Explanation on Towing capacity

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

codyaustin5

codyaustin5

10 Year 15 Year
Joined
Nov 2, 2008
Threads
109
Messages
1,950
Location
Timnath, CO
Website
www.landcruiserdc.com
Helping my mother find a vehicle and she is set on a 05-09 V8 4runner which tows 7000 lbs. with same engine why is the 100 LC, GX470 and sequoia which share same engine only tow 6500 lbs? I would like to get her into a 03-05 100 but she's concerned with less capacity and needs that extra 500 lbs. Can someone please explain the difference?


...via IH8MUD app
 
Wouldn't 100 frame/suspension be stronger than 4runner?


...via IH8MUD app
 
Trunk Monkey said:
Rated towing capacity has more to do with the suspension and frame than the engine.
Click to expand...

I think that's only one part of the rating. There's a reason HD trucks are rated to tow at least 5k more pounds with a diesel v a gas engine.

My opinion, is the the LC is rated to tow less because of the increased vehicle weight, which would presumably increase stopping distance and decrease the ability to drag a trailer, when compared with a 4runner. If she's set on a 4runner and feels like she needs the maximum rated capacity, then 4 runner might be the best option. Plus, it's available in a 2wd if she doesn't need the AWD of a LC.
 
The motor does play into it (hence the v6 runner have a 5k rating and the v8 getting 7k) as does GVW. Why they're 500 lbs. different, I don't know. If she's going to be towing something that's rated near the max capacity, she should be looking at something that will tow that type of weight more easily.
 
I don't think you'll be able to get a clear explanation on tow ratings for SUV's. For whatever reason, the gas powered 100 series in Australia has a 7700 lb tow rating.
 
Thanks she really wants to stay in the mid size range and 4runner/LC fit the bill. She will be towing right around 6000lbs. So the extra 1000 from 4runner fits nicely. Just trying to understand why the others are rated 500 less. Has to be 4wd as well.


...via IH8MUD app
 
it is because of the vehicle weight ratio to pull - LC heavier that 4runner. I have both 07 4 runner and 01 LC for towing LC do a lot better because it is heavier so it much stable that 4 runner V8 any way LC frame , suspension power train is more massive that 4 runner's.
 
As far as I know, there is no standard for tow ratings, so manufacturers basically get to make up their own based on what they feel will not lead to warranty claims and/or law suites... So, my opinion is pretty much the same as above...Toyota probably takes the HP/Torque numbers + GVWR, factors in if they think the rest of the driveline is likely to grenade and cause them warranty issues and throws a number out there.

I'll leave it to others to argue if either choice is viable for towing 6000lbs regularly especially if we're talking at altitude in CO...but for lighter weights I do have a somewhat applicable comparison. My previous vehicle was a 2001 4.7 2WD Durango. Weighed in at 4500 lbs, quite similar to the 4th Gen 4Runner. While not a rocket, it would definitely run off and leave the 100 in a race. But as for towing, I would much, much rather tow with the 100. The extra 1000 lbs in front of the my 3500lb boat makes a ton of difference in regards to not being pushed around by the boat. So again, my opinion is in line with the above, unless you're drag racing the lighter weight tow vehicle is only the better choice on paper...
 
The LC100 or LX470 will be a better towing vehicle than the 4runner, whatever the numbers might say. And more stable, safe and comfy.
 
uHu said:
The LC100 or LX470 will be a better towing vehicle than the 4runner, whatever the numbers might say. And more stable, safe and comfy.
Click to expand...

^This. I went back and forth between a v8 4Runner and 100-Series. You need to look at more than just rated #'s. The 100 is longer and heavier, which makes it more stable. As a side note, I pull around 6000 - 7000 on a regular basis with my LX470 and it does great. I did add air bags and a trailer brake controller. I don't think I would try it with the 4Runner. Not because of the rating or power, because of the wheelbase of the 4Runner.
 
If my mother was about to start hauling a 7000# load I'd want to know exactly what it was she was towing, how it was loaded, and whether she also had good electric brakes, airbags on the rear springs and an anti-sway hitch setup. There a world of difference between towing a limit load of 7000# in the form of a utility trailer load of bricks and a 25' long boat with a high center of gravity and a ton of windage.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for all the replies. She will be towing around a 26' trailer(believe it will be a Kodiak) Regarding the 100 do you all recommend a '03 or newer for the 5 speed tranny or will the 4 speed work just as good? She can't afford from what i've seen price wise for a '05 which got the VVI boast in HP/Torque.
 
codertimt said:
As far as I know, there is no standard for tow ratings, so manufacturers basically get to make up their own based on what they feel will not lead to warranty claims and/or law suites...
Click to expand...
There actually is a standard method of tow rating that first came out in 2008 but not all the manufactures have adopted the methodology yet. It is mostly for trucks but certain SUV's have been rated like the LC200 at 8500 lbs towing capacity.

For more info, search "SAE J2807"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom