Can 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Tow Jayco 24-Foot X213 Travel Trailer with GVWR 5500-lbs
Question:
Can I safely tow this travel trailer with my 2015 Toyota 4Runner SR5 6Cyl? I do not have any extras or modifications on the 4Runner. It is a stock vehicle covered under extended warranty through dealership. Additionally, will installing any towing upgrades such as brake controller, transmission cooler, or weight distribution hitch void my warranty? 2018 X213 Specifications Slides 1 Length 24 ft Ext Width 8 ft Ext Height 10 ft 3 in Int Height 6 ft 6 in Hitch Weight 415 lbs Gross Weight 5500 lbs Dry Weight 4215 lbs Cargo Weight 1285 lbs Axle Count 2
asked by: Monty
Helpful Expert Reply:
The Jayco Jay Feather X213's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the most it can weigh when loaded, is indeed 5500-lbs. According to the online owner's manual for the 2015 4Runner the vehicle's maximum allowable trailer weight is 5000-lbs when the trailer has its own electric brakes (as the X213 does) or only 1655-lbs if the trailer does not have brakes. I recommend you check with your local dealership using the 4Runner's VIN to confirm its towing capacity as equipped from the factory. Even if your 4Runner can indeed tow 5000-lbs of trailer weight it is still a bit under-rated for the trailer's maximum possible weight.
Weight distribution systems, brake controllers and transmission coolers will not void your warranty unless their installation was the direct cause for a malfunction. You are protected by the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act. This act states, in part, that unless the installation and the part caused a problem then the warranty cannot be voided. I recommend looking it up online.
In order to use weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) the hitch on the 4Runner must explicitly state that it has this capability, and the resulting weight capacities will be indicated on the hitch's safety sticker IF it can indeed be used with WD/SC. If you can use WD/SC you will want to measure the trailer's actual tongue weight (TW) when you have it all loaded up with your supplies, with water and propane tanks filled, etc. Use scale # e99044 to measure the loaded trailer TW.
To this add the weight of any cargo in the 4Runner that sits behind the rear axle, such as a generator. Once you know this total weight figure you can select a system that will even out the trailer's weight across both of the 4Runner's axles and also help prevent trailer sway from passing trucks and wind gusts. Please refer to the linked video and article for more on how to pick out a system. Select a WD/SC system using the linked page. Click on your total TW figure to see suitable options. With a dry hitch weight of 415-lbs, your loaded TW will be in the range of 600-lbs, so a setup like Reese Strait-Line # RP66083 would be a good choice since it works over a TW range of 400- to 800-lbs. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch # 19286.
A supplementary transmission cooler like the efficient Class III Derale # D13503 will do a lot to reduce thermal stress on your transmission and help to keep it in good shape when towing.
For a trailer brake controller I suggest the easy-to-setup Prodigy P2 # 90885. To install this you will use wiring adapter # 3041-P which allows for simple plug-in installation. A video is included for this item.
Products Referenced in This Question
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Toyota
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-5/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 10000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- CURT
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
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