The Toyota 4Runner has been a popular SUV ever since it was first released in the US in 2003, with more than 1.4 million vehicles sold.
Thanks in large part to its excellent off-road capabilities, utilitarian design, ample cargo space, and well-equipped interior.
But what many 4Runner owners don’t know is that it also makes an excellent tow vehicle.
As the Toyota 4Runner is capable of towing most small and mid-size travel trailers including teardrop campers, lightweight stand-up campers, and pop-up campers.
Why the Toyota 4Runner Makes a Great Tow Vehicle
While there are tow vehicles, like the Ford F-150 or the RAM 1500 that offer more towing capacity, the 4Runner provides a surprising amount of towing capability for its size.
Making it a great alternative for those who don’t want to drive a full-size truck but still want a good amount of towing capability.
The Toyota 4Runner is loaded with features that make it great for towing including:
- 5,000-Pound Max Tow Capacity Across All Trim Levels
- 500-Pound Max Tongue Weight Capacity
- Equipped With a Standard 2-inch Hitch Receiver With a 4-pin and 7-pin Trailer Plug
- Powerful 4.0-liter V6 Engine that Produces 270 Horsepower and 278 lb-ft of Torque
Best Campers for the Toyota 4Runner (Least to Most Expensive)
| Make/Model/Trim | Average Cost | Sleeping Capacity | Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Coachmen Clipper Cadet 17CBH | $16,000 | 5 | Dry Bath |
| 2. Forest River R-Pod RP-171C | $20,000 | 4 | Wet Bath |
| 3. Winnebago Hike 100 H1316TB | $24,500 | 4 | Wet Bath |
| 4. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS | $28,000 | 6 | Dry Bath |
| 5. KZ RV Escape E20 Hatch | $28,500 | 4 | Dry Bath |
| 6. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS | $29,000 | 3 | Dry Bath |
| 7. Little Guy Trailers Max | $35,000 | 3 | Wet Bath |
| 8. Lance 1475S | $46,000 | 3 | Dry Bath |
| 9. Airstream Basecamp 16X | $52,000 | 2 | Wet Bath |
| 10. Airstream Bambi 19CB | $66,500 | 4 | Dry Bath |
Thanks to the 5,000-pound max towing capacity of the Toyota 4Runner, there are many different campers you can pull with it, as most small and mid-size campers have a dry weight of under 5,000 pounds.
Below we’ve highlighted some of the most popular and our personal favorites for the 4Runner.
1. Coachmen Clipper Cadet 17CBH
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $16,000
- Length: 20 Feet 5 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,896 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 5
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
The Coachmen Clipper Cadet 17CBH is one of the cheapest and lightest campers you can buy with a 5-person sleeping capacity.
Making this versatile lightweight camper a perfect fit for families or anyone that needs lots of sleeping capacity.
Beyond its large sleeping capacity, this compact travel trailer from Coachmen is also loaded with features to make your next camping trip more comfortable as well as enjoyable.
With such features as a 13,500 BTU roof AC, a 20,000 BTU furnace, a two-piece dry bath, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a large power awning.
For more information on the Coachmen Cadet 17CBH, check out Coachmen’s website by clicking here.
2. Forest River R-Pod RP-171C
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $20,000
- Length: 19 Feet
- Dry Weight: 2,449 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
The Forest River R-Pod has been one of the most popular and best-selling lightweight campers on the market ever since it was first released in 1996.
Thanks to its lightweight design, multiple floorplans, and unique teardrop shape.
One of the most popular floorplans, however, is the RP-171C, which also happens to be one of the shortest and lightest R-Pods available.
With a length of just 19 feet and a dry weight of only 2,449 pounds.
Making it one of the shortest and lightest camper options on this list that can be towed by the Toyota 4Runner.
The R-Pod 171C also has a 4-person sleeping capacity, which is pretty amazing considering its size.
Thanks to its rear queen-sized bed and convertible 4-person dinette booth at the front.
In addition, this R-Pod also features a three-piece wet bath with a combined shower, toilet, and bathroom sink.
As well as a fully-equipped kitchenette that includes a convection microwave oven, a two-burner propane stove with a glass cover, the largest-in-class refrigerator, and a kitchen sink with a high-rise faucet.
For full specs on the Forest River R-Pod RP-171C, be sure to check out Forest River’s website here.
3. Winnebago Hike 100 H1316TB
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $24,500
- Length: 15 Feet 11 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,122 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: Three-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
The Winnebago Hike 100 is a new camper in the Winnebago lineup.
It was designed for campers who like to get off the beaten path and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle.
As the Hike is equipped with numerous features that make it easy to go off-road and bring all your outdoor sports gear with you while doing so.
Thanks to its NXG-engineered frame, BAL independent suspension with Dexter TorFlex torsion stub axles, Goodyear Wrangler 16-inch off-road tires, and protective metal front and side brush guards.
As well as a one-of-a-kind powder-coated roof exoskeleton, that allows you to strap everything from kayaks to coolers to the frame of this adventure travel trailer.
