[AlaskaErik]

I do a fair amount of towing, so I have some experience. The first thing you should know is that max tow figures are pretty much useless, meaningless and irrelevant in the towing world. They are nothing more than a bragging rights number. Your real max tow number is the Gross Combined Weight Rating minus the weight of your fully loaded vehicle. The real limiting factor is your payload capacity. You'll run out of payload capacity long before you'll ever run out of max tow rating. Payload capacity can be found on the yellow sticker on the B pillar of your vehicle. Every vehicle has that yellow sticker and that weight is specific to that vehicle, so don't rely on generic payload capacity numbers you find on the internet.

The big issue with smaller vehicles, like the 4Runner, is their V-6 engine. When you're pulling at or near 5000 lbs, it's not going to be a comfortable drive. That engine will be straining any time you go up a hill or mountain. Even my Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V-8 struggled pulling my 5000 lb trailer in the mountains, and it came with a factory tow package. My new Silverado 1500 with the 6.2L engine, 10 speed automatic and max tow package pulls that same trailer easily, even in the mountains. Pulling a trailer that's in the middle of your tow capacity is much more relaxing and easier on the nerves than when you're right up at the limit.

[CTyank]

Thanks!

I recall our little Nimrod trailer blowing a tire somewhere in Kansas in the late 60’s. We were towing with 60? Bel air. Still dont know how my Dad kept it straight.

Anyway, thanks for the info. I looked at a couple Rockwoods and Aliners. Both >3000lbs dry. I cant imagine I’d load those over 4k.