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Updated March 7, 2024
There’s a reason many choose to tow their travel trailer with the 4Runner by Toyota. This automaker is known for making excellent SUVs with the best specs, but the 4Runner’s travel trailer towing capacity and other capabilities are perfect for RVers on and off the road.
Many new 4Runner owners get excited about using their SUV for towing a camper. But, if you have one, you may wonder what the best trailers to tow with a Toyota 4Runner are.
Since being released in the US in 2003, Toyota has sold more than 1.4 million 4Runners. This model is prevalent due to its comfort features combined with a sturdy drivetrain and 4-wheel drive transmission.
The 4Runner’s travel trailer towing ability comes from a solid V6 engine, chassis, and other parts that give RVers decent pulling power.
Before you run out and buy a new camper to tow with your 4Runner, you’ll want to better understand what your 4Runner can safely tow.
How Much Can A 2024 Toyota 4Runner Tow?
In this article, we’ll look at the towing capabilities of the 4Runner and provide a list of small and midsize campers that your 4Runner can tow.
Unlike many similarly sized SUVs, the 4Runner’s travel trailer towing capacity gives you many RV options. Its 5,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity allows you to tow many small and midsize campers and travel trailers.
Remember that the camper’s dry weight needs to be less than 5,000 pounds, so you can also take food, gear, and everyone going with you and keep up with traffic. So, saving around 15-20% of your towing capacity for everything else is best.
10 Best Campers for the Toyota 4Runner: 2024 Models
Below we’ve put together a list of 2024 good quality small and midsize campers that your Toyota 4Runner can easily tow.
1. Airstream Bambi 16RB
✅ Smart use of space and classic Airstream quality
❌ One of the most expensive options on our list
- Length: 16’1”
- UVW: 3,950 lbs
- GVWR: 3,500 lbs
- CCC: 450 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 350 lbs
- Sleep: 2-4
The cute and compact Airstream Bambi is a camper that really lives up to its name. This is Airstream’s smallest single-axle trailer, and it’s perfect for a 4Runner.
Inside, you’ll find a super efficient floor plan that manages to pack all the necessities into a compact space. The trailer features a wet bath, convertible dinette with panoramic windows, kitchenette, and a 48” x 78” bed. The kitchen features a stove, sink, microwave, and fridge for cooking great meals. If you need extra sleeping space, the dinette converts into a second bed.
The great features of this trailer are rounded out by an exterior shower, a retractable awning, and an optional solar package.
2. Scamp 16
✅ Tons of upgrades available to customize the trailer to your needs
❌ Features that are standard on other trailers, such as a bathroom sink, are optional upgrades for the Scamp 16
- Length: 16’
- UVW: 1750-2000 lbs
- Sleep: 2-4
WIth nearly 50 years in business, Scamp is a brand you can trust. And their Scamp 16’ is the perfect trailer for towing with your Toyota 4Runner.
The Scamp 16’ is Scamp’s second largest trailer, and it boasts a chic, aerodynamic shape and unique interior decor. It comes with a variety of layouts to customize to your needs, all including a kitchen, featuring a 2 burner propane stove, sink, and fridge, as well as a a dinette that converts into a 44” bed. Floor plans with wet baths are also available.
A deluxe model is also available, which provides upgraded interior furnishings, a larger 54” bed, and more.
A variety of upgrades are available for the Scamp 16’, including A/C, a 19,000 BTU furnace, a glass stove top, and an outdoor shower, among others.
3. Rockwood A214HW
✅ The only A-frame trailer on our list
❌ Like most A-frame trailers, it’s fairly light on amenities
- Length: 20’4”
- UVW: 2,700 lbs
- GVWR: 3,353 lbs
- CCC: 653 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 353 lbs
- Sleep: 2
Looking for an A-Frame trailer to tow with your 4Runner? Check out the Rockwood 1214HW.
This A-frame trailer weighs in at under 3,000 lbs, making it easy to tow. Plus, this combined with its ability to collapse down into a compact, aerodynamic shape makes it a very fuel-efficient trailer.
Inside the trailer, you’ll find a queen flip-up bed, a 33” x 64” dinette, and a small kitchen with a two-burner stove and sink, plus a microwave across from the dinette. This trailer also features a bathroom. Outside the trailer, you’ll find a griddle and exterior storage.
4. Keystone Sportsmen Classic 180RBT
✅ Tons of sleeping space in a compact package
❌ Tent beds may not be to everyone’s preference
- Length: 21’9”
- UVW: 3,220 lbs
- GVWR: 4,500 lbs
- CCC: 1,280 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 420 lbs
- Sleep: 6
Want a trailer you can tow with your Toyota 4Runner that still has tons of sleeping space? Check out the Keystone Sportsmen Classic 180RBT. It features not one, not two, but three full-size tent beds to give sleeping space for up to six people.
The interior of the trailer also features a fully equipped kitchen with a two burner stove, microwave, and fridge. It also features a full bath in the rear. For seating and meals, there’s a dinette plus a 64” bench seat. Outside, you’ll find a 13’ awning to relax under.
5. Dutchmen Kodiak Ultra-Lite 201QB
✅ Plenty of space while still being lightweight
❌ Less interior storage than some other models on our list
- Length: 24’1”
- UVW: 4,140 lbs
- GVWR: 6,568 lbs
- CCC: 1,428 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 462 lbs
- Sleep: 2-3
The Dutchmen Kodiak Ultra-Lite 201QB is a trailer with tons of space that you can still tow with your 4Runner.
Inside, you’ll find a queen bed, plus a convertible dinette, so it can sleep up to 4. The kitchen is well equipped with an oven, stovetop, fridge, microwave, and large sink. In the rear, you’ll find a spacious full bath. This trailer also features an exterior awning and pass-through storage.
6. Oliver Legacy Elite
✅ Sleek design and smart use of space
❌ Not much space to walk around
- Length: 23’ 6”
- UVW: 4900 lbs
- GVWR: 7000 lbs
- CCC: 2100 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 490 lbs
- Sleep: 2-3
With a sleek, futuristic look, the Oliver Legacy Elite is perfect if you want to turn heads with your trailer.
Despite the small size of the trailer, it packs in tons of features. Inside, you’ll find a bed, convertible dinette and lounging area, a full kitchen with a 2 burner LP stove, 2-way fridge, and microwave, and a full bathroom.
The trailer exterior is made with an insulated double-hulled fiberglass shell for four-season camping. On the exterior, you’ll also find a power awning with an LED light strip, wind sensor, remote, and upgraded canvas, plus an outside wash station and battery storage (2x 12V batteries included standard).
A variety of upgrades are available for the Oliver Legacy Elite as well, including solar power and lithium battery packages, upgraded water heater and AC, and more.
7. Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser 23RSS
✅ Provides all the amenities of a larger trailer
❌ A/C not included standard
- Length: 26’1”
- UVW: 3,920 lbs
- GVWR: 6,060 lbs
- CCC: 2,140 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 420
- Sleep: 2-3
The Gulf Stream Vista Cruiser 23RSS is a compact trailer you can tow with your 4Runner that provides all the amenities of a larger trailer.
When you enter the trailer, you’ll find a spacious dinette, a sofa bed with end tables, and a kitchen. The kitchen features a double sink, 3 burner LP stove, oven, microwave, and fridge, so you can cook up whatever your heart desires.
At midship you’ll find a bathroom, plus a separate tub/shower, so one person can bathe while another uses the facilities. At the end of the trailer, you’ll find the bedroom, with a 60” x 74” bed and storage. Other great features include A/C, a home theater stereo with Bluetooth and speakers, and a 100-watt solar panel.
8. Heartland Mallard P18BHS
✅ Bunk beds, dinette, and queen bed means plenty of sleeping space
❌ A bit light on interior storage space
- Length: 22’9”
- UVW: 3,964 lbs
- GVWR: 5,000 lbs
- CCC: 1,040 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 436 lbs
- Sleep: 5-6
Bunk beds, a full bath, and more help make the Heartland Mallard 918BHS an awesome trailer to tow with your Toyota 4Runner.
The double bunk and full bath are in the rear of the RV. The bathroom features a spacious tub/shower with a skylight. Next to these is the kitchen, with a fridge, 4 burner stove with oven, and large sink. A dinette opposite the kitchen provides the perfect place to enjoy your meals. In addition to the bunks, the trailer also has a queen bed at the front.
The exterior of the trailer features a 110W solar panel, with a 1200W inverter to go with it. You’ll also find a power awning with LED lights and exterior speakers.
9. Black Series HQ12
✅ The ideal trailer for going off-road and off-grid
❌ Low cargo carrying capacity
- Length: 19’
- UVW: 5,080 lbs
- GVWR: 6000 lbs
- CCC: 820 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 508 lbs
- Sleep: 4-5
The Black Series HQ12 is a rugged trailer that’s as off-road ready as your 4Runner.
The exterior is built tough using aluminum composite panels with aluminum diamond plating for extra strength. The pop-up roof ensures the trailer is aerodynamic in transit, while having plenty of space when camping. The exterior also features an outdoor kitchen and shower.
Inside the trailer, you’ll find a queen bed, bunk bed, and convertible dinette lounge area for plenty of sleeping space. The interior kitchen features a propane stove, sink, microwave, and fridge. The trailer also has a wet bath inside.
The trailer comes standard with 4 150-watt roof-mounted solar panels, 2 100Ah batteries, and a 2,000 pure sine inverter, plus a sizeable 64-gallon fresh water tank and 16-gallon water filtration system, making it perfect for going off grid.
10. Bean Trailers Black Bean
✅ A super compact, off-road-ready trailer
❌ Like all teardrop trailers, space and amenities are limited
- Length: 15’2”
- UVW: 2600 lbs
- Tongue Weight: 350 lbs
- Sleep: 2
Looking for a super compact trailer that can handle off-road adventures? You’ll love the Bean Trailers Black Bean.
