4Runner as a Tow Vehicle?

[torenzicht]

Is anyone out there pulling a 22 or longer Tige (the newer models that are 3500+ pounds for boat alone) with a 6 cylinder Toyota 4Runner (2WD). The gross vehicle tow rating is 5300 pounds, so a fully loaded 22i (gas, equipment) would be right around the limit, but I'm more concerned about the ability to successfully pull the boat out of the lake on steeper ramps and the drive home (up and down in the Texas Hill Country).

Any thoughts or personal experiences?

I currently pull a 2100 PRE (and single axle trailer) without a problem, but it is significantly lighter (probably 1000 pounds at least)...

[Dents]

If you are talking about the '03 or newer 4 runner you will be fine pulling the bigger boat. As far as a power stand point the new V6 actually has more horse power than the 4.7 V8 - less torque but still pleanty to pull the bigger boat just fine.

[knelems]

I have a 04 Sequoia LTD 2WD, I know I can't drive over 50 MPH pulling
any of the Tige's!

[bakerds2121]

I think not having a 4x4 on steep, wet ramps will be the problem and you may be under powered. I have a 2WD V-8 Expedition that barely gets by (she struggles on hills) on towing my 22ir (3895lbs + 1100 trailer). I've had to bum a few tows to get off slick ramps. If your looking to buy a tow vehicle get a 4X4 3/4 ton SUV or pickup.

[knelems]

Acually I have a sweet deal with my next door neighbor the local Toyo dealer, I furnish him boats for the year and I get to drive a new Sequoia for the year. He used our new 04 330 Formula three times this year and pulled his grandson once behind our Tige demo!
Happy with my 2WD, we have Big Trucks too!
Karen

[torenzicht]

4Runner

The V6 actually has more horsepower (245) than the V8 (235), so I'm not at all worried about power. I was mainly concerned about towing capacity and the ability to pull up steep slippery ramps. I guess I could always have everyone get in the back seat to weigh me down?

[holiday13]

Towing capacity you would be OK, but the non-4wd thing will really hurt pulling. I have towed a lot with my 2000 4runner, but usually needed 4wd to pull a boat up a ramp

[Dents]

knelems...

does your Sequoia really have problems pulling your boats? I am looking at getting a new Sequoia at the end of this year to pull my 21i and with 235 hp and 315 ft/torque I didnt think there would be any problem pulling these boats???

[knelems]

I would definitely get the 4WD if you are pulling long distances. I just tow occasionally for 10 miles, the SUV seemed fine launching on the ramp but up hills I could tell the difference from my 4WD sub.

[talltigeguy]

I have been pulling my 2002 21V (about 5200 pounds) with my 2003 Sequoia without any problems. It sucks gas (10MPG), but is able to hold a reasonable speed (50+) up even the steepest hills. I wouldn't hesitate to get a sequoia for the boat you are talking about. My 24V comes in this week - I may be talking a different tone about that one.

I also have a Toyota T100 1996 rated to pull 5K. I often used it for short trips to the lake (15 miles). It actually did just fine. I have been thrilled with both vehicles. I wouldn't want to use the truck to pull long distances or many hills, but for the short trips, I actually preferred it.

[cmb22V]

So I decided to test this for you this weekend. I usually use my truck to pull the boat but a buddy has a 4 runner that I thought we would see how it did. He has a Yamaha boat that he normally tows. With his boat, it is fine. With mine (22v) it was terrible. I would highly advise against using a 4 runner for a boat of this size. Not enough torque to move you down the road.

[blr]

not sure if the 4runners are the same as the pathfinders, but an old country friend of mine had a saying that fit very well "it doesn't have enough power to pull a greased string out of a donkeys butt"

[GIZMO]

I have a 4runner and a Tundra. Bought the Tundra because the 4runner couldn't handle it. But we often go to Lake powell, a five hour trip. Pulling underpowered sucks.

GIZMO

[jpeed]

I am pulling a 1998 Tige PRE2200 V drive and a tandem axel trailer with a 1997 4Runner 4WD with a V6. I'd agree with the posts above that say it does not have enough tourque for a boat of that weight. It does fine on slick ramps in 4WD though but it doesn't handle the hills well and struggles to get up to cruising speed.

[TeamAllen]

I would be concerned with the brakes of the 4Runner. I guess if it's rated for that weight they are engineered for it. When I had my Suburban I know the brakes got much larger with the increased payload capabilty (1/2, 3/4 and 1 ton).

I have my boat with a 1994 T100 V6 only for a short trip to the dealer and I found it to be unsatisfactory and felt it was unsafe. Last year I bought a 2003 Tundra V8 and decided to use that instead of my Suburban to trailer from So. Cal. to Lake Powell. I was ammazed at the power it had! I sold my Suburban and bought a 2004 Sequoia. We are towing to Lake Powell again in two weeks. I can't wait to see how it will do. The brakes on the Sequoia are all disc where my Tundra has rear drums.

That trip from So. Cal through the desert and up those steep grades has got to be the worst towing environment possible.