The infamous tow question. Where is the line between easy to two and a little hairy?

I have a 2000 6cyl limited. I know that I should be as far south of the 5000lb tow capacity as possible, but I'm interested in some opinions.


I'm in the market for a small travel trailer. I'm on a budget and need something with a bathroom, a bed, and a burner, which is hard to find in a unit not infested with mold/rot. I'm really trying to stay under 20ft from hitch to end but, again, that's a tall order.


I found two units that might fit the bill. One is a fully fiberglass unit that comes in at only 2100lbs dry, but it's a little out of budget and I'm worried it might have mold in the insulation. But I like it because it's only 19ft and not too tall.

the second is a rockland roo 21b, and it is 2600lbs dry. It's in stellar condition and closer to my budget, but I'm a little nervous tow with it.


I've never towed in my 4Runner, and I've only towed boat trailers in big suburbans before, so I'm a little nervous.

 

I pulled a u-haul auto transport trailer that they list as 2200 and something pounds loaded with a 1700 pound '66 VW back when I had my 3rd gen. Glendale, CA to Tempe, AZ without a hiccup.

 

Don't be scared kind sir. Use that thing

 

I've towed my 4500 lb boat/trailer to the lake for years without issues. It's relatively flat terrain and I won't go above 55mph. If you keep it around 3000 lbs, you should be fine as long as you're not towing on curvy mountain roads. With the 4runner's short wheelbase and less than stellar brakes, turn off the overdrive and keep the speed down.

 

Have a separate transmission cooler if you are going to be approaching the max limits. The cooling systems should be in tiptop shape if you plan on working the engine hard.

But you can do it.