Question - Travel Trailer Tow ability

Yes we are now thinking about purchasing a travel trailer - I want to be in a smaller version - we are "discussing" amongst the family. They are thinking something like a Winnebago Micro Minnie. Dry Weight - 3755 lbs. We are also looking at something a bit larger 4000 lbs. Can we really tow this???

 

Yes you can really tow that the max towable weight is 5k (but that's all in). But a must have: Trailer Brake Controller. Also, when towing, go slow. Keep it under 65MPH and make sure your trailer tires are in good shape before you hit the road (and carry a few spares with you - just in case).

P.S. Check out this section for A TON of education about towing: https://www.4runners.com/forums/towing.64/

 

Thank you!! It seems like once you load it full of stuff it gets close to the max!

 

At 3755-4000# dry, you're looking at really pushing it loaded down. Also look at the tongue weight. I wouldn't want to put more than 400# or so on the hitch.

The 4Runner will tow its max, but you'll have to be patient. Tow in S4, and keep it below 65 MPH. A brake controller is a good idea, as is a transmission cooler. Still, I'd personally try to keep it around 4K loaded, just to have a buffer.

 

If & when you load the trailer, but as much weight towards the front as possible. So it's on the tongue. If the trailer is heavy in the rear, then the "tail will start to wag the dog".

 

thank you!

 

While true to an extent, 10-15% tongue weight is enough to prevent wag. And you need to not load so much stuff in the front that you end up exceeding your GVWR (available payload on these is very low) which also means load things in the trailer, not in the vehicle. Better to have 15lb from that 100lb cooler counting against your payload than all 100lb. And no, a weight distributing hitch does not solve that problem.

 

Also, please consider the use of some kind of attachable towing mirrors. The TT that you're considering is 72" wide.
Even add-on mirrors that are only 4-5" wider than our 4R's mirrors, are going to be a big help in seeing a safe distance behind you when lane changing and backing up.
On a former '98 4R we had, it was equipped with rear airbags, brake controller and I also used a weight distribution hitch while towing a 19' TT, because it put weight back on the front axle to help with steering and braking duties.
That TT was a tandem axle unit with brakes on both axles. I also made my own towing mirrors.

 

"Dry Weight" is very misleading. Most people find that when they've loaded up what they consider essential for camping and then run the trailer over the scales, their actual weight is at least 1000 lbs above the listed dry weight. Water is heavy. And any accessories on the trailer - like air conditioning - are not factored in to dry weight either.

 

4runner doesn't like towing 4k as is. Loaded will very unpleasant, and always in 4th gear

 

Totally agree. It can be very misleading. Also, whenever possible, don't put any fluids in it at all until you get to your campsite. Adding Drinking/Grey/Black water to it BEFORE you set off on your trip adds a lot of weight. 1 gallon of water weighs 8.34lbs If your drinking/grey/black are 20gallons each, then you're adding 500lbs to the weight. That's just liquids. Never mind the other stuff like bedding, dry food, clothing, toiletries and dishes.

More weight = less MPG's when towing.

 

Here is my response from a similar thread. And as stated above, you will never be towing your dry weight. (Cloths/food/drinks/grill/propane/tools etc.)

 

VERY helpful!! Thanks guys!!!