Towing with my Toyota 4Runner

[geedubcpa]

I have a toyota 4runner - it is supposed to be maxed out at 5000 lbs. I have always been told to subtract about 20% from the max. That would give me a max realistic towing of 4000lbs

Anyone have experience towing an airstream in the 25-27 foot range with a 4runner? I believe the 27 foot is just under 4000lbs.

Any opinions on how well this would work. We mainly will be going less than 20 miles to local campgrounds.

I should also mention that I have a weight distribution hitch for my current TT.

gw

[SteveH]

I tow a small trailer (17' Casita) with a Toyota FJ Cruiser, and I believe it's the same drive train as your 4 Runner. It does a good job with the Casita, but it's only 3500 pounds. Don't think I'd want to tow a 27 footer with it, or even a 25. Maybe a 19. Just my opinion.

[TouringDan]

gw

Towing 4,000 lbs is fine for your Forerunner, but I don't believe that a 27 ft Airstream is anywhere close to 4,000 lbs. I believe it is over 5,000 lbs dry. I have a 66 Tradewind, 24', and it is considered a lightweight and still weighs about 4,200 lbs dry. I would think about keeping it under 20' and maybe go for a single axle.

Dan

[MrUKToad]

If you search the Forum on "4Runner" you'll find a few threads that relate to that vehicle. Plenty of people use them but I believe there are some issues surrounding their towing ability.

[Bill M.]

My '88, 25' Excella is 6800 GVW. The newer ones are wider and heavier.

[moosetags]

A late model 25 or 27 foot Airstream is going to tip the scales well over 7,000# with a tongue upward of 750#.

Brian

[Friday]

I did not like the feeling towing my 22' with our 2011 4runner... there was something odd and twitchy about it and it just wasn't a confident feeling in the winding mountains we call home. For your short trips, it wouldn't be so bad.

You will be over or near max with a 25, esp if there is anything in it. Again, for your short trips, with the right WD setup you probably won't blow it up, but it won't be any rocketship.

We ditched our 4runner for a Sequoia... no comparison.