Towing a 20' Nautique 206 with a 2013 Toyota 4-Runner, do you have experience?

[srock]

I wish I could say my last Sequoia and Landcruiser were bullet proof but that not the case. Engine problems at 95,000 with a well maintained vehicle. A couple older 4runners I had were excellent vehicles but not that great at towing.

[TRBenj]

If we're all going to throw in our apples to oranges 2 cent worth, I'll play. My '07 V8 4Runner has towed everything Ive hitched to it very well. Its no Suburban and I highly recommend the use of rear air bags to level out the ride, but it tracks nice, has plenty of power and has great brakes.

The 5th gen 4Runner you have is similar in size and weight to the 4th gen like mine- and has the same ratings as the V6 version (no V8 offered anymore). Im sure that 206 trailer has brakes, and the whole rig will weigh in just a tick over 4k lbs. It should tow it without a problem.

155k trouble free miles and counting, btw.

[ranfire]

I saw a 4runner pulling a Malibu 23LSV just the other day on the freeway. 4Runner looked like it was about to pop a wheelie.

that does not sound good!

[ranfire]

Towing a 210 or other vdrives are not good comparisons as the are at least 1,000 lbs heavier between the boat and the heavier trailer that are under them.

If its just you and a passenger in the 4runner you should be okay, if you are going to load it up with gear and people, then you are closing in on the max for that vehicle, which should still be okay, but not great.

Bigger is better when it comes to towing, I worry about the shorter wheel base of the 4runner in comparison to the boat as it is more likely to end up with boat steering the 4runner in an emergency stop or turn to avoid an accident. Towing at the limit is just unpleasant, I would recommend going bigger if you load up the vehicle on the long trips, if not your probably okay.

HTH's,

JMO

Good advice, thanks. Since we are mostly towing from the house to the lake now, we don't "load up" much for long trips like we did with the "ole" Surburban. Since I posted my question about my possible purchase of a new four-runner, I tried towing my boat with my 2008 Toyota Pre-Runner with the V6 (small extended cab). I was plesantly surprised on its capability and stability, but I'll bet, based upon others advice in this forum, it won't like the hills and/or loading up for a trip, or emergency stopping etc. Thanks to all for your input!

[flaudia402]

You'll be more than fine. While I wouldn't ever recommend it, I've seen someone on Wakeworld towing their 2002 SAN with a Mercedes E320 station wagon. My friend tows his '05 SAN with his wife's Lexus RX330. Granted, its less than 10 miles to the ramp, and it struggles a bit with the tow load, it manages just fine.

Your 4Runner is a very capable machine.

[chach]

You'll be fine. We have towed our SAN210 over 200 miles with our 2011 4Runner and did not experience any issues. Toyota conservatively ranks the towing capacity due to their desire to comply to the SAE J2807 towing specs (the only manufacturer to do so). I wouldn't worry at all.

[Bdwb]

I am definitely not an expert but I haul a ton of trailers (PWC, 23ft snowmobile trailer, etc,,,). Just bought a 96 SN and have pulled it a few times. The F150 does well but it is not the ideal. Sounds like you are hauling a very short distance but keep in mind - do you want to haul with something that is just ok for the weight? what will the wear be on it given that it pushes the limits of the wt capacity? Will you ever want to haul longer distances - maybe through mountains? I had the 150 before I bought the heavier trailers and crap - but if I were to buy new I would get a F250 or equiv. from Chevy/Dodge. My opinion is to get something that manhandles what you intend to tow - it may save you from a hairy situation down the line. Good luck.

[ranfire]

Yes, I can't argue with having 3/4 ton, especially if doing towing in the mountains. Over the past few years I took some pretty long trips towing with the Surburban (1/2 ton) loaded up to the max and I could feel the trailer driving the tow vehicle a few times even tho I know the trailer breaks were working well. I even "warped" the front disk break rotors from overheat on one long trip in the foothills.
Anyway, my situation has changed with our new place 15 minutes to the lake, short tows, limited loads because most stuff stays home now. We will likely get a "slip" for multiple days at the lake to even make it easier so I feel comfortable with the smaller tow vehicle for now.
Great input from everyone, thank you.