Despite its rugged off-road exterior, however, the interior of this camper has a very modern and contemporary design with tons of amenities and creature comforts.
Available in 5 different floorplans, including the H1316TB, the H1316FB, the H1316MB, the H1316DB, and the H1316SB.
The Winnebago Hike H1316TB is one of the most popular, thanks to its four-person sleeping capacity, twin bunk beds, and rear access bike door.
For more information on the Winnebago Hike H1316TB as well as the other trim levels, check out Winnebago’s website by clicking here.
4. Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G20BHS
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $28,000
- Length: 21 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,652 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 6
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide Outs: 1
Forest River makes a full line of Rockwood Geo Pro campers with 13 different floorplans to choose from, one of our favorites, however, is the Geo Pro G20BHS.
Thanks to its bunkhouse design, accessory door, large 44-inch dinette booth on a slide-out, and a fixed full-sized bed that measures 54 inches by 74 inches.
To see the cost of other GEO Pro trim levels and floorplans, check out our blog post “How Much Does a Geo Pro Cost?“.
In addition, this well-equipped Forest River floorplan also features a nice-size two-piece dry bath, a well-equipped kitchenette, and a 14-foot power awning.
But the feature that really sets this camper apart is its standard roof-mounted 200-watt solar panel and 1,800-watt inverter.
As most campers at this price point usually only offer solar as an option.
For more information on the Forest River Geo Pro G20BHS and to take a 3D tour of the trailer, visit Forest River’s website by clicking here.
5. KZ RV Escape E20 Hatch
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $28,500
- Length: 23 Feet 10 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,560 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Dry Bath
- Number of Slides: N/A
One of the more unique campers on this list is the KZ RV Escape E20 Hatch, which is a cross between a standard travel trailer and a toy hauler.
As the Escape E20 Hatch features a large flip-up rear access door that allows you to easily load all your outdoor gear and cargo into the trailer including bikes, kayaks, and even a dirtbike, while still providing plenty of living space.
Thanks to its large dual-purpose area in the rear that features two bench seats and a dinette table that can be stored away when in travel mode to allow more room for gear and cargo.
This camper from KZ RV also features a two-piece dry bath, a kitchenette with lots of counter space, and additional storage space throughout, thanks to its numerous cabinets, and exterior storage lockers.
For more info on the KZ RV Escape E20 Hatch and to take a virtual tour, check out KZ RV’s website here.
6. Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $29,000
- Length: 20 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,543 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide Outs: 1
The Forest River Flagstaff E-Pro E19FBS, sister RV to the Rockwood Geo-Pro G19FBS is one of the best compact couples campers you can pull with the Toyota 4Runner.
Designed to maximize comfort for two people in a small space, the E-Pro E19FBS, offers best-in-class comfort and convenience for a couple.
As the trailer offers a full east-to-west queen bed, a 72-inch sofa with armrests and cup holders, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The best feature of the E19FBS though has to be its full three-piece dry bath, as the camper offers a complete bathroom with a separate shower, toilet, and bathroom vanity.
Making it one of the few 20-foot campers to offer a full dry bath.
Also, if you occasionally need to sleep more than two in the camper that’s no problem, as this E-Pro can sleep three when needed, thanks to its convertible couch which doubles as a second sleeping area.
To learn more about the Forest River E-Pro E19FBS and to take a 3D tour, check out Forest River’s website here.
7. Little Guy Trailers Max
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $35,000
- Length: 21 Feet
- Dry Weight: 3,060 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
The Little Guy Trailers Max is one of the largest teardrop campers you can buy and offers many of the same features that a large travel trailer does, just in a smaller package.
As the Max has a large queen-size bed, a two-person dinette booth that can be converted into an additional sleeping area, a full-functioning kitchenette, and a two-piece wet bath.
All in the confines of a 21-foot length, a 7-foot width, and a 3,060-pound dry weight.
To see other teardrop campers you can stand up in, check out our blog post “10 Must See Teardrop Campers You Can Stand Up In“.
And thanks to its unique aerodynamic teardrop shape, this small compact camper from Little Guy Trailers has one of the most stylish exteriors of any camper on this list.
For more info on the Little Guy Trailers Max and to see other lightweight teardrop campers they offer, check out Little Guy Trailer’s website here.
8. Lance 1475S
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $46,000
- Length: 19 Feet 8 Inches
- Dry Weight: 3,410 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 3
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide Outs: 1
Lance makes some of the best quality premium campers out there, and one of their more popular ones is the Lance 1475.
Thanks to its lightweight design, roomy interior, and premium features, such as a spacious full three-piece dry bath, available all-weather insulation for year-round camping, upgraded Euro overhead cabinetry with accent lighting and upgraded appliances.
The Lance 1475 is also available in two different floorplans including the 1475 and the 1475S.
We chose to highlight the 1475S floorplan because of its small slideout that adds additional living space and sleeping space.
As the 1475S has a couch instead of two captain chairs, which can sleep a third person.
For more information on the Lance 1475 and 1475S, check out Lance’s website here.
