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Your 4 runner will have no trouble towing that rig as long as your hitch is rated. If its a factory towing package then no problem. If you will be towing long distance a tranny cooler is recommended. As far as brakes you will need to have brakes on one axle (you will need a double axle trailer). With most bunk trailers the boat will sit lower on the trailer than with roller trailers. Hope this helps. I'm sure others can add.
I drive a 2004 4.7 v8 Toyota Tundra that has the same engine and a similar drive train as your 4Runner but a 7500 pound towing limit. A 23 foot boat may be within the weight range of the truck. I would not mind towing such a boat short distances with my Tundra. No way for long distances or really frequent tows.
You did not say how far and how often you plan to tow. If towing farther or more often, I would say that you are not going to like using a 4Runner.
Does a 4Runner have coil spring suspension in the rear? If so, it is less capable as a tow vehicle than you might otherwise think.
__________________ 18' Jones Brothers with Yam F115
We're buying a boat/trailer in Virginia. Does the law require brakes on all axles or just one?
Check with the VA DMV.
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Do you think that a v-8 4Runner with full tow package that's rated for 7000# should be able to handle a guesstimated 5500# OK? (24' boat)
Guessing the boat and trailer's weight does you no good. You need to have it weighed with fuel and anything else you'll be carrying while towing it. Also, deduct the weight of any passengers and other items in the tow vehicle. My 24' boat and trailer weighed 7,265 lb.
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Does a boat on a bunk trailer ride a little lower to the ground than a roller trailer?
It might and it might not. It depends on the trailer.
You might be too close for comfort. I drive an SUV also (Ford Explorer), V8 engine, tow package, etc. I have a 7000 lb tow rating. My 22' Aquasport is listed by the manufacturer at 3900 lbs, but when I weighed it at the truck scales, it was actually 5200 lbs with a full tank of gas!! Add an 1100 lb trailer, and I'm at 6300 lbs, before I add any gear.
If you're looking at a 24' boat, you will likely be pushing the envelope.
I've never used a roller-type trailer, but I don't think there's much difference. Most of them down here in FL are bunked trailers.
I tow a Pursuit 2470 on a tandem trailer with a 4Runner Ltd V8 and you barely know it is behind you on a freeway. Air lifts helped the rear of the 4Runner.
I'll try this again. This will be a one time 4-5 hour tow to get the new boat home. 4Runner with tow package including tranny cooler, very little fuel and basically no gear. Our current trailer is galvanized and the new one is aluminum I beam, so I'm thinking that should save a little weight. The current trailer is a roller trailer and the boat sits up pretty high behind the 4Runner. In fact to the point that in my experience wind resistance is almost as much of an issue as weight in towing it. So if a bunk tows the boat a little lower, that would be great as well.
90% of the time the boat stays on a lift, but occasionally we decide to do a little exploring, load it up on the trailer and take off--maybe a couple hour ride. Have pulled with an Explorer and 4Runner and the Runner wins hands down for power and ease of towing.
Thanks again to everyone for their comments (and particularly to the other 4Runner owner who is regularly pulling more than we are! )
Get disk (not drum) brakes on all axles regardless of VA law. Do it if for no other reason than resale.
When it comes to stopping power, more is definitely better. Can help make up for your use of a medium-duty tow vehicle if you ever have to make a panic stop.
__________________ 18' Jones Brothers with Yam F115
Get disk (not drum) brakes on all axles regardless of VA law. Do it if for no other reason than resale.
When it comes to stopping power, more is definitely better. Can help make up for your use of a medium-duty tow vehicle if you ever have to make a panic stop.
During the time I owned my trailer I went from one axle drum brakes to one axle disc brakes and then to two axle disc brakes. Each time was a definate improvement.
I second the suggestion of putting disc brakes on all axles. You have your boat and trailer, your tow vehicle, and you and your passenger's safety at stake here.
Trailer questions 
