I am looking at the Toyota 4 Runner 4WD, V8.  I would be pulling a Hart 2 horse bumper pull Medallion model - aluminum.  My horse is 14 hds and weighs about 850-900#.  I considered the Tundra but my husband (non-horse person) would prefer a SUV since it'll serve more family oriented purposes than just to tow my trailer.  The paperwork on the trailer indicates it weighs about 2600# but I think it could be more around 3000#.  The 2007 4runner has a tow capacity of 7000#, which is more than the 2006 Tundra 6800#.  Any thoughts on this?

The wheelbase on the 4 runner is 109.8.

I'v got the 2003 V6 model, and have towed utility trailers with almost 3000lbs of material and no electric brakes.  It pulls fine, I think the trucks brakes could be a bit stronger.  Hopefully the V8 has beefier brakes - and of course you'll have the electric brakes on the trailer to assist.  Overall I can say with no hesitation that this 4Runner has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. 

Properly set up I think you'll be fine - and you're getting a very fine vehicle.

Note - I forgot to put this in my original post, I have 117,000 miles on the truck, and they aren't always the easiest miles, and it's still as tight as the day I bought it.  I jam this thing with all manner of horse material and wet dog, and it still cleans up fine and runs like a champ.

Good Luck.

Steve

Thanks for the feedback.  Do you see any issues with the wheelbase length?  The guy at the dealership said I'd be better off with the Sequoia.  Of course, they're bigger and cost more to purchase and operate.

I read a book on trailering that indicated wheelbase length should be 114 inches without a dressing room and 120 inches with a dressing room.  It didn't specify straight or slant load.  The trailer I have is a slant load which makes it a little bit wider and not quite as long as a straight load. 

The information I've read on Brenderups indicate they can handle as low as 93" wheelbase but they're designed a little differently too.

Mr. Truck, what do you think?

I'm amazed at how well the Tundra tows. It seems to run wide open in rpms when loaded though and that worried me, but they are hard to wear out. The long overhand from the rear axle to the rear bumper is another complaint of mine, so a wdh is a good idea, except on a Brenderup as they are balanced over their axles with the lowest tongue weight of any trailer I've tried. You should be fine with the Hart Medallion two horse. Just stay 15-20% below the max trailer tow rating.

The new 2007 Tundra out in February has solved my gripes about the Tundra. The article is embarged by Toyota until January 9th. So stay tuned, I'll spill my guts on that day here.

Mr. Truck,

Do you think the wheelbase on the Toyota 4 Runner is long enough to safely tow the Hart 2 horse, slant load bumper pull Medallion model?  The wheelbase on the 4 Runner is 109.8.  I would use a weight distribution hitch. 

Mr. Truck - I haven't forgotten!  I'm looking forward to your review of the new Tundra.  I saw the Edmunds.com review was posted last night... is the embargo lifted?  From what I've read so far I think the Chevy Silverado and the Tundra may have quite a duel. 

Thanks,

Steve