Toyota 4 runner Towing capabilities

tonyo35

We had a 320 Boondock and it towed great with our 2019 4 runner.  We sold the 320 and we are now on the cusp of picking up a new Tab 400 Boondock 2022 but want to make sure it will work with the 4 Runner.  What do people think.  We really miss being members of the Tab community. 

Thanks Bohemian Bob

Denny16

Looks like your 4Runner has a 5,000 towing capacity with a 500 lbs toungue weight.  Just pack the TaB400 carefully and you should be fine.  I believe Patrick in Travels with Delany had a 4Runner he towed his TaB400 with.
 Cheers 

XenanMe

We used to tow our Tab 400 with our 2018 4 Runner.  It was good.  A little slower on steep hills but overall no issues.

dsfdogs

I wish my 4Runner had more power towing my 320S on hills. Highway and flat is just fine and comfortable. I'm ready to put a deposit on a 400 but am planning on a larger TV with more HP, torque and gears. Knowing how it feels with the 320S, I don't think I would be happy or comfortable towing the 400 with it. (And I love my 4Runner! It's my second and I really want to keep it). My 320S tongue weight is 265-270# and the 4Runner was squatting 3+", so this year I added Timbren helper springs and now it only squats 1" and the front raises just 1/4". The heavier 400 tongue weight would squat even more. 

Yes, Patrick from Travels with Delaney did tow their 400 with a 4Runner using a weight distribution hitch. They came out to Oregon in 2019, so over mountain passes and all over the NW and he said the 4Runner towed great. Then they got a Tacoma and he said the 4Runner was actually better. 

I suppose @tonyo35 you'll know once you pick up the 400 and see how it feels. I look forward to your impressions.

Denny16

A WDH seems like a good idea with the 4Runner.
 Cheers 

laurh

I have a 2019 4runner & recently acquired a 2021 Tab400BD. I did tow the Tab from MI to MN using a basic hitch. It towed beautifully. The sellers also provided an Equalizer Sway Control Hitch. I have not yet reconfigured the hitch for my 4Runner but plan to do that soon. That should give me comfort & confidence when pulling the packed/loaded Tab. I too love my 4Runners & a major reason for choosing a Tab was the specs work w/the 4Runners capabilities. 

b407driver

Been towing our 2020 400 BDL with a 2016 4Runner, live in CO. It's not optimal (screaming up the passes at 4800 rpm in 2nd gear gets old), but it does it. Absolutely no need for any sway control/WDH, never had a bit of sway. Wouldn't want any more weight than 3000 for the 4Runner/high elevation combo, for sure. 

Horigan

Check your manual for any requirements for sway control. My Highlander says it’s required when towing over 2000 lbs. Also watch your cargo loading/capacity in the 4 Runner. I’ve heard it’s low compared to similar SUVs, like the Highlander. 

GigHarborTom

We bought a 2003 4Runner new in 2002. It did have a V8. Recently went through two Mazdas that we liked, but missed the 4Runner. We now have 2019 4Runner. It has the same towing specs as the 2003, only with the 4 Cyl. Same miliage towing and without.
We use a sway bar. The four banger has less guts than the 2002 or even the Mazdas. Seems to have plenty of power just noticably shifts more. We love it.... I can tell you that we have had next to no maintenance issues with 4Runners than any trailer new or old over the past 20 years.

Sharon_is_SAM

It sounds like the 4Runner is fine with the 320 and on the flat with the 400, but not so much with the 400 in the mountains.

tabiphile

Keep in mind that that the 4 Runner produces maximum torque at 4,400 RPM. It takes some getting used to run a motor at that range to extract full power. Turn the radio up, put your foot to the floor and be sure that you are not using overdrive.

GigHarborTom

Correction the late model is 6 cylinder 4 runner rated at 5,000 tow. We had no problem towing a 20 ft Avion beast over 6 years with our 2003 4runner. One 5900 mile trip, over all major western mountain passes. While rated the same, our older vehicle did have the v8. Never ran RPMs over 3500 I do believe. I did flip out of overdrive at majoor hills for years. Then I was rereading the 03 manual and it stated not to manually shift down even while towing. All that aside, we used to turnover a car every couple years. Loved and miss that 03 4Runner that we kept until 260 thousand miles in late 2001.