Montero Towing?

[speedtre]

I recently purchased a VERY clean '99 Montero with the winter package (lockers). My intention was to use it for a summer camping trip out west (4-6 weeks) and I planned on getting a light-weight offroad trailer with a RTT on it as well. Well, my wife has informed me that she is not crazy about the RTT setup and would much prefer a pop-up camper setup for this type of trip (which I realize will also keep us more on the beaten path as well :( ). I know the Montero would pull it just fine on flatland and some limited hill pulling like we see in the North Ga mountains, but on this trip we are talking about spending alot of time in the much bigger mountains out west so I'm concerned about the Montero's ability to tow under those circumstances. So, for those of you with experience, do you think the Montero is up to it or should I just bite the bullet and start looking for a 4x4 Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon?

[LaOutbackTrail]

I've only pulled my 4x8 loaded with junk.... and a few stuck cars:elkgrin:.... so far.

I think the power of the Montero will be adequate. The ponies that the V6 put out was one of the reasons why I picked up a Monty. You may consider leaving the tires close to stock size so that you aren't lugged down by that also.
What size camper are you looking at anyways and for how many people? You may be able to modify the suspension so that you can get the it offroad more. BUT even better than that, you will be able to set the camper up somewhere and taking off in the truck!

[off-roader]

Or upgrade to either a 94-96 SR's 4.6:1 ring and pinion gears or the 4.9:1 gears out of the later Montero Sports.

[zukrider]

i would think that with the HP, the reputably stout trans, and factory trans cooler and such, it should do just fine with a pop up behind it. also, when in doubt, leave it in 3rd gear instead of drive.

offroader- with the 4.9's, is it any montero sport, or a certain package? i see these in my local yards quite often.

[Justice R]

Factory rated to tow 5K pounds, you will be fine. It has a nice trans cooler from the factory too.

[speedtre]

Does the trans cooler come on all '99 Monteros or is it part of the tow package? I don't think mine has the tow package because where the tow hitch would be is just an attached D-ring....

[off-roader]

Does the trans cooler come on all '99 Monteros or is it part of the tow package? I don't think mine has the tow package because where the tow hitch would be is just an attached D-ring....
From what I've seen... ALL have had them.

[speedtre]

Thanks all for the info... :)