I'm looking to tow a 3200# Bass Boat wehind a 4 runner. Boat on trailer is 23'8" long and package weight is 3200# (I estimate with fuel, gear and being wet it would have a weight of no more than 4000#) Will a 2002 or older 4runner tow that and what changes would I need to make to it?

The towing capacity of the 3rd generation 4Runner is 5000lbs. If you have the 3.4 engine. A suggestion is if you will be towing long distance, get a tranny cooler. - Manuel 2002 4Runner.

> > I used to pull a Bayliner 17" boat around all the time with my 91 > 4Runner, it was just under 3000#'s. Never had a problem, I would > guess if you had a boat with a high toungue weight you might need > some beefier rear springs. I tow a vintage 1965 Airstream trailer with my '97 4 Runner. I've never felt like I had a big problem with power, but I wonder about the tranny. Does the factory tow package include a tranny cooler? As far as tongue weight, a weight distribution hitch will stop rear end sag and add a bit of deterrent to sway problems. Thanks, SDListMom

I have a 1997 4Runner and the owner's manual states NOT to use a weight distributing (load equalizing) hitch but I don't understand why not. No-one at the dealer or Toyota can explain why either. I'm looking to tow an ultralight travel-trailer well under the SUV's GVRW. Everyone else seems to have weight distributing (load equalizing) hitches and/or bars so why does Toyota say not to? Any feedback welcomed.