Tow Vehicle Question

JWHybrid2B · 03-06-2014, 11:23 PM

I am getting close to purchasing a Hybrid TT, but want to make sure my TV will be able to handle the weight. I am looking at the 21SS, 23SS and the 23IKSS. They dry weight ranges btwn 4,254-4,936lbs. Hitch weight is 432-570lbs. I will add some additional weight; propane, battery, camping gear, etc. on top of dry weight once fully loaded. I know I can't go over the total GVWR, which is 7,000lbs according to my manual. I have a '04 Toyota 4Runner with a 4.7 liter V-8 w/factory tow package and 4WD. I am planning on using an Equalizer WDH. Does anyone have this setup and if so how does it tow? Is this setup safe to tow these trailers? I have had the 4R a little over a year and love my vehicle, so I don't plan on trading it in for another TV.

Chuckinca · 03-07-2014, 12:05 AM

At tow weight of 7K your TV probably has to be empty except for a 150 lb driver. I would guess that your combined weight max is around 7,000 plus 4,475 curb wt of the TV, plus 150 = 11,625. That includes any water or waste water you carry - those add up fast.

(We won't discuss safety allowance, wind or altitude impacts)

**bikendan** · 03-07-2014, 01:49 AM

don't know if you plan to go over any mountains with it.
i think you'd be o.k. with them but you may not like how it pulls on grades.
plus the shorter wheelbase may not be fun.

but you may want to skip the much heavier 23IKSS, just to be safer.

ChooChooMan74 · 03-07-2014, 06:12 AM

You will probably be fine as long as you take it easy. I tow small and usually go 60mph on the freeway.

Short wheelbases have advantages and disadvantages. The con, it is easier for a trailer not setup properly to push around. I have yet to have that happen yet. The pro, easier to maneuver. I can do a u-turn in a short space.

If you tow frequently, I would recommend LT tires. I did not go with them on mine, but I did get wider and a heavier tire, which made a big difference over stock on my Jeep. I still get some jello feeling because I still have a P rated instead of LT rated tire.

Good luck, have fun, and be careful.

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**Herk7769** · 03-07-2014, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JWHybrid2B

I am getting close to purchasing a Hybrid TT, but want to make sure my TV will be able to handle the weight. I am looking at the 21SS, 23SS and the 23IKSS. They dry weight ranges btwn 4,254-4,936lbs. Hitch weight is 432-570lbs. I will add some additional weight; propane, battery, camping gear, etc. on top of dry weight once fully loaded. I know I can't go over the total GVWR, which is 7,000lbs according to my manual. I have a '04 Toyota 4Runner with a 4.7 liter V-8 w/factory tow package and 4WD. I am planning on using an Equalizer WDH. Does anyone have this setup and if so how does it tow? Is this setup safe to tow these trailers? I have had the 4R a little over a year and love my vehicle, so I don't plan on trading it in for another TV.

The 04 Tow Guide says a 4WD Forerunner w/4.7L V-8 is 7,000 pounds with a 150 pound driver. Remember anything that goes into the Tow Vehicle beyond the driver and a full tank of gas will reduce the factory specified towing capacity. You don't get something for nothing.

davel1971 · 03-07-2014, 06:22 AM

your close to your limits, but it will work. Just don't plan on winning races uphill. I've seen that same model 4 runner tow a toy hauler. That was scary looking.

Triguy · 03-07-2014, 08:04 AM

Besides the tow capacity pay attention to the payload. Do you know that that is for your 4-runner? Your tongue weight will probably be in the 650-800lb range with a fully loaded and well balanced trailer so keep that in mind.

ficksters · 03-07-2014, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triguy

Besides the tow capacity pay attention to the payload. Do you know that that is for your 4-runner? Your tongue weight will probably be in the 650-800lb range with a fully loaded and well balanced trailer so keep that in mind.

I totally agree...will your 4 runner pull it forward yes. Will you white knuckle it...yes. I tow a 23ikss with a tahoe (5.3 v-8 3.73 rear end with factory tow package) and am just a tad under gawr. I would say with that tv stay with the lightest tongue weight. The 4wd limits game by the way. That is not something you want to push.

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00buck · 03-07-2014, 09:46 AM

I towed a 2006 Sunline 2363 with an 05 4runner and an Equal-I-zer. I generally kept my speed below 65. I had no issues. Plenty of power, 11-12 mpg, no sway, never a white knuckle experience. I was concerned about the short wheel base, but it turned out that it wasn't a problem. I don't claim much expertise in physics but I think a positive factor for the 4runner is the very short distance between the rear axle and the hitch. (I believe it diminishes the influence of the TT on the TV. This being the Internet, I'm sure there will be varying opinions.) I don't think I would have tried crossing the Rockies with it but it worked fine in the rolling hills of New York and the northern Appalachians. It was a lot easier to back up than my current Silverado with a shorter TT (21FBRS).

I used this setup a few years ago, so my memory has dimmed somewhat, but I think the biggest issue was the 4Runner's tongue weight limit.

ChooChooMan74 · 03-07-2014, 10:01 AM

I don't get people always talking about white knuckled experiences. I admit, with the rental and basic WDH, it was 2 handed especially when large vehicles passed. But with the Roo and the Reese DC, I am quite comfortable driving. And I am driving with one of the shortest wheelbases on the forum.

00buck, the short distance from the hitch to the axle is a real help. That is how the original pull-rite hitches work.

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