4Runner 2006 2WD V6

dpiddy · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 07:45 PM

I'm considering the purchase of a travel trailer with a GVWR of 5,000 pounds. Is this within reason for an '06 4Runner with 2WD, V6, and the factory tow package?

I've read of wide range of stories from "don't even think about it" to "you'll be fine". I'd like to hear from people who have on '05 or newer 4Runner with the V6 and 2WD.

Thanks!

Only Toyota for me · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpiddy

I'm considering the purchase of a travel trailer with a GVWR of 5,000 pounds. Is this within reason for an '06 4Runner with 2WD, V6, and the factory tow package?

I've read of wide range of stories from "don't even think about it" to "you'll be fine". I'd like to hear from people who have on '05 or newer 4Runner with the V6 and 2WD.

Thanks!

That is the max (5000lbs) you can pull with the 4runner with the proper setup. Unfortunately the v-6 runners only have a weight carrying hitch, it is not a towing type hitch like the one's on the v-8. Also your truck doesn't have a transmission cooler either. You MUST have a tranny cooler to pull that trailer, and you must replace the hitch as well.

My opinion, you won't be satisfied with the power or the way it handles the weight.

dkizerian · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 02:25 PM

My wife has a 2006 v6 4x4 4runner, and I had planned on using it to tow my old flat trailer and race car, which weighed slightly less than 5000 lbs.

I towed a couple of times, but never felt all that safe. The trailer would move the 4runner around quite easily, the trans always felt a bit strained, and the brakes always felt like a weak spot.

The trailer for the most part was a dream to tow with my 03 dodge 3/4, 84 ford f150, my dad's t100(except brakes), and with my 07 tundra, but her 4runner just seemed a little out-sized/weighed by the trailer.

YMMV.

2006doublecab · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 04:26 PM

I'm not sure how closely my 97 4x4 SR5 4runner matches up to your 4runner but, I'll share my opinions.

We used to go camping and we would load up:

2 slightly overweight adults, 3yo with car seat, to 60lbs dogs, closthes and sleeping bags in the SUV.

on the trailer we'd have:

1000 lbs flatbed trailer 10' plus the tongue, 600lb quad, 300lb dirtbike, 120 lb minibike, and plus 900 to 1200 lbs of camping equiptment like: condo tents, chairs, portapotty, 30 gallons of water, portable hotwater heater, fire wood, EZ ups etc...(yes, even the kitchen sink went with us).

Doing the math I think we were around 4200lbs. in addition to the SUV weight, between car and trailer. As long as we were able to maintain (or gear up)our speed going into a hill we could carry the speed limit (or in most cases above) over the hill. That includes the Sierra's going to Tahoe or to NV. The SUV was working for sure but, seemed very happy in doing so.

You can't be afraid to rev. you six cyl. My 4runner was 9.5 years old had 150K miles and still did just fine with the weight.

dpiddy · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 05:30 PM

Thanks for the responses, all.

Hey 2006doublecab: How did the brakes feel? Did you have a regular weight carrying hitch or a weight distributing hitch? Tranny cooler?

I have at least one anecdote from someone doing the exact same thing I want to do (using an older 4Runner with less power) and it's good to hear 2006doublecab's story, too. I think I'll give it some more thought though. I guess I'll talk to some trailer dealers and my Toyota dealer. Another option is a small, used, class C motorhome but I'd prefer the travel trailer route at this point. I like the get-up-and-go aspect (without having to disconnect utilities, strap everything down, etc., etc.).

If anyone else has any experiences, please send them my way!

Thx.

Marazzito · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 11:35 AM

Your 4.0 will have plenty of power to pull your trailer and is not scared to be rev'd to keep speed. The 5 speed transmission is much stronger than the old 4 speed transmissions and is built to handle the power of the V8. You would absolutely want a transmission cooler and a good brake controller. No it wont tow as good as a Tundra or even a V8 4runner, but it will get the job done safely as long as you respect the speed limits and keep a safe distance. I tow a 6,000 lb with my Tacoma, I have a longer wheel base so that helps as far as stability goes and my car trailer doesn't have the wind resistance that a travel trailer does, but the Tacoma is happy to pull hard to keep speed on steep grades.

