Tow vehicle, tacoma or 4runner?

I have 2 toyota's, a 04 taco 4x4 3.4L manual trans and a 00 4runner 4x4 3.4L auto trans. I am undecided on which truck would make a better tow vehicle. I ordered a new Casita 17ft fiberglass camper, it weighs 2450lbs. I'm picking it up in Texas on march 17th and towing it home to Baltimore. The runner has 180k miles, 3" toytec suspension lift, tundra front brakes and a external trans cooler. The taco was a project truck that i picked up with a blown motor for $500. I recently installed a used engine with 69k miles, 147k on the truck. Taco has stock suspension. Taco has a new Aisin clutch kit. Both trucks have new t. belts and related compoments, rad hoses, tune ups, and tires. Both run great. Will the manual trans tow better than a heavier auto trans equipped 4runner? Will the taco's stock suspension handle the weight? I have to install a brake controller and 7 pin connector and i'm not sure what truck to use. Thanks.

 

I tow a lot and would NEVER consider a manual transmission for an ideal tow vehicle. Especially for a long distance. Either vehicle will handle that little trailer no problem, but personally I would opt for the automatic.

 

Just curious why you would never consider a manual?

 

Yea to each their own on this one. Me personally i prefer a manual towing for the total gear control. Im not a towing expert but i would have to guess that the 4runner would be a little nicer towing. Its 6 in one half dozen in the other as far as im concerned.

 

Yep i like my manual for towing as well. Where in Baltimore are you??

 

I was raised in canton, near fells point but i'm in dundalk now. I wanted a single family home with a large grass yard, garage and driveway. And i'm only 10mins. from canton/fells point, i work in canton. I'm leaning towards the tacoma, i like the idea of controlling the gears especially when i'm in the mountains traveling up I-81.

 

I would use the 4Runner mainly because of the Tundra brakes. A heavier tow vehicle will also get pushed around less by a trailer.

 

sweet! I'm right down the road in Sparrows Point, i will have to keep a eye out for you!

 

My parents live in sparrows point on Lincoln ave.

 

Very good points Nate the coils do bounce more and sag more than leafs. Also I agree with the longer wheel base as well

 

I'd use the taco. Better power transfer with the manual and no transmission overheat issues with a Manual. Plus the longer wheelbase will give better control, as will the stiffer leaf sprung rear over the link/coil rear on the 4runner.
My $.02


BTW- nice looking 'runner.

 

Thanks for the replies. I never considered the difference in wheelbase. I was leaning towards the taco because of its man. trans. I need a class 3 frame hitch for the taco and since i wanted to replace the damaged rear bumper anyway i was wondering if anybody offers a rear bumper {plate or tube style} with a class 3 hitch built into it?