JackStraw Posted 2 hours ago Posted 2 hours ago Wondering if my 2026 4Runner (full-time 4WD, non-hybrid) using weight distribution hitch, and with 700 lbs of CCC left (after passengers, gear, etc) can reasonably tow an Elite 1 Platinum Pkg in mountainous terrain, fully loaded with water, propane, food, gear, etc (but staying below GVWR some)? (for instance I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction, or Beartooth Highway US-212 from Yellowstone to Red Lodge, or Trans Canada/Iceflow Hwys from Calgery to Jasper, and the like) By reasonable I mean adequate. Is it sensible, prudent for safety and wise for vehicle longevity?
DavePhelps Posted 1 hour ago Posted 1 hour ago This is always a difficult question to answer as an "adequate" towing experience means different things to different people. Your 4Runner will be on the edge of safe towing in my opinion. You will be always having to worry about payload (895+ pounds?) Count on your tongue weight for a fully loaded Elite 1 being at least 400 lbs. Then add passenger weight, hitch weight, cargo weight, and any other add ons. Next, the 4Runner has a relatively short wheelbase which hinders stability, especially in wind. Braking on long mountainous descents will be harder and much scarier as the small displacement turbo gas engine in the 4Runner will not be able to deliver much vacuum braking (not like compression braking in a diesel) and you will be on your brakes a lot more. In fact, I've read turbo gas engines produce less vacuum braking than naturally aspirated gas engines due to their comparitively smaller displacement and lower compression ratios. The Oliver1 is a small trailer, but heavy for its size. You can try it and see how it goes, but every person I know who started out with a light TV eventually got at least a 1/2 ton truck/SUV or more. I tow my Elite 1 with a 3/4 ton truck and just love it. No drama, just a peaceful driving experience. You also need to consider how your TV would handle an emergency like a flat tire, or an animal running out in front of you, not to mention all the jack wagon drivers on the road these days. The Inter-Mountain West you describe as your target area is great country, but can be challenging for towing. One last item that comes to mind is that your range will be pretty limited with only a 19 gallon gas tank. Some things to ponder.... It's a great vehicle, but you'll be running it at its limit. My 2 cents! Good luck! Dave 1 2015 Oliver Elite 1, Hull 107 2025 GMC Sierra HD 2500 AT4, 6.6 L8T (gas)
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