Need some advice regarding TOWING Options

[guest_12]

New to the group, checked out some of the archives and you guys seem like a good bunch. Basically I have a 87 4Runner with a SALVAGE title. I didn't salvage it, the joker before me did but I bought the vehicle for $2,000 and it has ran like a champ with little problems. I'm getting married next year and for our honeymoon we've decided to take her uncle's old camper trailer to Chicago (we're in Sacramento, CA.) Renting a vehicle to tow the trailer is gonna run us about $2,000. Which is in our vacation budget, but for $2grand I'd like to have something more to show for than frickin pictures! I have the 4-banger EFI engine, I can basically tow a small fishing boat. Has anyone done an engine swap to a V6 or V8?? Will I rip apart the body trying to beef up the engine and rear bumper/tow hitch in an attempt to tow a camper 4,000 miles through the Nevada desert and back through the Colorado Rockies?? I really don't want to give up my 4Runner for a K5 Blazer or some other huge American garbage and I don't want to throw away $2grand on a frickin rental. Any advice would be MOST APPRECIATED, THANK YOU!

[guest_12]

How big is this trailer?? $2K??? For that money I'd go rent a small RV, and figure in Gas costs too. If it's an old trailer, you should consider the possibility that it will have troubles too, such as bearing failure, flat tire, etc. Unless getting there is part of the adventure, for $2K you can fly to Chicago, rent a car and a decent hotel for the week. If Erick Faust is monitoring, he could probably be more specific with what to consider for an engine swap.he's a Toyota Dealer Service guy.but to answer your question, an engine change is quite an ordeal, will take longer than you think, cost more than the estimate, require more parts.wiring, exhaust, linkage, so on and so on.. You'd be better off finding a similar model with a v6. Maybe find an older Nissan or Toyota with sufficient towing capability and then sell it when you return from your honeymoon. My $.02. Good luck and congrats on the marriage. Andy