Does a 2016 4R SR5 Premium need a rear suspension upgrade to tow up to 5,000 lbs

I have a 2016 Toyota SR5 Premium 4x4 and looking to purchase an inTech Horizon camper trailer, single axel, GVWR of 4,000 lbs. and a tongue weight of 495 lbs. I am installing a sway bar for the trailer but am concerned with the 4Runner being able to tow this much weight without too much degradation with performance (especially towing uphill).

Also would like input on if I should upgrade the rear suspension with better shocks and springs.

Appreciate your feedback, suggestions, personal experience, and advice.

Thank you.

Robert

 

you will need to upgrade the rear springs/shocks for sure and add aftermarket rear bumpstops.

 

Air bags?

https://trail4runner.com/2023/08/07/firestone-coil-rite-air-bag-kit-5th-gen-4runner/

 

i think a properly chosen spring will perform better that stuffing an airbag inside a stock coil, but them again Im not a frequent tower.

and if the air bag fails, youre screwed.

 

Inflating as needed to tow was my thought process. Won't affect ride when not towing.

I would assume heavy springs would stiffen the ride.

 

My T13 coils were only 13% stiffer gave 1.5” lift over the stockers but prevents a lot of squatting when i load it up. Unloaded it doesnt give that stiff bouncey ride. Love my set up.

 

You're going to get a serious degradation in performance. Like forget about using 5th gear while towing. You're going to want to run in "S" mode and shift accordingly. There will be times on grades where you might be in 2nd gear at high RPM, low speed. You might want to consider an aftermarket transmission cooler. Definitely get a good brake controller, and I highly recommend a weight distribution/anti sway hitch. I'm not talking out of my ass here. I know a thing or two about towing at the edge of the 4Runner envelope. It can be done, just be smart about it.

 

Air bags would be my choice because I have them on mine.
But towing 4,000+ lbs. will be the issue. That is a lot to drag around on flat ground and in the hills & mountain grades, our 4R's are put to the test.
I'm not going say that a gear ratio change is needed but, it would be beneficial for the tow vehicle.
If you're only doing it once or twice a season, enjoy the scenery and don't forget the tow mirrors.
JonnyLaw likes to see those. Please don't be that guy that can't see traffic stacked up behind you.

 

That camper is awesome love it!

TimG

 

I loved it too. Too bad the QC is so terribly bad across all makes of RV manufacturers. Ended up selling it because of it. I thought Airstream might have been immune. They were not. If you're looking for one, buy something pre-2020.

 

I've used www.airliftcompany.com on 2 of my Tundras.

I highly doubt they will fail towing only 5k lbs. I've towed the boat every weekend no issues.

On the Tacoma I have www.activesuspension.com.

The air bags support the rear a lot better. But the ride is a lot harsher than the road active suspension. Tacoma is my DD now so I prefer not having bags but it still gets some support if I need to tow.

 

I use Super Springs progressive bump stops in my Tundra. I tow a 23 foot trailer. I liked them so much I put them on my 4Runner. For me they were a better option than air bags. Install was under 10min

 

Thanks for all the input. After continued research and feedback from my 4R friends, definitely adding the following to my rig:

1. Replacement of my current brakes (rotors & pads) with the
   $465 Power Stop K5874-36 Front and Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors For Lexus GX460 Toyota 4Runner [Application Specific]
   Power Stop K5874-36 Front and Rear Z36 Truck & Tow Brake Kit, Carbon Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads and Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors
2. Installation of a Transmission Cooler
3. Installation of Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES)
4. Installation of the REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty Electric Brake Controller
5. Purchase of the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch
6. (Optional) Possible Installation of Upgraded rear springs, shocks, and struts. Will wait and see how my 4Runner performs during the first few outings.