Introduction
The iconic Toyota 4Runner is well known as a great family vehicle and a very capable off-road machine. When you combine family fun with a factory off-road beast like the 4runner, the need to tow stuff safely is a vital component that often gets overlooked until the SUV is seriously sagging and swaying. Without proper 4Runner suspension upgrades, you may find yourself in an unsafe situation.
This article lists the things you can do to transport your family and your camping gear safely from point A to point B while on the trail by answering the following questions:
What is the GVWR of a Toyota 4Runner?
Can a 4Runner tow 7000 lbs?
Can a Toyota 4Runner tow a camper?
Stock vs Aftermarket Suspension helpers: Is Upgrading Worth the Effort?
Do helper springs increase my GVWR?
How can I upgrade my 4Runner Suspension to tow safely?
What is the GVWR of a Toyota 4Runner?
GVWR stands for “Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.” This is the measurement that is attached to most commercial vehicles, from lightweight pickups to the largest 18-wheelers allowed on roadways. Put simply, GVWR is designed to consider the total weight of the vehicle, measured by 1) the base curb weight of the vehicle and 2) the weight of optional accessories, cargo, and the operator/passengers. The GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) for the Toyota 4Runner is 6100 lb.
GCVWR stands for “Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating.” This is a specialized weight rating that can only be established by the manufacturer of the chassis. A vehicle’s GCWR is the maximum allowable combined mass of a road vehicle, the passengers and cargo in the tow vehicle, plus the mass of the trailer and cargo in the trailer. It’s determined by adding the GVWR of the truck to the GVWR of the trailer. Mainly, the GCWR is used in vehicle testing to determine a range of safety trials, most notably, the braking capabilities for the towing vehicle chassis braking system.
Can a 4Runner tow 7000 lbs?
The Toyota 4Runner can carry up to five passengers, store a ton of cargo, and take you through off-road terrain with comparative ease. But what can the 4Runner tow? Maybe the question should be “What can’t a 4Runner tow?”
Most V6 models can tow up to 5,000 lbs while virtually all V8 models can tow up to 7,300 lbs. (Check your owner's manual for exact specifications.)
Can a Toyota 4Runner tow a camper?
The 4Runner is one of Toyota's most iconic vehicles representing quality of form and function. Built between 1984 and the present, there's a huge difference between the first generation 4Runner and what’s available today, including a few more off-road-style models like the TRD, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. Over the years there have been five generations of the 4Runner SUV, ranging from the four-cylinder-powered, solid-axled SUVs with a base price of $10,298 to today's modern V-6-powered 4Runner with the TRD package ranging from $37,305 to $52,120.
4Runners with V6 engines can haul small camper trailers such as Airstream. 4Runners with V8 engines have no problem towing most fifth wheels (with an automated safety hitch). Tow rating (GCWR) of today’s redesigned 4Runners jumped to 7,700 pounds for 2WD models or 8,100 pounds for 4WD models with a GVWR of 5,350 pounds.
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Stock vs Aftermarket Suspension helpers: Is Upgrading Worth the Effort?
First of all, you need to understand that the stock suspension on an RV like the 4Runner has its limitations. A trailer with a tongue weight of 500 pounds will cause the rear end to squat. When the rear suspension no longer sits level, the front end is going to sit too high which will impact the steering and the overall stability of the tow vehicle.
Secondly, if the vehicle is taken off-road, trying to navigate over rough terrain will likely cause bottoming out and loss of control. In order to protect the vehicle and provide added safety, an aftermarket suspension upgrade is highly recommended.
In case you missed it, upgrading your suspension is definitely worth it!
Do helper springs increase my GVWR?
Many people have a major misconception about helper springs. They think that helper springs will increase the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of their vehicle. Therefore, they believe that it’s okay to load more weight to the vehicle than is recommended by the manufacturer.
Here’s the truth! Helper springs will increase the spring rate of the suspension, but they will not increase the GVWR. Why? Because GVWR takes into account things like the axles, frame, suspension and tires. These various components can only bear so much weight. It really doesn’t matter by how much your helper springs have been rated. If you put too much weight on the vehicle, something’s gonna bend, break or crack. Let’s face it, you can only put so many elephants in the trunk!
How can I upgrade my 4Runner Suspension to tow safely?
For maximum safety and control, we recommend you use easy-to-install Timbren SES upgrades. Of all the aftermarket products available, SES upgrades are going to give you more bang for your buck. That’s because every SES kit is guaranteed to keep your vehicle level, add more stability, and reduce road shock. Install an SES kit today and tow with confidence.
Conclusion
We can all agree that the Toyota 4Runner is a quality SUV that performs well on and off road. But like any vehicle, it has it limits. In order to increase towing safety, it’s recommended that you install a set of helper springs to the existing suspension to prevent squatting, increase stability (reduce roll and sway), and maintain maximum control while navigating rough, off-road terrain.
The only product that will guarantee for you maximum towing safety is Timbren SES. Install a set and tow with confidence.
