John H. wrote:
On Fri, 07 Sep 2007 06:52:39 -0400, HK wrote:

Wayne.B wrote:
On Thu, 06 Sep 2007 21:30:23 -0500, John H.
wrote:

I'm thinking of a Toyota 4 Runner. The V8 will pull 7000lbs according to
the local salesman. Haven't checked any further than that as I'm thinking
of pulling something in the neighborhood of 3500.
If you do much towing you'll be happier with a longer wheelbase. It
helps to stabilize the trailer from swaying and bouncing.


Jeeez...ever towed a boat with a V8 4 Runner, Wayne? No? I didn't think
so. I have. I've towed a boat and trailer *over* the 4 Runner's capacity
without having the rig sway and bounce. The V8 4 Runner is a very, very
capable tow vehicle for reasonably sized boats. Even the V6 4 Runner
will handle a 3500 pound boat and trailer with aplomb. The V8 also has
part-time four-wheel drive you can turn on at a slippery ramp.

Harry,
You have stated many times (possible hundreds of times) that you do not
like to tow a boat and have never towed a boat more than a few miles to
the local boat ramp. Your position has always been that you would
rather rent a boat at the location, than tow a boat. Is it possible
that Wayne was talking about towing a boat more than a few miles? Is it
possible that towing a boat at high speeds would impact in how much a
boat and trailer? Is it possible that passing or being passed by a high
speed semi-truck would impact on the amount of sway the boat/trailer
would have? You probably didn't notice Wayne's comment about "if you do
much towing you'll be happier with a longer wheelbase".

Since you do not do much towing, his comment was not inapplicable to you.


4 Runners are the most popular SUV at the boat ramps. It's a great
vehicle. I believe I read that 2008 is a "redesign" year for 4 Runner. I
hope they keep the truck ladder frame, because I'll be in the market for
a new one in a year or so.

I hate to pass along useful information to someone like Herring, but if
he is looking at a 4 Runner as a new car and tow vehicle, he's looking
in the right place.

Harry, you are so knowledgeable! Your advice is always most welcome and
appreciated!

Sorry to say that 2008 is the redesign year for the Highlander, but not the
4 Runner. However, I'll tell them your belief, and I'm sure they'll change
their planning!