue with towing with my Jeep is that when I’m heavy in the throttle because of hills and that added weight, there is an A/C cutout relay that shuts off the A/C compressor to divert the engine’s power for acceleration. And when this happens its already toasty warm outside!

But all in all, I will not get rid of my trailer, at least not until I’m old(er) and buy an RV. :ylsmoke:

Thanks for your thoughts, my 4Runner does have a trans cooler, and I agree with your points on pulling. I think I have a little bit less to worry about with center of gravity issues.

I like the trailer but I am starting to like the idea of a teardrop style as teardown and set up is much nicer with the galley in the back and inside for clothes and what not.

Should I look at this a different way and put money into rebuilding the motor is does have 234,xxx miles, should I bore and stroke it? Half funny half serious with that comment.

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[b63215b]

I'd say trailer. Simply because aero takes way more hp to push than weight.
Plus the trailer adds storage and its removable.

All good points.

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[grogie]

Thanks for your thoughts, my 4Runner does have a trans cooler, and I agree with your points on pulling. I think I have a little bit less to worry about with center of gravity issues.

I like the trailer but I am starting to like the idea of a teardrop style as teardown and set up is much nicer with the galley in the back and inside for clothes and what not.

Should I look at this a different way and put money into rebuilding the motor is does have 234,xxx miles, should I bore and stroke it? Half funny half serious with that comment.

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Ha ha! I'm with you on the stroke it, as I've thought about it! Banks Power also has a new turbo kit for my Jeep.

An off-road styled teardrop would be nice. I like the idea of one, in fact I kind of fell in love with the CampInn teardrops before my trailer, which they even make an SUV version (lifted a bit). Pricey and about as cool as you can get, but also much heavier...

 

[OverlandKyle]

like you, I run a 3.4 4Runner.... I've had the RTT on the roof and on a trailer and hands down, its the trailer all the way..... so much easier and less of a MPG hit

 

[b63215b]

like you, I run a 3.4 4Runner.... I've had the RTT on the roof and on a trailer and hands down, its the trailer all the way..... so much easier and less of a MPG hit

Good stuff, thanks.

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[Mushin_Noshin]

I can give my thoughts on all 3 options. 2008 Toyota FJ, lots of crap for weight, ect.
I had rtt on top at first
Pros um can't think of many, looks cool I guess
Cons made fj even boxier and top heavy, and hated putting it up when wanting to leave camp to explore

So I built a m416 type rtt trailer w/ telescoping rack
Pros leaving at camp to explore, trailer always packed and ready to go, looks equally as cool as roof mounted rtt!
Cons set up and teardown w/ annex, hated this alot, didn't notice too much difference towing vs on top rtt, guess that's a pro actually
So I sold that and built a teardrop type thing
Pros yes yes yes, it's all pros! Stays ready, hook up drive, tired? Park an where, get out of truck get in trailer and sleep, galley is in rear and open hatch and cooking, hatch is awning so shade and rain cover, easy to tow, nice to have spot to hang out inside if raining, super quiet and dark inside for great sleeping, don't have to climb down ladder to pee at 3 am, handled all switchbacks and trails I did in Moab, NO SET UP OR TEARDOWN!
Cons fj hated towing thru headwinds in Kansas and passes in Colorado, wife kept asking "why is everyone passing us, step on it!" Um yea it's floored baby! And I'm running 488 gears!
As you can see I'm a teardrop type thing fan now!
Hope this helps

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[b63215b]

I can give my thoughts on all 3 options. 2008 Toyota FJ, lots of crap for weight, ect.
I had rtt on top at first
Pros um can't think of many, looks cool I guess
Cons made fj even boxier and top heavy, and hated putting it up when wanting to leave camp to explore

So I built a m416 type rtt trailer w/ telescoping rack
Pros leaving at camp to explore, trailer always packed and ready to go, looks equally as cool as roof mounted rtt!
Cons set up and teardown w/ annex, hated this alot, didn't notice too much difference towing vs on top rtt, guess that's a pro actually
So I sold that and built a teardrop type thing
Pros yes yes yes, it's all pros! Stays ready, hook up drive, tired? Park an where, get out of truck get in trailer and sleep, galley is in rear and open hatch and cooking, hatch is awning so shade and rain cover, easy to tow, nice to have spot to hang out inside if raining, super quiet and dark inside for great sleeping, don't have to climb down ladder to pee at 3 am, handled all switchbacks and trails I did in Moab, NO SET UP OR TEARDOWN!
Cons fj hated towing thru headwinds in Kansas and passes in Colorado, wife kept asking "why is everyone passing us, step on it!" Um yea it's floored baby! And I'm running 488 gears!
As you can see I'm a teardrop type thing fan now!
Hope this helps

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Sure does, thanks for that. I have been thinking for awhile that a teardrop would be better on all fronts. Did you build that yourself?

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[Deleted member 9101]

Supercharge it and call it a day.

 

[SnowDozerCJ5]

I put my bicycle on the roof and that's it. Nothing heavy.
I made a 4'x6'6"x4' cargo trailer and put a cot in there. It was a get by that worked well.
Now I have a m416 and I want to make a shell with a sleeping platform.
My want is a small truck with a camper shell but as long as I have the short jeep it is a trailer of some kind for me

 

[Mushin_Noshin]

Sure does, thanks for that. I have been thinking for awhile that a teardrop would be better on all fronts. Did you build that yourself?

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I sure did from the frame to the final paint. Fun project

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[Mushin_Noshin]

I sent you a link to my build journal in ur PM, lemme know if it works, I'm no good with computer stuff

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[pierceg]

I have a 2007 FJ. Had the rtt on the roof and now on a trailer.
Gas mileage not a whole lot of change there. But its never going back on the roof.
In windy situations its a sail. Wheeling, its top heavy.

Trailer is around a grand loaded.