Contemplating Towing with 90 Toyota Pickup, 22R - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

plarratt · #1 (**permalink**) 07-29-2007, 05:42 PM

Hi everyone, I'm brand new here, planning a cross country move of household goods, roughly 2000 pounds between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, from Providence RI to Spokane, WA. Would I be straining a 22R pickup (1990-1993 truck, hauling 500 lbs in the bed, 1500 in rented trailer? Or would a V6 be called for, and if so, which Toyota model would be best for this? My alternatives are getting a U-Pack Moving, or leaving my stuff behind. I don't want go over the Continental Divide praying and swaying. Can't afford a newer truck. Any suggestions most appreciated. pl

Marazzito · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 03:51 PM

I had towed several times with my 90 4runner with the V6 trailers weighing 2,000 to 3,500 lbs maybe even a little more. The farthest I ever towed with it was about 250 miles. The 4runner was already slow so going a little slower wasn't much of an issue. My 4runner also had 240,000 miles on it. In my oppinion the 22re me be down on power but is a far superior engine as far as reliability is concerned. Would I do to 1,500 lbs accross country, maybe, but that would depend on how well the truck has been maintaned. Do you have a manual, I would prefer to tow that far with a manual rather than an old auto for reliability and over heating purposes. The manual also has a much stronger drivetrain in you specific model, the tranny plus transfer case are both more reliable with the manual. I am assuming you are going to take it slow and probable only drive 750 miles a day or so, you may be pleasently surprised, but I would hate to break down in the middle of no where. Good luck and make sure if you do choose to make the trip you have your vehicle completely seviced before doing so.

funfinder4 · #3 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 12:16 AM

I had a '90 XtraCab with the 22re and manual tranny in high school/college. I used it all through college and it did all my moves. I rented a 5X10 U-Haul enclosed trailer (double axle) and would load it down. Always preformed as expected and never let me down. I remember the truck doing great in 4th on the freeway and did have to use 3rd on a few hills.

Make sure the cooling system, timing chain, belts/hoses have been serviced and enjoy. On a plus side, its a very familiar engine/body to get serviced along your travel if need be.

ps. I don't think I'd do this type of move if the truck had an auto tranny.

farmerkd1 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-02-2007, 08:19 AM

Funfinder and Marazzito hit it all on the head; that's some good advice.

I moved 3500lbs in a U-Haul from CA - NJ without major problems, but it was definitely using manual tranny. You just have to swallow your pride on some of the mountains --downshift, move to the far right, and turn on your flashers 'cause it may take a little while! Don't count on 65 in the flatlands either. Just take it slow and steady.

Also, about halfway across, I traded the standard U-Haul trailer for a low profile model and it made a HUGE difference by cutting off all that wind resistance. Try to get one of those if your stuff will fit in it.

Good luck in your move.

hotbox05 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-06-2007, 01:26 AM

the 22r's can normally tow about 2,000

so have at it .

my 84 reg cab long bed said 2,000 or was it 2,200

either way. it'll be slower than all get out but i'm sure the 22r can do it.

06psd4me · #6 (**permalink**) 08-12-2007, 01:12 PM

When I had my 91 Toyota 4x4 truck with the 22RE engine, I towed my 3100lb boat all the time.

It towed it fine, but I knew it was back there.

I drve that truck for 12 yrs and over 387K. Great little truck.

hilandfrog · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 12:44 AM

Moved the wife, dog, 2 motorcycles and other misc. junk from San Diego to Helena MT.
Didn't go fast, ate some gas, but that 86 4-runner with 220K never droped below 45MPH

Repo

vegasheat · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plarratt

Hi everyone, I'm brand new here, planning a cross country move of household goods, roughly 2000 pounds between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, from Providence RI to Spokane, WA. Would I be straining a 22R pickup (1990-1993 truck, hauling 500 lbs in the bed, 1500 in rented trailer? Or would a V6 be called for, and if so, which Toyota model would be best for this? My alternatives are getting a U-Pack Moving, or leaving my stuff behind. I don't want go over the Continental Divide praying and swaying. Can't afford a newer truck. Any suggestions most appreciated. pl

I bought a 90 SR5 4x4 V6 in Arizona9 years ago...and towed my 1986 300Z back to Las Vegas. It towed fine but was a strain. IMO don't tow with that 4cyl. you will regret it.
Also, If you do decide to rent a trailer, make sure you tell the rental guy that you have a V6 or he might not rent it to you. I almost had that problem when I rented the Car Dolly to tow the Z car. Good Luck!

Peace

Tund-doublecab-4x4 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-06-2007, 02:17 PM

For what its worth, my dad back in the 70's towed an 18 ft. (when closed) Starcraft tent trailer all over the Sierra's with a Toyota P/U. Back then (I believe) you only had one choice and it was a 4banger and manual tranny. He never tried to be the 1st one up the hill, he just took his time and gave himself plenty of room to slow down. He never had a problem in 8 years of towing with it. I can tell you that the truck was always maintained on a regular basis.

If your truck is maintained regularly, I would do it. Just take you time don't be in a hurry.

barron64 · #10 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007, 04:18 PM

How many times have you seen some old Toyota pickup, over loaded with God knows what, just cruising on down the highway while some new super/heavy duty domestic hauls little or nothing? Makes you think. You should have no problem with 2000lbs if you truck is in good shape. Ever wonder why Toyota doesn't make a heavy duty truck? They don't have too!

jmo · #11 (**permalink**) 09-07-2007, 08:13 PM

Hi,

I used to have a 93 extra cab with the 22RE engine, and has been across the continental divide in Colorado more than once, and it could barely sustain 55 mph while crossing over with only a couple hundred pounds of climbing and camping gear in the bed.

I also towed a 2,000 lb canoe trailer (plus gear for 4 in the bed) from Conn to NH and it got me there no problem, but as others have mentioned it was slow going up hills (45 mph max in 3rd gear) on the highways.

Don't get me wrong, it will get you there, as the 22R engine is one of most reliable ever built by anyone (I had a 180,000 miles on it and the original clutch when I finally traded it in) it will just be slow going in some cases

good luck,

jmo