[Captain Steve]

I just replaced my 1999 Ford F150 4x4 that I used to tow my Z210. The monthly and sometimes weekly repair bills were adding up to more than a payment on a new vehicle. The F150 pulled my rig very easily. The Z210 with 3/4 tank of fuel sitting on the matching Chariot trailer runs 4,600 pounds BTW, according to the DOT certified Cat scale.

The new vehicle is an 08 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 with the V6. I won't be able to try it out until May. Does anybody use a 4Runner to pull a boat of similar weight? I am hoping it works.

[202]

I had 2000 4runner v6 towing 202 which is 300lbs lighter . tow fine on flat land but on steep hill it struggled. The 2000 had a smaller v6 a 3.4 liter. I replaced with Yukon .

[94 Talari]

I use my 1990 V6 4Runner to tow the boat to the lake when I pull the 5th wheel with my truck. It works fine, but it is mostly a flat pull without large hills. The newer model 4Runners have a lot more HP than mine though.

[Captain Steve]

Thanks for the replies. The new 4Runner has a 4 liter V6 that is according to Edmunds rated at 234 hp and 266 ft/lbs torque. I am crossing my fingers it will be enough. The F150 had a 260hp V8. Wish me luck!

[Z 202]

My Grand Cherokee (4.7L V8) posts 235HP and 295Lb-ft of torque. It has no problem pulling my 202 Shebah loaded with gear and fuel.

I'm sure you'll be fine.

[Captain Steve]

OK, folks. I got Big Red out of winter storage and towed her across town using the new 4Runner for the first time. Positives included little rear end sag. Actually a little less than the F150 used to sag. We also moved through town with alacrity. Downside I think will be longer trips with hills, such as the Michigan coast. Pretty hilly getting through there, but I think it will be OK if I take it easy.

Factual information: Big Red on trailer with 3/4 tank of gas and fitted out is 4,600. 4Runner is rated for 5,000 pounds with weight-carrying hitch. The factory hitch pin is noticeably short, by the way, keeping the tongue weight close to the bumper.

Thanks to everybody for their educated replies.

Best regards,

Cap't Steve

[Captain Steve]

Here is the latest. I towed about 1/2 hour from Valpo to LaPorte over hills and dales. The 4Runner did just fine. I did notice that the MPG dropped down from an average 18.5 in town to about 12 to 13. This much I expected, so I think I am all set. Besides, the 4Runner is on a 3-year lease, and I will probably just get a new one when the lease expires. So if the trans blows after the warranty is out, it won't be my problem.

Regards,