Towing our cars w/ a 2011 Toyota 4Runner (Limited)

[sperkins]

In a bit of a quandary. I’d like to try Buttonwillow this year, but there’s no way my old body can handle a 4.5 hr drive with the m3 in its current track setup.
I’d like to trailer it using my daughter’s (on loan from mom & dad) 4runner.

I use to haul around a 20ft ski boat with no issue, but I’m afraid the m3 and a U-Haul trailer are above the Toyota’s tow capacity of 5k.

The funny thing is that the U-Haul website gives me the green light after I plug in all the specs.

I think I already know what the correct thing to do is, but wanted some feedback from you towing warriors.

-Steve

[Scrippy]

So I’ve towed my M3 with my V6 Tacoma a bunch of times. Is your 4Runner a V6 or 4? The 6 will handle it just fine. I have a lowboy trainer with a toolbox at the front and I have no issues.

[sperkins]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

So I’ve towed my M3 with my V6 Tacoma a bunch of times. Is your 4Runner a V6 or 4? The 6 will handle it just fine. I have a lowboy trainer with a toolbox at the front and I have no issues.

Mine is the V6. What year is your Tacoma?

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by sperkins

Mine is the V6. What year is your Tacoma?

2012 full bed.

[roastbeef]

if you're coming from norcal, the drive is going to be relatively flat. you're probably good if you're able to get the tongue weight correct.

[sperkins]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

if you're coming from norcal, the drive is going to be relatively flat. you're probably good if you're able to get the tongue weight correct.

Yep hills and grades aren’t a concern. I’m trying to figure out the tongue weight, and how it correlates to the actual towing capacity of 5K.

[Ximian]

Originally Posted by sperkins

Yep hills and grades aren’t a concern. I’m trying to figure out the tongue weight, and how it correlates to the actual towing capacity of 5K.

The recommendation is that tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the weight of the trailer and vehicle being towed. What part of the range you're in depends on the stability while driving so takes a bit of trial and error. You can also move the vehicle on the trailer forward and backwards past the usual spots to adjust for more or less tongue weight.

500 to 750 lbs for tongue weight isn't a lot to work with but doable. But it seems the maximum tongue weight for the 4runner is 500 lbs so you'll be at the low end of the recommended range.

This is a risky situation outside of ideal weather conditions and types of roads.

[sperkins]

Originally Posted by Ximian

The recommendation is that tongue weight should be 10 to 15% of the weight of the trailer and vehicle being towed. What part of the range you're in depends on the stability while driving so takes a bit of trial and error. You can also move the vehicle on the trailer forward and backwards past the usual spots to adjust for more or less tongue weight.

500 to 750 lbs for tongue weight isn't a lot to work with but doable. But it seems the maximum tongue weight for the 4runner is 500 lbs so you'll be at the low end of the recommended range.

This is a risky situation outside of ideal weather conditions and types of roads.

This unfortunately is the conclusion i keep coming to. I wonder if my wife will notice if I swap her Macan for a Cayenne 'S' ??

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by sperkins

Yep hills and grades aren’t a concern. I’m trying to figure out the tongue weight, and how it correlates to the actual towing capacity of 5K.

if you think towing is going to be a regular thing and you haven't already bought a hitch, check out weighsafe. they make quality hitches that display the tongue weight.

[sperkins]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

if you think towing is going to be a regular thing and you haven't already bought a hitch, check out weighsafe. they make quality hitches that display the tongue weight.

Good tip. That’s an interesting soulution.