Towing 210 with 4 runner long distance

[Cadesun]

Hi All

Finally trading in the old super sport for a ‘13 210 this weekend. Unfortunately, this requires me to trailer my trade and the new boat 350 miles each way with my ‘15 4Runner trail edition. Anybody who tows regularly with a runner have advice on how to make it an uneventful trip? Also, should I tow the new boat with cover on or off? Tower up or down?

Thanks!

[cedarcreek216]

The 210 is not meant to tow tower down, the bimini arm will go right through the windshield. Tower up for sure and I go no cover, but others have all kinds of advice. With that setup the tail will probably wag the dog at some point, just keep your speed under control and anticipate stops. The 210 toes nicely so should not get too out of control, good luck.


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[Sailfun]

Your towed weight is probably going to be about 5500 lbs. The 4Runner has a max tow rating of 4700lbs with 17 inch tires. With bigger tires less. You will be over the tow weight quite a bit and if you have more than a driver in the vehicle probably way over the max vehicle combined weight.

[Infinity]

However you do it, have a spare tire and a jack that will extend high enough so you don't get stranded if something goes wrong with either boat trailer.

[jjackkrash]

That boat is too heavy for a 4runner long term with peeps, gear, and gas (and probably even on the way home). Don't pack any gear for the trip, don't bring passengers, and have them run the boat nearly out of gas to keep the weight down. Keep the speed down--there is a big difference between 55/60 and 70 when towing heavy.

[Nautiquehunter]

Just sounds like a bad idea to me . I wouldn't tow anything with less than a 3/4 ton. You may want to talk to your insurance company before you try this . They may void your policy if you are over the tow limit.

[cedarcreek216]

I have towed with a half ton vehicle for 12 years, very long distances, and never been in any sticky situations. Saying you can’t tow safely and legally without a 3/4 ton is just not right. Now I have never towed with anything as small as a 4 Runner, had a Tahoe, Armada and now a Titan, but none have been 3/4 ton. Towed from Dallas to Tabletock, Dallas to Nashville, Dallas to just about anywhere and never a problem. I personally would not make the trip with a 4 Runner, but with a light load and safe driving it will be good.


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[idahosan]

I have a buddy who used to tow a ‘01 san210 with a 4Runner. He could do a whopping 25mph uphill. At least he could until it smoked his transmission. That boat pushed him all over the road. I wouldn’t do it but to each their own. There is a big difference between a 4Runner and a half ton truck. Usually 3k+ lbs of towing capability.

[Neptune442]

Just rent a Uhaul pickup truck for the day and save yourself the wear and tear that the trip may cause to your 4Runner.

[jjackkrash]

Saying you can’t tow safely and legally without a 3/4 ton is just not right.

Agreed. Any modern 1/2 ton would be fine as long as you don't fill the bed with firewood or otherwise consume all the payload capacity.

[Bevostein]

I considering buying a new truck and have been doing some research. New crew can F150s with the max tow package are rated at 12K. From what I can tell there is no requirement to use a WDH. That’s plenty.

[idahosan]

I considering buying a new truck and have been doing some research. New crew can F150s with the max tow package are rated at 12K. From what I can tell there is no requirement to use a WDH. That’s plenty.

That’s the rub with new 1/2 tons. They say they can tow 10k+ but usually have a 5k hitch. Check the hitch to see what class it is.

[Nautiquehunter]

I said '' I '' wouldn't tow with anything less than a 3/4 ton . Its more than just the engine size . Heavier suspension , bigger brakes, stronger trans and HD tires and wheels are the real difference. Today's 1/2 ton trucks are more like cars with a bed or with the 5 foot bed cars with an open trunk. The builders are more concerned with a soft ride, interior space and the latest gadgets they can put on it to jack the price. Just like today's boats all the razzle dazzle ,video screens and electronics has taken the cost to 100 k plus. If you are thinking about a F150 go with the V8 not the Ecoboost.

[idahosan]

If you are thinking about a F150 go with the V8 not the Ecoboost.

Curios why you would say that?

[Infinity]

Not trying to get thread off track here but I use a 1/2 ton to pull my 24ft boat (Fully loaded including 500lbs of lead, its 7,800-8klbs on tandem trailer). With my previous 2016 Chevy 1500 with max tow package, 3.42 gears and 5.3 engine, it was the top end of what the truck could safely handle and steep boat ramps sometimes made me a bit uncomfortable. Beyond that as long as I didn't exceed 65mph, I always felt safe and never had any hairy situations.

Upgraded last year to a 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab with the 5.7 hemi and 3.92 gears. 1540 payload and 11,500 tow rating....with etorque option which was not something I wanted, I believe you can get up too 12,200 tow rating and 1840 payload (I verified my truck has the right class IV hitch and I also installed a 16k receiver and 10k ball).
With the 15" brake rotors and heavier truck, towing with this Ram is night/day difference and I am very comfortable. Its also the smoothest riding truck I have owned and I have had trucks for 20yrs including many diesels in the past. Even being a builder/General Contractor, I just could not justify the higher cost of diesel since I no longer personally pull any heavy equip and cost of ownership is a lot higher (tho they hold value much better). No doubt that a 3/4 ton is better/safer, but there are some good 1/2 tons out there now that will safely handle these boats if you do your due diligence.