If you own or are considering a Toyota 4Runner and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can 4Runner tow a camper?
Yes, a Toyota 4Runner can tow a camper or trailer up to 5000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper trailer with your Toyota 4Runner which we’ll cover below.
Pulling A Trailer With A Toyota 4Runner
So, can a Toyota 4Runner pull a trailer? Yes: the Toyota Four Runner towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, so as long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 5,000 lbs your Toyota 4Runner can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when towing a camper with your Toyota Four Runner.
Toyota 4Runner Tow Package Details
Does The Toyota 4Runner Come With A Tow Package?
The Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a tow package included, so you won’t need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally, which is great news!
The Toyota 4 Runner Tow Package also has a wiring harness with 4-pin and 7-pin connectors already wired in for added convenience.
Toyota 4Runner Camper Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Toyota 4Runner.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Toyota 4Runner?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Toyota 4Runner Brake Controller Cost
Toyota 4Runner brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
What Else Will I Need To Tow A Camper With My Toyota 4Runner?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be pulling with your Toyota 4Runner, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
The Best 4Runner Trailer And Camper Options To Tow
Your Toyota 4Runner can pull a travel trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 5,000 pounds which is going to be most lightweight and ultra lightweight campers.
The Toyota 4Runner can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 5,000 lbs:
- Forest River Wolf Pup 18TO
- Jayco Hummingbird 17RB
- Keystone Hideout 179LHS
- Coachmen Freedom Express Ultra Lite 195RBS
- Airstream Caravel 22FB
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 224BH
- Winnebago Micro Minnie 2108DS
- Keystone Bullet Crossfire 1850RB
- Gulf Stream Enlighten 25BH
- Coleman Lantern 202RD
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Toyota 4Runner.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Toyota 4Runner, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 5000 lbs so your Toyota 4Runner can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 5000 pounds.
Toyota Four Runner Towing Capacity
So, how much weight can a Toyota 4Runner pull?
How much can you tow with a Toyota 4Runner is up to 5,000 pounds.
Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity: 5,000 lbs
Toyota Four Runner GVWR: 6,100 lbs
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Toyota 4Runner can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Toyota 4Runner GVWR or Toyota 4Runner towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Toyota 4Runner Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper or travel trailer with a Toyota 4Runner as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 5,000 pounds).
Toyota 4Runner models come standard with a towing package installed, so you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What camper or trailer did you choose for towing with your Toyota 4Runner, and how did your first time out go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
While you’re here, check out our other helpful camper, travel trailer, and RV repair guides:
- What to do if your RV water pump keeps running
- How to perform RV toilet foot pedal repair
- Our guide to RV roof reseal cost
- What to do if your RV heater is blowing cold air
- How to fix an RV microwave not working
- Our guide to motorhome fuel pump replacement
- How to replace RV window glazing bead
- How to fix an RV toilet not holding water
- How to fix a sagging RV slide out
- Preparing for an RV one night freeze
