4Runner owners towing 2,500–3,000 lb travel trailers — real-world experiences?

[Balto6G_TRD_ORP_4R]

I’ve been doing a lot of research on lightweight RV trailers that seem well-matched to a Toyota 4Runner (ORP), and I’d love to hear from people with actual towing experience in this weight range.

I’m specifically interested in trailers roughly 2,500–3,000 lbs dry that still offer:

• A dinette
• A bathroom (wet bath is fine)
• A dedicated bed
• Reasonable storage for recreational gear (bikes, hiking, water sports, etc.)
• Adventure oriented

If you’re towing something in this range, could you share:

• Your specific trailer make/model
• Whether you use a WDH or sway control
• How it feels in real-world conditions (highway speeds, hills/mountains, wind, long drives)
• Any regrets, lessons learned, or “wish I’d known this before” insights

I’m less interested in paper specs and more in how these setups actually behave day-to-day with a 4Runner. Thanks in advance — I’m hoping this helps others researching similar lightweight adventure-style trailers as well.

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[GetOut]

I have towed a 2024 Airstream Basecamp 20X a total of 2000 miles with my 2025 4Runner SR5. Dry weight is around 3700 lbs, so a little above your target weigh. With a WD hitch, I think it tows great. Impressive power, especially up hills where the turbo 4 stays in a higher gear which keeps the revs low. Sort of like a diesel. I averaged 14.8 mpg. When I picked up the trailer I did not use a WD hitch. Not recommended! I would say a WD hitch is mandatory with this trailer.

 

[Balto6G_TRD_ORP_4R]

I have towed a 2024 Airstream Basecamp 20X a total of 2000 miles with my 2025 4Runner SR5. Dry weight is around 3700 lbs, so a little above your target weigh. With a WD hitch, I think it tows great. Impressive power, especially up hills where the turbo 4 stays in a higher gear which keeps the revs low. Sort of like a diesel. I averaged 14.8 mpg. When I picked up the trailer I did not use a WD hitch. Not recommended! I would say a WD hitch is mandatory with this trailer.

Hybrid or non?

 

[Stigma]

I have towed a 2024 Airstream Basecamp 20X a total of 2000 miles with my 2025 4Runner SR5. Dry weight is around 3700 lbs, so a little above your target weigh. With a WD hitch, I think it tows great. Impressive power, especially up hills where the turbo 4 stays in a higher gear which keeps the revs low. Sort of like a diesel. I averaged 14.8 mpg. When I picked up the trailer I did not use a WD hitch. Not recommended! I would say a WD hitch is mandatory with this trailer.

Any chance you remember what your average mph was while towing this trailer?

 

[Balto6G_TRD_ORP_4R]

Any chance you remember what your average mph was while towing this trailer?

Looks like they said 14.8mpg.

 

[Stigma]

Looks like they said 14.8mpg.

Yup! But what I am wondering is MPH.. in other words was was on Interstate @ 75mph? On highway @55mph? My experiences with a trailer at 75 MPH on interstate was terrible compared to 14.8 mpg thus trying to just learn a little more.

 

[GetOut]

Hybrid or non?

Non-Hybrid

Any chance you remember what your average mph was while towing this trailer?

14.8 mpg. This was primarily on I-71 and I-65, which has rolling hills through KY, TN and AL. I keep it to the posted speed limit when towing.

 

[Charlie]

I tow a 1968 Airstream Globetrotter, a 20 footer that the original manual says weighs 3010 lbs unloaded, but with some modifications and loaded it‘s probably between 4000 and 4500, have towed 2500 miles to date. I have the hybrid and it tows incredibly well. The 465 lbs of torque at 1700 rpm makes starting from a standstill effortless. I highly recommend the Tow Package, it has some features that make towing far easier. I installed a WD hitch that makes towing far more relaxing, I have a Reese. It makes the 4Runner and trailer feel like a single, solid unit. My mileage has varied from 12-15 mpg at 55 mph depending on how much hill climbing is happening.

I moved up from a 2012 Gen 5 with 180,000 miles. I can now effortlessly go up hills and don’t piss off the drivers behind me when there’s no place to pull over.

 

[mikenewowner]

I tow a 3000lb or so 13 foot Scamp travel trailer; barely notice it is there.

 

[Balto6G_TRD_ORP_4R]

Yup! But what I am wondering is MPH.. in other words was was on Interstate @ 75mph? On highway @55mph? My experiences with a trailer at 75 MPH on interstate was terrible compared to 14.8 mpg thus trying to just learn a little more.

I see.

I tow a 1968 Airstream Globetrotter, a 20 footer that the original manual says weighs 3010 lbs unloaded, but with some modifications and loaded it‘s probably between 4000 and 4500, have towed 2500 miles to date. I have the hybrid and it tows incredibly well. The 465 lbs of torque at 1700 rpm makes starting from a standstill effortless. I highly recommend the Tow Package, it has some features that make towing far easier. I installed a WD hitch that makes towing far more relaxing, I have a Reese. It makes the 4Runner and trailer feel like a single, solid unit. My mileage has varied from 12-15 mpg at 55 mph depending on how much hill climbing is happening.

I moved up from a 2012 Gen 5 with 180,000 miles. I can now effortlessly go up hills and don’t piss off the drivers behind me when there’s no place to pull over.

i believe I have the tow package. Trailer brake control is present, as well as a trailer backup button. Great setup!!

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