GRHebard · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2008, 08:39 PM

this thread gives me hope that I can tow with my v6 2wd tundra

Marazzito · #8 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRHebard

this thread gives me hope that I can tow with my v6 2wd tundra

The 3.4 will really work hard, probably struggle if your towing more than 3,000 lbs or so.

GRHebard · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 08:06 PM

yeah, I'll be towing like 4300 lbs
I don't mind it being a little difficult as long as nothing blows up

If I start doing long trips I might invest in a tranny cooler. At least that's what I've read I should do, I'm still hella newb

Only Toyota for me · #10 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRHebard

yeah, I'll be towing like 4300 lbs
I don't mind it being a little difficult as long as nothing blows up

If I start doing long trips I might invest in a tranny cooler. At least that's what I've read I should do, I'm still hella newb

I would highly recomend you get one before you tow anywhere.

We towed our 4000lb toyota boat with our 99 4runner for a while until i noticed the trans fluid turning brown. Not good.

First thing i did was get a good tranny cooler put on it, and the fluid never changed colors again. BTW, the runner had the same 3.4 motor in it and was fairlly new at the time.

dpiddy · #11 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 12:47 AM

Can anyone recommend a good transmission cooler that's meant to fit a 2006 4Runner V6 2WD. The ones I've seen so far seem to suggest that they're only for the V8 (?).

2006doublecab · #12 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpiddy

Thanks for the responses, all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpiddy

Hey 2006doublecab: How did the brakes feel? Did you have a regular weight carrying hitch or a weight distributing hitch? Tranny cooler?

I have at least one anecdote from someone doing the exact same thing I want to do (using an older 4Runner with less power) and it's good to hear 2006doublecab's story, too. I think I'll give it some more thought though. I guess I'll talk to some trailer dealers and my Toyota dealer. Another option is a small, used, class C motorhome but I'd prefer the travel trailer route at this point. I like the get-up-and-go aspect (without having to disconnect utilities, strap everything down, etc., etc.).

If anyone else has any experiences, please send them my way!

Thx.

The brakes ....not great but, okay. I always gave myself plenty of room to slow down. I had a couple of "quick" stops early on and learned.
After towing for that weight for 3-4 years I did notice the rotors starting to worp.

I used the hitch that came with the truck with the orig. tow package from Toyota. same with the cooler.

No weight dist. hitch. was used.

JungleJim · #13 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRHebard

yeah, I'll be towing like 4300 lbs
I don't mind it being a little difficult as long as nothing blows up

If I start doing long trips I might invest in a tranny cooler. At least that's what I've read I should do, I'm still hella newb

Direct from Toyota....you don't need a transmission cooler for anything less than 5000 lbs.. If it did, Toyota would require it.

If you put the V8 "WD" hitch on it and add the transmission cooler, the V6 tow limit goes up to 6400 for the 2WD.
The V6 is a very capable engine. Just watch the trailer length (V6 or V8).

Marazzito · #14 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JungleJim

Direct from Toyota....you don't need a transmission cooler for anything less than 5000 lbs.. If it did, Toyota would require it.

If you put the V8 "WD" hitch on it and add the transmission cooler, the V6 tow limit goes up to 6400 for the 2WD.
The V6 is a very capable engine. Just watch the trailer length (V6 or V8).

Where did you get this information from. It doesn't shock me, because the Tacoma is rated at 6,500 lbs but it is lighter with a longer wheelbase. But I thought the V6 4runner came with a class III hitch (limited to 5,000lbs.) do you have to upgrade the hitch to?

I very much agree that the 4.0 is a capable engine and the limiting factor will deffinetely be the wheelbase. I would absolutely get a WDH with sway control and a transmission cooler if your trailer is over 3,500 lbs especially if you plan to tow very often.