2025 (6th Gen) 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines

[Administrator]

Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) are always a common question among owners. I wanted to draft this guide up as a simple but dependable reference point for all owners curious about towing with the 6th Gen 4Runner and what the owners manual suggests.

Weight Limits, Equipment, and Setup Tips
(Reference: 2025 Owner’s Manual, pg. 205–213)
Link to Owners Manual: https://trail4runner.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-4runner-owners-manual.pdf

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is rated to tow between 5,100–6,000 pounds depending on trim and drivetrain. Towing requires proper equipment, setup, and driving awareness to maintain safety and prevent damage to your vehicle.

Towing Capacity by Model​

Trailer Weight Rating (TWR) and Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) vary by drivetrain and trim:

• 2WD SR5: TWR 6,000 lb | GCWR 10,970 lb
• 2WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,000 lb | GCWR 11,025 lb
• 2WD Limited: TWR 5,100 lb | GCWR 11,245 lb
• 4WD SR5: TWR 5,095 lb | GCWR 11,235 lb
• 4WD TRD Off-Road: TWR 5,110 lb | GCWR 11,265 lb
• 4WD TRD Sport: TWR 5,115 lb | GCWR 11,285 lb
• 4WD Limited: TWR 5,210 lb | GCWR 11,485 lb

Unbraked TWR for all models is limited to 1,655 lb.

Tongue Weight​

Tongue weight should be 9–11% of gross trailer weight for conventional towing.
If using a weight-distributing hitch, adjust torque until the front axle weight (or fender height) returns to pre-trailer connection levels.

Equipment Requirements​

• Over 2,000 lb: Sway control device required
• Over 5,000 lb: Weight-distributing hitch required
• Trailer brakes are required above the unbraked TWR
• Toyota recommends using a Toyota Genuine hitch and wiring system
• Do not use a bumper-mounted hitch

Safety Checks Before Towing​

• Tires (vehicle & trailer) inflated to spec
• Trailer level when hitched
• Lights connected and tested
• Trailer cargo secured
• Proper tongue weight and load balance
• Mirrors comply with local towing regulations
• Trailer brake controller gain properly set if equipped

Driving Tips​

• Max recommended towing speed: 65 mph
• Slow down before turns, during wind, or on rough roads
• Increase stopping distance; avoid abrupt braking
• Use lower gears and engine braking on long descents
• Do not tow with the temporary spare tire
• Practice reversing with the trailer in a safe area

Break-In & Maintenance​

• Avoid towing for the first 500 miles
• For the next 500 miles, limit speed to 45 mph and avoid full throttle
• Towing increases wear—check fluids and hardware more frequently
• Retorque hitch bolts after approx. 600 miles of towing

2025 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines Diagram​

Refer to pages 205–213 of the Owner’s Manual for diagrams showing proper trailer hitch setup, trailer ball sizing, tongue weight distribution, and more.