This teardrop trailer is made for adventures, with durable construction, 20” of ground clearance, and a heavy-duty Timbren 3500 independent suspension. Inside the trailer, you’ll find a queen foam mattress, storage under the mattress and in overhead cabinets and drawers, dimmable lighting, and a MAXXFAN Deluxe with a remote.
The trailer is powered by 105Ah lithium batteries with a 1500W inverter. The rear of the trailer is where you’ll find the kitchen.
The Black Bean is highly customizable, with tons of available options, including:
- Upgraded galley with stove and Dometic fridge
- A pop-up table
- An annex
- Solar power
- A spray port
- A Thule Probar roof rack
This lets you create the perfect Black Bean for your needs.
Is the Toyota 4Runner a Good Tow Vehicle?
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is an exceptionally versatile vehicle. It’s also an excellent vehicle for towing small to midsize campers. Many people pick the 4Runner because it has ample towing capacity and is an excellent alternative to a full-size SUV or pickup truck.
The towing capacity of all 2024 4Runner trim levels is 5,000 lbs. This general towing capacity takes the confusion out of buying a 4Runner. You won’t even see an increase in towing capacity on the TRD Sport trim, the most popular option for boondocking and off-road adventuring.
The 5,000 lbs. towing capacity is combined with an integrated towing package that meets SAE J2807 specifications. The towing capacity of the 4Runner is based on the 4.0-liter, 270 hp, V6 engine. This allows you to easily tow a small camper or a travel trailer.
2024 4Runner Features That Make it Great For Towing a Camper
- 270 horsepower and 278lb-ft of torque from the 4.0-liter v6 engine
- Integrated 2-inch standard hitch receiver.
- 4-pin and 7-pin trailer plug standard on all trim levels.
- 5,000 lbs. maximum towing capacity on all trim levels.
- 500 lbs. maximum tongue weight capacity.
RVBlogger Tip on Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): The CCC of your RV includes your RV gear, personal items, holding tank water (8.34 lbs./gallon), house batteries (usually around 50 lbs), and your propane tanks (replaceable tanks or built-in). Ensure you deduct your utility weights to find your true CCC.
Can A Toyota Tacoma Tow More Than A 4Runner?
The Toyota 4Runner is far from Toyota’s only vehicle with off-road and towing capabilities. Another popular choice is the Toyota Tacoma. But can the Toyota Tacoma tow more than the 4Runner?
The exact answer to that question depends on your Tacoma’s engine. The four cylinder Tacoma has a towing rating of 3,500 pounds, falling short of the 4Runner’s 5,000 pound towing rating. But with an upgraded V6 engine, the Tacoma’s tow capacity jumps to 6,400 to 6,800 pounds (depending on the exact model and trim), beating out the 4Runner by over 1,000 pounds.
Should You Use A Weight Distribution Hitch With A Toyota 4Runner?
Wondering if you need a weight distribution hitch when towing with your 4Runner? The exact answer depends.
For a smaller trailer that’s well below the maximum tow capacity of your 4runner, you likely won’t need a weight distribution hitch (although you can certainly still use one). However, if you have a heavier trailer, a weight distribution hitch can be smart to ensure a better towing experience.
Final Thoughts About 2024 Campers to Tow With a Toyota 4Runner
Congratulations! You own one of the most fun SUVs for traveling. Your Toyota 4Runner is an excellent vehicle for towing a camper. Now that you know a bit about the best trailers that can be towed with a 4Runner, you’re ready to hit the road.
Remember that safety is the first priority before you and your new 4Runner head out for the first time towing a camper.
Never tow more than your 4Runner can handle; only head out when you know your 4Runner and travel trailer are operating safely. Now you can adventure in comfort with a camper and your Toyota 4Runner.
1. 20 Best Campers to Tow With an SUV
2. The Best SUV to Tow a Travel Trailer
3. 10 Best Travel Trailers With Bunk Beds Under 7,000 lbs.
4. 10 Best Travel Trailers Under $30,000
5. Coleman Campers: Are They Any Good?
About the Author
Jason Gass – Author and Part Time RVer
Jason Gass is a full-time freelance writer and part-time RVer whose goal is to share great stories around a campfire with good friends.
When he’s not working, he spends most of his time camping, searching for the best breweries, and road-tripping in his teardrop trailer with his wife, daughter, and two dogs.
Looking for a drop deck true toy hauler for a RZR 900 side by side or full sized Harley Davidson that converts to a livable area when vehicle is out of carrier. Yes, these are out there, but not for the limited towing of a 4Runner. Polaris or Harley are 1000 to 1200 lbs alone, so toy hauler needs to be less than 4,000 lbs wet. Nothing out there I can see.
I would love to find a travel trailer with a North/South bed (death to climb overs) and theater seating instead of a dinette. I have 200,000 miles on my 2011 4Runner and would love to keep it for another 100,000 miles but I want a trailer that offers some comfortable seating. Sadly, I don’t think it exists.
Why are Casitas never in your lists.