Looking to get a camper...Tacoma vs. 4Runner

My wife and I are debating a travel trailer, and looking to stay in the 3000lb range (dry). Potentially looking Rpod/Hummingbird, but maybe something with a bigger profile.

Would you tow it with a 3rd Gen Tacoma or a 5th Gen 4Runner? (or, I guess keeping it relevant on the Tacoma forum, considering 2nd gen).

The Tacoma has a 6400 tow capacity and a true tow package.
AFAIK, the 4Runner has a factory hitch, but I have no idea about trans cooler and I don't recall that when I ordered it. This has a 5000lb tow capacity, but more low end torque. Better visibility, slightly shorter WB. Potentially better brakes.

Thoughts?

 

I towed a 20' trailer at about 4500# and would not go any bigger than 24'. Towing with a longer wheel base is better for stability on the HWY but when it gets wind these trucks are not that heavy and can get a little squirrely. Just my 2 cents...

 

I won't recommend either way because I don't have firsthand knowledge of the V6 4runner, either 4th Gen or 5th Gen. I do know from research I did before I bought the V8 4Runner that the V6 5000lb capacity (as opposed to the V8 7000lb) is because the hitch is mounted to the last crossmember on the frame just ahead of the spare tire. That applies to both 4th and 5th Gen 4Runner V6's.

The 4Runner V6 hitch is not mounted to the frame rails like the Tacoma Class IV hitch (or the V8 4Runner). This means a WDH is not recommended for use on the V6 4Runner because a WDH potentially puts too much stress on the crossmember.

4Runner V6 I'm pretty sure it has a stock transmission cooler, but it's inside the radiator. It has trans cooler lines running to the radiator and I saw people had cut them and installed an auxilliary cooler in front of the radiator like a Tacoma or the V8 4Runner has.

4Runner with the shorter wheelbase will be twitchier towing a long trailer, a short trailer there shouldn't be much difference. Airbags on either will be helpful.

There's a lot of tradeoffs between an SUV and a truck.

 

Wow. This I did not know...