I have a 1999 SR5 4 wd. Is my towing capacity only 3500 lbs? I wanted to tow a 2200 lb Fiat X1/9, but any trailer would be 1500-1700 lbs. Over my limit. What's the most anyone has towed with or without the tow package?

The local dealer says without the tow package I can pull 3500 lbs, with the tow package I can pull 5000 lbs. Why is your towing capacity 3500 lbs? Do you have the 4 cylinder? I have a 1999 SR5 sport 4wd with the 6, and the towing capacity for that vehicle is rated at 5000 lbs IIRC. I have a U-haul hitch, and the vehicle is otherwise unmodified. I routinely tow a rig that weighs about 3200 lbs., and it works well, though I’ve overheated the brakes on one occasion (city traffic on a hot day). I don’t know if you could get that kind of weight up a hill with the 4cyl, though.

I have a 6-cyl 1999 and tow a 3000 pound boat with a trailer that is probably another 300, not sure, and I am fine with that but not any heavier. With a heavier load I would need trailer brakes for sure. Even with this load, I have stayed out of the mountains so far, although I know it could handle it. The load you describe might be OK on level ground but probably pushing it. Make sure the tongue weight is correct. The rear brakes adjust according to the load in the rear. Remember, the truck is only about 4200#. I don't care what the manual or anyone else says, no way do you tow 5000#.

I agree with your post . but want to let you know that a typical trailer for a 3000 lb boat weighs 800-900 lbs, not 300. Just try to lift it some time when the boat is in the water! In any case, I tow a boat similar in size and weight to yours without significant problems, though I have to be careful not to overheat the brakes if I'm in urban traffic for any length of time. Les

When towing with your "Runner, make sure that you use the "ect" button and set it to "power". e. LesVoiles

What does it do? I asked the dealer when I bought the 'Runner, and he told me that it made the tranny kick down earlier, but I just can't tell the difference, even going up hills at highway speeds. Les

It sets the shift point higher, holds the vehicle in the lower gears longer, and shifts harder - so as to not burn up the clutches under load. It does this on acceleration and deceleration. e. LesVoiles

Thank you. I don?t care so much about the shift points, but if it will ease up on the clutches, I?ll be sure to use it. Les