4Runner RV Length ?

I am looking at buying a trailer and wondering what the max length I should consider. I know the max weight is 5000 and I shouldn’t go over 3000lb dry, maybe even less.

I have bought a redarc brake control.

 

You'll have a hard time finding a trailer that weighs less than 5k over 30ft. The longer the trailer, the more the weight.

 

I personally think that the length isn't really the limiting factor. A longer trailer will generally tow better if all else is equal.

I'd focus on weight, tongue weight, and features.

You're on the right track, having already bought a brake controller.

General notes, even though it seems like you've done some homework:

Tow in S4. Be prepared to knock it into S3 on a good incline. You can probably bump it into S5 on a down grade, and in flat areas if you're not experiencing a headwind.

Keep it at 65 MPH or less. At high speeds, you're fighting wind more than the weight of the trailer.

Take your time, don't be in a hurry, and embrace the slowness of the 4Runner! You, and the vehicle will be much happier this way.


Also, Welcome to the forum!!!

 

@Thatbassguy thank you! Do you think 3000 lb dry is pushing it? I haven’t ever towed with the 4Runner before.

 

Honestly, I think it will come down to the environment and your expectations.

I've towed over the limit twice due to unexpected circumstances. I haven't been disappointed. But, I accept that I'm not making any sudden moves.

I personally wouldn't worry about 3K at all. Just keep an eye on how much weight you're putting in the cargo area.

It's going to be SLOW! But, you'll get there.

 

3K you will be fine flat.

Any hills your 4R will hate you. Towed my old boat must of been 3500# fully loaded and the 4R hated me up hill.

 

The guideline I've heard is based on tow vehicle wheelbase:
110" of wheelbase is good for a 20 foot trailer.
Every additional 4" of wheelbase gets you another foot of trailer.

The 4Runner has a wheelbase right about 110", so that would just be the 20 foot max length.

I personally don't know anything about the math or rationale that goes into these numbers, but I've seen it in several locations, including publications by Airstream.

Like others have said, focusing on the weight first will inherently limit the length of the trailers you consider.

 

That said, I don't think anything magically happens at 21 feet, or if you strap a bike to the back of a 20 foot trailer, for example. It's probably just a best practice, like aiming to tow no more tha 80% of rated capacity.

 

Whatever size/weight trailer you getting I would suggest getting a weight distributing hitch, learn how to properly set it up(it's set up with your actual trailer connected, if you change to a different trailer it's needs to be set up again for that trailer), it will transfer some of the weight/load via the frame to the front of your T4R leveling it out, making for a much better and safer towing experience.

 

I had a Jayco 154BH dry weight 2,700lbs. Very nice trailer in and out. 18' I believe. Safe towing rule of thumb, trailer should be 60-70% of your towing capacity. (Consider if you are going to tow with a full water tank, beer supplies, etc.)

 

YES, YES, YES!

 

Something I hadn't considered before might be the amount of wind a longer trailer would catch in a crosswind, and how much harder it would be to fight with a shorter wheelbase.

 

I did a quick search just out of curiosity and found that the half dozen travel trailers I saw at 3000 lb top out around 21-22 feet. I’m sure there are others out there that are different but a quick search indicates with your 3000lb limit you are looking at up to 21-22 ft in length.

 

You don't always need one, I didn't with my trailer and 4runner. Consult with a reputable towing shop

 

A weight Distribution Hitch also helps with sway. If and when you may need it, and it's not there, Pucker Time!

 

Trailer towing speed limit for California is 55mph. Not much I agree with regarding California Laws...that one I'm good with.

 

I would be fine with this in Wisconsin, as well. I think it's 65 here. But, it's never enforced.

 

It's not enforced, at least not often enough to scare anyone. I frequently get passed by semis towing container trailers when I drive 65 in the slow lanes and they just keep going further away. Same thing with pickups towing all sorts of things in the fast lanes going 70+.

California puts a lot of laws on the books but good luck understanding how they actually apply them.

 

Something to consider with regard to towing speed is that many trailer tires are only rated to 65mph (just another reason to stay under that). It can be hard to go 65 when everyone else is going 75-80...

 

…..and if you blow a tire in a injury accident and it can be proven you were going too fast….lawsuit city.