Can a 4Runner tow a horse trailer?
By
Elaine Knight
In this article, we will answer the following question: Can a 4runner tow a horse trailer? We will discuss the Toyota 4Runner specs, towing capacity and behaviour on the road. Finally, make sure you also read a few essential tips on the transportation of horses.
Can a 4Runner tow a horse trailer?
A 4Runner can tow a horse trailer as long as you have a weight-distributing hitch and electric brakes set up for the trailer. With an integrated towing hitch receiver, a 270 hp, 278 lb-ft of Torque 4.0L V6 Engine, the Toyota 4runner can tow up to 5000 pounds!
Toyota 4Runner specs
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Four-wheel drive |
| Cylinders | V6 |
| Combined MPG | 18 |
| Total Seating | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Base Engine Size | 4.0 l |
| Horsepower | 270 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Turning Circle | 37.4 ft. |
| Valves | 24 |
| Base Engine Type | Gas |
| Valve Timing | Variable |
| Cam Type | Double overhead cam (dohc) |
| Cylinders | V6 |
Toyota 4runner towing capacity
When it comes to the overall quality of a 4Runner, one word describes it well: indestructible. This is a very old truck, but it is reliable, durable and rugged. It features a ladder frame architecture like a pickup truck.
By the way, this base is quite dated, as is its engine, a 270-horsepower 4.0-litre V6 that produces 278 lb-ft of torque. If we add the 5-speed automatic transmission, we realise that modernity has not yet reached the 4Runner.
The fact remains that it has excellent abilities. With its 4X4 cog, a real one, it can go anywhere without too much difficulty. Besides, it is designed for leisure or work activities. As a result, it can tow 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with great ease. The 1190 kilos of your trailer will not scare a Toyota 4runner.
Unfortunately, there is a quid pro quo. Its road behaviour is almost random on the motorway. It lacks stability, the steering is very fuzzy, and the suspensions tend to skip.
Extremely sensitive to the winds, it will begin to consume like a drunkard in a tavern on a Monday morning. It is not uncommon to consume between 15 and 17 litres / 100 kilometres without a trailer, just with a headwind. In particular, I think it is the only product still on the market that consumes as much in town as it is on the road.
Even though it is the antithesis of modernity, it remains a vehicle that we recommend. Of course, its reliability is legendary, and it’s almost indecent resale value is a good thing for you when you want to change. In addition, over the years, Toyota has offered it a collection of versions, which will allow you to find the right model for your needs.
Towing a horse trailer – pay attention to the horse’s weight
If you haven’t already had your own horse on the scale, you should take it with you to weigh it. Because the weight of the horse is often underestimated. At first, you’d think that a warm-blood horse, 1.70 m tall, relatively heavy, weighs 600 kg, but no, it can weigh 698 kg or about 700 kg! Even a Haflinger often weighs over 500 kg.
Important information about weights can be found on the nameplate of the trailer.
So if I have my horse on the trailer twice that is 2 kg. In addition, there is the self-weight of the trailer, which I now use as the basis of 1400 kg. Thus, the loaded trailer has a total weight of 800 kg.
Now is the time to take another look at the papers on the horse trailer. Many of them only have a gross vehicle weight of 2200 kg. The trailer would be overloaded! Even though the car is pulling so hard, the suit is no longer in working order.
Do not overload the horse trailer
Overloading a trailer is not a trivial offence. There are fines for the vehicle driver and vehicle owner ranging from 5% overload for trailers up to 2 tonnes gross vehicle weight
or 2% overload for trailers over 2 tonnes in weight gross vehicle.
From 20% overload or with larger trailers from 5% overload, there are even points. The same applies if the trailer load of the towing vehicle is exceeded. In the interests of the horses, too, you should not drive overloaded.
If an accident occurs, for example, because the team cannot be braked in time, this often has serious physical and psychological consequences for the horse. Even if the horse survives such an accident without injuring itself, it will be difficult to regain confidence in the handling of a trailer.
Tips for the transportation of horses
To begin, we are going to review what we must always carry with us for what may happen: The veterinary certificate, fresh hay, water, the vehicle in good condition and the safety and comfort accessories for the horse. Remember that you are going to carry a living being in that trailer!
We go point by point with the most concrete explanations. These are our tips:
- Why bring food? Fresh hay is important for making stops along the way. Depending on the distance you have to carry more or less and always give him a drink so he does not get dehydrated.
- If the horse is big or tall, it is imperative to put a protector so that it does not hit the head. If possible the trailer is 10 inches taller than your horse.
- It is crucial always to carry an emergency kit (or a kit as complete as possible).
- You must bring all travel accessories for the horse.
- Be careful with sudden manoeuvres! You can scare the animal. Also, think that they are not used to being in such small and dark spaces.
- You need the horse to have a health certificate where it is reflected that he has all the vaccines and that he is healthy.
- The animal’s cabin must always be well ventilated.
- If you can avoid it, don’t travel in the hottest hours of the day.
- Drive with caution. You may be a great driver but the rest of us don’t know how they will react. Consistently smooth and fluid manoeuvres.
You already know that prevention is better than finding solutions and caution at the wheel is never low.
The bottom line
With its 4X4 cog, a real one, it can go absolutely anywhere without too much difficulty. In addition, it is designed for leisure or work activities. As a result, it can tow 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds) with great ease. The 1190 kilos of your trailer will not scare a Toyota 4runner!
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content.
FAQ on Can a 4runner tow a horse trailer?
How big of a trailer can a 4Runner tow?
A 4Runner can tow a trailer up to 5000 pounds. With its 4X4 cog, a real one, it can go absolutely anywhere without too much difficulty. In addition, it is designed for leisure or work activities.
What kind of camper can a 4Runner pull?
A 5Runner can pull small campers (e.g. Airstreams) but also full-loaded four to five beds caravan, without any problems. Its engine, a 270-horsepower 4.0-litre V6 that produces 278 lb-ft of torque.
What car can tow a horse float?
The following cars can tow a horse float without any issues: Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, or a Subaru Forester.
Does my 4Runner have a tow package?
Most Toyota 4Runners have a package included. This model comes with an integrated towing hitch receiver and a wiring harness as well.
References
- Toyota 4Runner Towing Capacity
Can a Toyota 4Runner Pull a Camper?
Towing A Two-Horse Bumper Pull Trailer
