Bought A New Tow Vehicle!

[Smit-Dog]

After a few months of researching new SUVs to tow my 6x12 enclosed trailer, I finally picked up a sweet 2003 Toyota 4Runner!

Specs: Sport Edition package, 320lbs of V8 torque, "Yamaha" blue exterior, huge sunroof, 115V power outlet, rear spoiler, running boards, double-deck cargo.

I was pretty confident that this was the best vehicle for what I was looking for when I pulled the trigger, but after only 180 miles on it, I am blown away at just how good it is. The engine is extremely smooth, quiet, and powerful. The ride feels smoother and quieter than my Audi. Quality components, fit and finish is top-notch everywhere. This is my first Toyota (or Japanese car for that matter), and all I can say is WOW.

My pics here: http://community.webshots.com/album/73618690FUpYsE

(OK - I can't seem to get the [ IMG ] tag to link consistently with my Webshots photo album. In real life, I do not park it under a waterfall. That would be silly... :confused: )

 

[V-man]

Sweet ride, Bill! She'll look even better with the trailer loaded up with bikes headed north!
Randy

 

[Smit-Dog]

V-Man...

I'm anxious to head up north with it, but the weekends are getting booked up fast with summer approaching.

Also, my forks are out at MX-Tech right now getting the seals replaced, and I just discovered that I am going to have to cut about 1.5" off the end of my trailer hitch tube that slides into the 2" receiver. The back end of the hitch tube hits the spare tire on the 4Runner before the pin hole is lined up.

The truck also has a built-in 115v outlet. I'm going to see if it will handle my space heater for those cold nights! (Kind of doubt it though...) Or at least a blender!

Any rides planned on your end?

 

[V-man]

Nada! I have family obligations for most of the holiday weekend. Had a fun ride at Evert last Saturday with Fred T, Napper, F&S and Verne.
Does the 115v outlet require the motor to be running? If not I wonder if it will shut off before it runs your battery down?
Cutting the tube shouldn't be too big of a deal. Half dozen hack saw blades should do it! Or just drill a new pin hole.

 

[Green Horn]

Is that body style new for '03 or am I just behind on the times? I clicked on the pic and was surprised to see that they look totally different from the 90's era. Nice lookin'!!

 

[Smit-Dog]

The 115v outlet does require that the key be in the "On" position, but not the engine running. Just checked the specs - it's only rated up to 100w. Not enough for my 1500w space heater, but good enough for a laptop, small TV, or electric blanket!

I think at some point I'm going to break down and get a small gas generator.

 

[Smit-Dog]

4th generation 4Runner, new for '03.

 

[Okiewan]

Purrrrrrrdy!

 

[Drew 674]

SmitDog, congrats on the new ride..although i have to wonder about the yamaha blue comment? Is a new blue bike (to match of course) in your future? :)

 

[Smit-Dog]

The color is actually "Stratosphere Mica", but looks "Yamaha Blue" to me.

Although there is a new bike in my future, the real deal was that there were only 2 Sport Edition 4x2 V8s in the state of Michigan, and I got a smokin' deal on the "blue one".

 

[rickshaw]

Billy, she's a beauty!!!!!

Looks like you got your "factory ride" now with such a sweet rig!

Does this mean you'll be riding faster :confused:

And you know I'm joking!!!

rickshaw

 

[Smit-Dog]

My goal is to ride half as fast as I look.... which just got harder with the new rig. Bumped up to the pro-spode class?

 

[V-man]

Hey! That's my class!

 

[Gopher]

I never had much experience with the Toyota 4-runners and Land Cruisers untill recently. Been driving both around here for a while. I think the oldest one we have is a 2000. The Army supplied them to us for use as a NTV. I have been nothing but totally impressed. I don't know about the gas engines because nothing on this base runs on gas but the little diesel they put in them is very powerful, extremely quiet for a diesel and gets amazing gas milage. They have great acceleration and power. We have towed heavy loads and had them packed with gear driving through the mountains to and from Sarajevo etc, You name it. As you can imagine they get abused here. Its a very comfortable ride even on these roads which are pretty chewed up and seem to seat even a very tall person comfortably, even in the rear seats. I am totally impressed with these vehicles. I think you probably made a wise choice. Its for sure going to be one I consider when Im in the market for a new bike hauler next year sometime.

 

[yzeater]

You should've gotten the Pilot :(
But I really like the 4Runner, so you're still okay ;)

 

[Smit-Dog]

I never really even took notice of the 4Runner until I starting doing some research on SUVs. Between consumer and magazine reviews, and a few hundred comments I read on various forums, it's tops in it's class. Also has 2nd highest residual value in the SUV category.

It was nothing to hear of owners that had 200-300K miles on their 4Runner. Our 1997 Chevy Venture just broke 100k, and I am praying it gets sold before being hit with a $1800 transmission repair bill.

Gas mileage on the 4Runner is rated 16/20 (2WD V8), but with only a few hundred miles on it, I'm averaging 21 highway going 70-80MPH.

Sarajevo? Wow. You're not in Kansas anymore.... be safe.

 

[Smit-Dog]

Originally posted by yzeater
You should've gotten the Pilot :(
But I really like the 4Runner, so you're still okay ;)

I seriously considered the Pilot, but I kept having this nagging feeling that I'd regret getting a V6-powered minivan with ground clearance. :confused:

The Pilot is a decent vehicle, but the V8 torque for towing and distinctive styling of the 4Runner won me over. In fact, we are selling our kid hauler (Venture) and getting an Odyssey (same platform as Pilot) next month. Although I did check out the new Toyota Sienna, and it is sweet! Definitely raises the bar for the Odyssey.

 

[Can Can Kev]

awesome choice you never go wrong with a toyota, my Toyota Pickup 4x4 extended cab has 151,000 miles and it keeps going and going , lol original alternator, starter, lol gotta love em!

 

[ktmboy]

Smit-Dog; it's like I said--I recommend overkill if you know you will be doing serious towing. Although my Pilot is perfect for pulling my little 6x10' Ute trailer I think that if I was towing a larger trailer I would probably have gone with the Toyota myself. Congradulations on getting a sweet ride!

 

[Smit-Dog]

Update: About 1,800 on the odometer so far. Normal mix of city/highway around home = 19-20 MPG.

Towed 6x12 enclosed trailer, approximately 2,200 lbs, on a 500 mile round trip. Averaged 11-13 MPG cruising 70-80 MPH. At 80 MPH, tach reads 2,500 RPMs.

The truck tows like a dream. Had to keep checking the rear-view mirror to make sure the trailer was still back there.

:thumb:

 

[Tennessee Thumper]

Smit-Dog, Does the 4-runner have the 4.7 V8 thats in the Tundra???

Im really close to getting a Tundra Access Cab with the 4.7.My Tacoma (reg cab)just isn't cutting it anymore.

 

[Smit-Dog]

Originally posted by Tennessee Thumper
Smit-Dog, Does the 4-runner have the 4.7 V8 thats in the Tundra???

Yes, as an option. Awesome engine from everything I've read up on it...

 

[Kawidude]

You should get a lot of good miles out of the 4Runner. I have personally put 197,000 miles on my '98. It's only had routine oil changes and has never given me any kind of problems. Good choice!