Tow With Confidence in the 2024 Toyota 4Runner From Toyota Vallejo

For many years, people have relied on the Toyota 4Runner SUV to deliver on performance and towing capability. Off-road enthusiasts appreciate the 4Runner’s specialized suspension system and ability to tow a boat or trailer to remote locations. If you’re looking for a capable SUV to handle all your towing needs, our experts at Toyota Vallejo can help you find the right 4Runner trim and towing options to fit your needs. 

Harness the Power: Exploring the 2024 Toyota 4Runner’s Towing Capacity

In 1984, Toyota introduced the 4Runner model to the delight of those seeking an adventurous SUV with high towing capabilities. Today, the 4Runner remains one of the most popular SUVs for off-road drivers and those who want a rugged yet sophisticated SUV for everyday driving. You can get this reliable and capable SUV in seven trims: the SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and the mighty TRD Pro. 

All trims come with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine outputting 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque mated with a five-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Depending on the trim, the 4Runner comes with either part- or full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) for added traction and grip. For your towing needs, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner can haul up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. 

Maximum Towing Capacity

Designed to tow, the 4Runner can provide a maximum 5,000-pound towing capacity with the right equipment and drivetrain. Items you can tow with the max capacity of the 4Runner include:

• A tear-drop trailer. 
• An A-frame pop-up camper.
• A motorcycle or jet ski trailer.
• A small, enclosed utility trailer.
• An open utility trailer.
• A small boat or horse trailer.

Similar SUVs to the 4Runner include the Jeep Wrangler with a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, the Ford Escape with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, and the Kia Telluride that can tow up to 5,000 pounds.  The early 4Runner generations only had a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, so the newer generations have improved their ratings to stand against other SUVs. 

Towing-Related Features

Towing with the 4Runner requires special equipment and features that Toyota equips with this SUV. Each trim comes with a factory-installed integrated towing receiver hitch with a wiring harness complete with either four- or seven-pin connectors. Here are additional available features to help enhance smooth and safe towing:

• Trailer brake controller: This feature helps the 4Runner and the trailer’s brakes stop in synch to prevent brake lockup. 
• Heavy-duty coil springs: These springs reduce compression on the suspension system when towing a heavy load. 
• Tow/haul driving modes: The terrain management system’s tow/haul drive modes allow you to adjust the settings to compensate for hauling on varied terrain and driving conditions.
• Downhill assist control: This control lets you use the engine and transmission to slow the 4Runner and trailer when going down hills without excessive braking. 
• 4WD: The 4WD system enhances traction while towing. 

Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, a lane mitigation system, and a 360-degree panoramic view camera help enhance towing safety. 

Consult with our knowledgeable team at Toyota Vallejo to learn more about specific features and options to make your towing experience more enjoyable. 

Off-Road Considerations

If you like taking the 4Runner on rugged off-road trails while towing a trailer or boat, the TRD trims have extra features to help get over obstacles safely. This SUV has higher ground clearance than most SUVs, helping you avoid getting stuck on obstacles and letting you ford small streams with ease. 

Key features found on these off-road-ready trims include an electronic locking rear differential, FOX high-performance shocks, a Multi-Terrain Select terrain management system, and the available X-REAS sport-enhanced suspension system on the TRD Sport trim. In addition, the Multi-Terrain Monitor gives you detailed views of the undercarriage of the 4Runner and the surrounding terrain to help you navigate the SUV in challenging conditions. 

Before heading out on an off-road adventure with your 4Runner and trailer, consider getting specialized off-road tires equipped for mud, sand, or rock crawling. You can also add a winch to help you get unstuck if necessary and protective skid plates to help reduce damage to the 4Runner’s undercarriage and running boards. 

Practical Towing Tips

Whether you’re new to towing or a seasoned pro, there are steps and protocols to make towing safe and efficient. Considerations for towing with the 4Runner include:

• Ensuring correct weight distribution: Most of the cargo weight should be in the front of the trailer and the cargo should be distributed evenly on both sides. 
• Securing the load: Use cargo tie-downs to secure the load from sliding around as this can upset the weight distribution. 
• Avoiding trailer sway: If the weight is not balanced evenly, it can cause the trailer to sway while you’re towing it. To prevent you from losing control of the vehicle due to trailer sway, keep your speed down and try to avoid driving in high-wind situations.
• Keeping a safe distance between vehicles: It takes longer to stop the vehicle when towing a trailer, so keeping a safe distance can help you slow down and brake safely. 
• Keeping your 4Runner and trailer maintained: Before going on an adventure with your trailer, be sure your brakes are in top condition, all lights are working properly, and the engine is serviced to prevent overheating.

Consider taking a class on towing, especially off-road towing, to give you the skills and knowledge to take your boat or trailer on any type of terrain. 

Discover the 2024 Toyota 4Runner at Toyota Vallejo

Whether you want to take an off-road equipped trailer to the Sierra Nevada mountains, a boat to a local lake, or a horse to ride through the forest, the 2024 4Runner is a smart choice. Feel free to contact us  at Toyota Vallejo to learn more about this popular SUV’s features and schedule a test drive of the 4Runner or other Toyota vehicles. We encourage you to visit our website to see our seasonal and monthly promotions that can help you save money on your next Toyota.

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