towing with a 4runner

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 6 months ago by milt.

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November 7, 2012 at 12:04 am #301754

maxdm12
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How effective would a toyota 4runner be at towing a Cougar FTD with a 250. The rig should be right at the max towing capacity of the 4runner but I would like to know if it will sway on the interstate or any other feedback someone may have. Thanks.

November 7, 2012 at 2:00 am #301755

NJBass
Participant

One of my club memebers tows an R brand, 18 footer with a 150 with a 2010 4 runner. He loves it and says he has no issues. I know his gas mileage does suffer, as with any vehicle. Personally, I dont feel comfortable towing right at my max towing capacity.

November 7, 2012 at 3:30 am #301756

toledobasser
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Similar vehicles have been discussed a couple of times recently. Its totally understandable to want to tow with a more economical vehicle. The general concensus around here has been that towing is not too much of a problem but stopping is of concern. You can try doing a search up above and see some of the comments.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

November 7, 2012 at 3:00 pm #301757

maxdm12
Participant

Thanks for the help. I am trying to stick with something that has decent fuel economy as I will use the same vehicle(SUV) for work and a lot of driving. From what I can tell the best choices with regard to fuel economy are the 4runner or the ML350. I have had a 4runner and pulled a 19.6 ft boat that would sway at 70 mph. This was before toyota increased the the wheel track by about an inch. I test rode this model with the same boat and it did not sway. Since this time I purchased a Cougar. I suspect I will see if the dealership of each will let me tow my boat to see how it does on the interstate.

November 7, 2012 at 7:16 pm #301758

fishmagnet
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maxdm12 wrote:……….I suspect I will see if the dealership of each will let me tow my boat to see how it does on the interstate.Good luck with that!The Toy will pull that Cougar just fine. As mentioned, hard acceleration or panic braking will be your biggest worries, especially braking in the rain.I pulled a 96 P-II with a 4-Runner for a couple of years, finally sold the Toy and purchased a Tahoe…….no regrets. Not that big of a difference in MPGs either, maybe 1 or 2.

November 9, 2012 at 5:36 pm #301759

BIGCATTER
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I must agree with a few other posts . — Plenty of GO , but nowhere near enough WHOA !!

November 12, 2012 at 3:45 am #301760

ctford
Participant

Ford Escape Ecoboost. 22/30 mileage and 5,000lbs towing package. Father-in-law just got one. something like 230hp to 250hp, 270 torque. That thing is strong as all get-out and has 17″ wheels that grip like crazy. I dont know what the long term will be but it is impressive now.

November 18, 2012 at 4:53 pm #301761

maxdm12
Participant

Thanks for all the feedback. It all was accurate and helpful. The toyota and the ml350 both pulled well with the 350 a little more stable. A hard brake on both produced some minmal skidding. I think the same in rain at a higher speed would be something to be careful of going forward. The Ford ecoboost did a great job and has a lot of stability. All had great fuel economy. Thanks again this information headed me in the right direction.

November 18, 2012 at 4:55 pm #301762

maxdm12
Participant

I neglected to add all the dealers were helpful and will let you tow before you purchase. The Tahoe does a great job as well. I own one now and am trading it in for other reasons not due to performance or fuel economy. The difference is exactly as someone mentioned 1 to 2 mph between the Tahoe and others.

November 19, 2012 at 6:06 pm #301763

milt
Participant

Not sure what the price difference is on the 4runner, but I know the Tacomas can get pretty pricey. And if I was looking at those two, I would opt up to the Tundra V-8. Plenty of GO and lots of WHOA. If you dont go crazy you are in at 30k roughly. Yes you need to mind your towing speed in order to not kill your MPG.
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