Bewildered newbie sort of

[Tin Trekkers]

We have a Toyota 4Runner, 4.7 V8, 4 WD with the best towing package and hitch system then available. We have purchased a 2007 23 Safari SE which included a Reese 800# Weight Distribution Kit W/Dual Cam Sway Control from Colonial Airstream. The Reese fits our hitch receiver well and once the break controller connections are completed the electronics will be compatible according to the dealer.

Question 1: Is this towing system reasonably sufficient for a planned trip to Yellowstone next summer?

We have to replace the tires on the 4Runner (normal size P265/65R17). Our intention was to replace them with LT 265/65LTX17. However, we have run into some confusing advice. We are being advised to purchase a narrower light truck tire (LT245 / or 235...) with an 'E' load range while others are suggesting a wider tire (LT275...).

Question 2: Can anyone give us information regarding going to a narrower or wider tire and if the load rating 'E' is adequate or if load rating 'D' would be equally acceptable with safety being paramount?

Question 3: Does anyone think that the narrower tires will significantly increase the breaking distances and or nominal down hill resistance given there is less tire on the road?

We will welcome and value any input / suggestions from all.

[Aviator]

Claude & Marianne,

You haven't mentioned the tow rating for the 4Runner. Since you are dealing with Colonial, I will guess that it is adequate. The E rated tires will give you better support for the weight transferred via the hitch to the truck axles. You will have minimal change to stopping distance especially since the four brakes on the trailer will be helping as well.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Aviator,

You are thinking LTX?= Michelin.

The LTX is a great tire!!, have them on our Burb and am very pleased with the performance both towing and not.

The E rated direct replacement,(size),will work very well and most likely will not require a re-program of the vehicle computer to compensate for a difference in tire height.

Bob

[dkottum]

1. We tow with a 2006 Tundra 4.7 and it works very well. Never tow in overdrive, engine rpm is too low (it will keep shifting up and down) and we do not notice difference in fuel use. Shift down to climb and descend steep grades and keep speed down for safety.

2. On good advice, we switched to a narrower and extra load XL235/6517 tire. Dramatic stability improvement because the tread width is the same as the wheel rim width and the XL tire is much stiffer than the P rated. Minimum side-to-side movement of the truck, you can see it by rocking the back of your truck and watch the P-rated tires move sideways. The new tire is less tall, so the truck pulls a little stronger. Switching to a wider tire would make the handling worse.

3. I suppose if you locked the brakes somehow it would skid more. The truck weight doesn't change and the narrower diameter tire improves the strength of the brakes. You also have trailer brakes. Try to avoid this occasion by slowing down on wet roads and grades, and plenty of following distance in traffic, always a good habit.

doug k

[dkottum]

Do expect that a switch to heavier load tires, although dramatically better for towing, will be a rougher ride in your truck. You'll feel all the road imperfections. If the factory equipped light trucks and SUV's with appropriate tires, they wouldn't sell many.

doug k

[murreywalker]

I can give you the answer to your question 1.

We too, have the Reese Dual Cam, and it works as advertised.

Only caveat. We have a MB and if the brake controller isn't set a little high, the "stinger" of the dual cam hitch, can wobble, or clunk in the receiver.

I've been assured by Reese, this does not affect the reliability of the hook up.

Good luck!