The 4Runner is capable of many things. It can carry up to five passengers, store a lot of cargo, and take you through off-road terrain with ease. What about towing? Can the 4Runner do that, too?

Absolutely! Since 1997, most V6 models can tow from 4,700 - 5,000lbs and most V8 models can tow up to 7,300lbs. Check your owner's manual for exact specifications for your year.

Can A 4Runner Tow A Camper Trailer?

4Runners with V6 engines can haul small camper trailers such as Airstreams. 4Runners with V8 engines have no problem towing most fifth wheels and comparable trailers.

It’s always a good idea to find out a trailer’s “dry weight” first, which is its weight without any gear inside. If you’re hauling a trailer with stuff inside, a good rule of thumb is to tack on an extra 1,500 pounds to its dry weight.

The 4Runner can even help a full-sized RV out of a tight space. Don’t believe us? Check out this video:

Can A 4Runner Tow A Boat?

Of course! Boats don’t weigh that much, so a 4Runner can pull a pontoon or motorboat with ease, even uphill.

Can A 4Runner Pull Another Vehicle Out Of A Ditch?

Attention, all good Samaritans with 4Runners: the answer is yes! Your SUV has what it takes to rescue other drivers from snow, ditches, lakes, or other obstacles. A 4Runner owner named Peter Galle came to the rescue when he saw a UPS truck stuck in the snow down the street from his house. His 1996 4Runner was actually able to tow the large truck out of the snow and up an icy street. Talk about reliability! See his 4Runner in action:

Other Things A 4Runner Can Tow

  • ATVs
  • Trees (yes, really)
  • Horse trailers
  • Anything under 5,000 or 7,300 pounds

5 Useful Safety Tips For Towing With A 4Runner

  1. Carry a spare tire for your trailer to avoid getting stranded on the side of the road.
  2. Install safety chains under the hitch in case the hitch disconnects from the 4Runner.
  3. Try to keep your speed below 55 mph to allow for more control.
  4. Inspect your brakes and check the brake fluid level before hitching your 4Runner up to a trailer.
  5. Set your tongue weight to about 10 or 15 percent of the trailer’s total weight to ensure stability.

Towing Parts Your 4Runner Needs

When you buy towing parts to install on your 4Runner, you want to get OEM towing components (instead of aftermarket parts) to ensure optimal performance. We carry the OEM parts to keep you covered.

Happy towing! Find us on Facebook and share your 4Runner towing stories!