2012 tow vehicle

photocamper · Mar 9, 2013

I have a 2012 Toyota 4Runner rated at 5000 lbs. tow capacity. I'll be pulling a 19 ft. 2000 Hi-Lo Towlite w/ an A/C unit. Anyone with a similar vehicle that can tell me whether the vehicle is under powered, adaquate or pulls without a problem, even in hilly conditions? Do you suggest a WDH/stabilizer with this tandem axle trailer? Thanks for all the help so far with my other questions!

Photocamper

RichR · Mar 9, 2013

Your trailer with AC is about 3300 lb empty plus the weight of any other options like an awning, dual batteries, etc. The rule of thumb is to keep the trailer weight below 80% of the towing capacity of the tow vehicle which makes it 4000 lb. You have to allow for the people and cargo in the TV which deducts off the maximum towing capacity, and for having a bit of extra power for pulling the hills. I would say you are going to be right up close to your 4000 lb once you are loaded and ready to roll.

And, yes to the WDH. It makes everything level and safer. Be sure to get a good brake controller, such as, the Tekonsha Prodigy P2.

campthewestcoast · Mar 9, 2013

It looks like a good match. With a WDH and brake controller. The one thing I see that would help is a transmission cooler. With my tacoma w/ tow package, I got a trans cooler. Not sure w/4runners. You may have to add an aftermarket one.

ToyTruck · Apr 22, 2013

I tow a 17' Hi-Lo rated at 2850 lbs dry with a 2012 4Runner. I use a WDH, although it hardly is necessary with an under 300 lb tongueweight. Tows fine if I keep the revs up as these things don't develop power down low. I use the manual gear selector to avoid "gear hunting" and have not put in a cooler for the transmission. If Toyota says it can do it, then I'm going to tow w/o. Then again, I have a lifetime powertrain warranty.

gus-HILO · Apr 22, 2013

It never hurts to install trans cooler, We replaced few transmissions on 4runners at my shop, Toyota must have really made their transmissions fail proof lately, I suppose you don't have to change fluids either.

renoites · Apr 22, 2013

I have a t-100 and just added a trans cooler.
Your H2O temp gauge will not show any increase, but I did see where the trans fluid had discolored after my trip w/o cooler.

Now is bright red and holding well.

steve

2012 tow vehicle

photocamper

New Member

RichR

Moderator

campthewestcoast

Moderator

ToyTruck

New Member

gus-HILO

Senior Member

renoites

Senior Member

Similar threads

New posts

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days