Quote:
Originally Posted by OhioMike
Just curious - did the 4Runner 4WD have difficulty towing your Trailmanor trailer?
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OhioMike, I am not the thread author whom you asked - but I own an older 4Runner (2007 'sport') with only a V6 engine. I tow my own 2619 easily, even on very steep grades. You just need to downshift by hand in many situations, because the '4R' auto tranny prefers to stay in higher gears when you should prefer a lower gear.
The optimum range for RPMs with a V6 4runner engine (Generation 3 or newer) is from about 1900 minimum (on downhill or flat terrain) up to about 3700 maximum (on an extreme uphill, with a somewhat heavy trailer).
My '2619 ' was factory built with the 5000 lb axle and larger wheels in 2006 - that "suspension and running gear" special ordered to match the larger 3124 models (not the 'standard' smaller 2619 and 2720 models of that year, or may years after my build date). We load it heavy, and use E-rated tires at about 60-65 PSI, depending on road conditions and maximum speeds.
I have towed my 2619 uphill, using the 4Runner in first gear on CA-108 from Nevada into California. IIRC, The maximum grade on that climb is 26 degrees, and the 4Runner did fine. (But I would not dare to tow the trailer downhill on that same road.) Lower grades, such as Donner Pass (I-80 over the Sierra) are no problem at all, in 3rd gear at relatively high RPMS 3500+.
The newer generations of 4Runner V6 (from 2005 onwards) have 4 valves per cylinder, with the 'extra pair' opening at about 3200 RPMs. They can run 3500+ all day long, if you take care to change the oil on time and keep the radiator clean. But mileage is not great, I average only around 15 during towing trips.