3rd gen 4runner's not cutting it for towing - 4th gen V6 the answer?

[Martinjmpr]

Well, I had suspected it ever since we took our Teardrop up to the mountains back in March, but after getting back from a week long trip to the West Coast (Oregon and CA), it's official: As nice as my 3rd gen is for an all-around off-roader, its 183HP/217lb ft just doesn't cut it when pulling our heavy trailer over the mountains.

Although I had briefly considered going to an Xterra (for the simple reason of being able to obtain a manual transmission) I have come to the conclusion that the Xterra is too small and that it would be too much of a step down in terms of accomodations. For that reason, I'm looking at a 4th gen 4runner to replace the 3rd gen. Most likely I will be looking at a 2005 - 2007 V6 model.

I know lots of people would suggest the V8 for the additional power, but my preference is for the V6 for a few reasons: I prefer the multi-mode transfer case to the full-time 4wd of the V8 primarily because of MPG concerns (wife's Grand Vitara has full time 4wd and gets terrible mileage.) Also, as I understand it, the V8 has a timing belt whereas the V6 does not. True, the V8 has more power (270hp/320 tq vs 245/282 for the V6) but according to edmunds, it is also 200lbs heavier (4500 curb weight vs 4300 for the V6.) My thought is that for the additional weight and fuel consumption, the V8 just isn't worth it. Plus, I just like the idea of being able to have 4wd when I need it but 2wd when I don't.

Anyway, my question is for those who have made the switch from 3rd gen to 4th, particularly those that tow: Is the power increase noticeable? On paper its an impressive difference, but I was curious as to what extent the additional power of the 4th gen is eaten up by the additional weight. Also, for those who tow, how would you rate the 4th gen as a tow rig?

Honestly, if our teardrop was as light as some of the ones we saw in Oregon (circa 600# or so) this wouldn't be an issue but ours tips the scales around 1200lbs or so, with a heavy tongue weight (due to the wheels being so far back) and the 4runner was really struggling up those long ascents.

Final question: For those who have pondered the V6/V8 question, have you had reason to regret your choice? IOW, are you saying "I coulda had a V8?" Or on the flip side, are there those of you who opted for the V8 because you thought you needed the extra power and now wish you'd gotten the V6 instead?

My shopping has just begun but I can find a lot of 4runners in my price range (<$18k.) Quite a few are V8's which I've crossed off my list, at least for now.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or comments!

[java]

I didn’t come from a 3rd gen, but I have a 4th gen V6 and tow a fair bit. Some things to consider, I have a early 4th gen, they got a 4 speed, the 05+ got the 5 speed. If i were to do it again id get the 5 speed. But I regularly tow 1200 lbs or so, and I find that the v6 is fine, not great, but fine. It tends to downshift a lot, but with a lift larger tires bumper etc, it does wo/ the trailer. I've just gotten to manually shifting to 3rd or 2nd if i have to. also only the v8's got the factory transmission cooler, I have a scan gauge and watch the temps but if you’re not on top of shifting it will get hot in a hurry. The TC won’t lock up in any but the highest gear the transmission is allowed. Hence shifting to 3rd or 2nd manually.
Id still get the v6 again, but id get a 5 speed.

[montypower]

Why not supercharge your 4runner? My old 99 was supercharged and had exceptional power. The best part is you get the stock peak (na) torque at 1,800 rpm with the supercharger. It makes better power than the 4.0L V6 used in the 4th gen. Cost is much less than changing vehicles too. You might spend $3-4k adding the supercharger, trans shift kit, fuel mods but you'll save money compared to buying a new rig. Plus, it's a blast to drive. Your MPG will go up too (if you stay out of it).

[Kermit]

I would say test drive both with your trailer hooked up...and decide from there.

Buddy of mine has a V6 in his 4th Gen...seem to do fine pulling 14' tandem open trailer with 4, 450cc dirtbikes, gear and 4 bro's....but that was Tucson to Tecate...which is mostly flat.

[bigwapitijohnny]

It became painfully obvious that the 3rd gen 4runner was no longer able to meet my family needs. With my Sherpa II fully loaded, the 4runner would struggle going up 7-10% grade hills.



So I decided to go with a 2011 Tundra with the big V8. Mileage is a tad better than the 4runner, and I have gobs of power now...



I don't regret my decision. This rig is big, comfortable and powerful all rolled up into one.

Regards,

BWJ

[ttora4runner]

V8 swap: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...onversion.html

[Ric]

I had a 3rd gen. running 33s, armored, custom cargo box full of recovery gear and tools, Ive pulled a pop up, up the mountains a few times, with a family of 4, and all the stuff to go with, for a 4 day trip, I never had issues keeping 70MPH if I wanted, although I was regeared, 4:88s and auto.

Now I have a 4th gen. with the V8, running 33s same set up minus the regearing, I havent pulled a pop up yet, up the mountains, but Im sure it would no prob.
The point is, my 3rd gen was fine, did great heading up to the hills lol

[p nut]

Went from a 3.4L to a 4.7L. Towing went from struggling up 8-10k ft passes to easily powering up them. There is nothing like towing a heavy load over the mountains with a V8. Never have I heard a V8 owner towing a load wishing he had a V6. Vice versa, though.....

[4loco]

I have a 2009 4runner v6 4x4 and it tows beautifully. it has the 5 speed tranny but when i tow i ALWAYS keep it in "4" with no overdrive per toyota manual and take my time, never going above 60. i almost never down shift unless i am going up a grade and i usually downshift manually anyways and take it easy to keep transmission temps down. what i love most is the suspension and steering, it feels incredibly solid and smooth, you can easily keep wide trailers in between the lines with one relaxed hand on the wheel and it just feels GOOD! id recommend getting an external trans cooler as well for the 4th gen v6 (not even the "tow package" includes one), i don't have one yet but its in the works.

one more thing, i towed a 14 foot mesh-floor steel trailer with about 25 christmas trees piled in it about 200 miles and it got almost 16MPG and this thing was basically a sail behind me. also, not once have i ever felt like the 4.0 V6 was underpowered

good luck with your endeavors,
steve k

[peekay]

I've had the following vehicles:
'01 Taco V6 Dcab
'01 Taco V6 Dcab w/supercharger and no fuel mods
'07 Taco V6 Dcab

and towed the following:
5x8 enclosed trailer (1000lbs total)
14 ft utility trailer with two quads (~2000lbs)
3000-3500lb 19 ft boat
4500-5000lb travel trailer

Here are my thoughts:
1) on flat ground, the 01 can tow the boat and utility trailer easily. The travel trailer was possible, but harder on freeways and hills.
2) the s/c adds a lot of power while not towing. But when towing, the power increase was minimal. The 3.4 w/ s/c and no fuel mods was much, much weaker than the 4.0 for towing.
3) 4.0 will easily tow your 1200lb trailer up any hill at any speed (keep in mind though, everyone's "power expectation" is different. I regularly tow a 5x8 enclosed trailer (about 1000lbs total) with my 05 Prius on flat ground).