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.
2005 39' Land Yacht 390 XL 396
Common Sense
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 5,319
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.
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg
, Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
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.
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.
__________________
Steve; also known as Mr UK Toad
2006 22' International CCD
2007 Base Camp
Elk Valley
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 657
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.
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