9. Airstream Basecamp 16X
Quick Specs
- Average Cost: $52,000
- Length: 16 Feet 2 Inches
- Dry Weight: 2,650 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 2
- Bathroom: 2-Piece Wet Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
While most people are familiar with the iconic classic Airstream trailer.
Many people are unaware that Airstream makes a lightweight single-axle adventure camper, called the Basecamp.
Which is one of the cheapest travel trailers that Airstream makes.
The Basecamp has four available models including the 16, the 16X, the 20, and the 20X, which were all built and designed with the outdoor adventurer in mind.
As the Airstream Basecamp is built to tough standards and can handle just about anything you can throw at it.
The 16 and 16X models though are the two lightest and shortest models available in the Basecamp lineup, which can both be easily pulled by the Toyota 4Runner.
While the 16 and 16X both have the same size and look, we choose to highlight the 16X on this list, instead of the 16.
As the 16X offers a few key upgrades over the 16, including larger wheels and tires, a lift kit, stainless steel stone guards, and panoramic front window protection shields.
For more information on the Airstream Basecamp 16X and the other Basecamp models, be sure to check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
10. Airstream Bambi 19CB
Quick Specs
- Price: $66,500
- Length: 19 Feet 1 Inch
- Dry Weight: 3,650 Pounds
- Sleeping Capacity: 4
- Bathroom: 3-Piece Dry Bath
- Slide Outs: N/A
The last camper great for the Toyota 4Runner is the Airstream Bambi 19CB, which is the most stylish and high-end camper on this list for those with the means.
As this camper from Airstream has a starting price of $66,500, which is more than double the price of some of the more affordable campers on this list.
To find out how much other Airstream Bambis cost, check out our blog post “How Much is an Airstream Bambi? Cost Breakdown“.
The Airstream Bambi is the smallest version of the iconic curved Airstream trailer and is available in four different trim levels, including the 16RB, the 19CB, the 20FB, and the 22FB, which range in length from 16 to 22 feet long.
We chose to highlight the 19CB because it offers a lot more usability and space compared to the small 16RB, while still maintaining a weight that the 4Runner can easily handle.
We also really like the floorplan on this particular Airstream Bambi, as it offers a rear corner dry bath, a four-person sleeping capacity, a large four-person dinette with panoramic windows, and a good-size kitchenette for the size of the trailer.
For more info on the Airstream Bambi 19CB, check out Airstream’s website by clicking here.
How the Towing Capacity of the Toyota 4Runner Compares to Other Mid-Size SUVs
| Make/Model | Max Towing Capacity |
|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner | 5,000 lbs |
| Honda Pilot | 3,500 lbs |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 1,500 – 5,000 lbs |
| Hyundai Sante Fe | 2,000 – 3,500 lbs |
| Ford Edge | 1,500 – 3,500 lbs |
| Kia Telluride | 5,000 lbs |
| Jeep Cherokee | 3,500 – 7,200 lbs |
| Subura Outback | 2,700 – 3,500 lbs |
| Honda Passport | 3,500 – 5,000 lbs |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 6,000 lbs |
Can a 4Runner Tow an Airstream Basecamp?
The Airstream Basecamp is available in four different trim levels, including the 16, the 16X, the 20, and the 20X, which all have dry weights below the 5,000-pound max tow capacity of the Toyota 4Runner.
This means the Toyota 4Runner can tow all Airstream Basecamps.
To further illustrate this, we’ve listed all the Airstream Basecamps below with their corresponding dry weights and gross vehicle weight ratings.
So you can see firsthand how the individual Airstream Basecamp weights, correspond to the 5,000-pound max tow capacity of the 4Runner.
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | GVWR |
|---|---|---|
| Airstream Basecamp 16 | 2,650 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 16X | 2,700 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20 | 3,400 lbs | 4,300 lbs |
| Airstream Basecamp 20X | 3,500 lbs | 4,300 lbs |
Can a 4Runner Tow an Airstream Bambi?
The Airstream Bambi is available in four different trim levels, including the 16RB, the 19CB, the 20FB, and the 22FB, which all have a dry weight below the 5,000-pound max tow capacity of the Toyota 4Runner.
This means the Toyota 4Runner can tow all Airstream Bambis.
To further illustrate this, we’ve listed all the Airstream Bambi trim levels below with their corresponding dry weights and gross vehicle weight ratings.
So you can see firsthand how the individual Airstream Bambi weights, correspond to the 5,000-pound max tow capacity of the 4Runner.
| Make/Model/Trim | Dry Weight | GVWR |
|---|---|---|
| Airstream Bambi 16RB | 3,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Airstream Bambi 19CB | 3,650 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Airstream Bambi 20FB | 4,000 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Airstream Bambi 22FB | 3,900 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
Where is the Trailer Plug for the Wiring Harness on the Toyota 4Runner?
All Toyota 4Runners come standard with a 2-inch receiver hitch as well as a 4-pin and 7-pin trailer plug for a trailer wiring harness.
While the 2-inch receiver hitch and safety chain mounting points are easy to find on the 4Runner, many Toyota 4Runner owners have a hard time locating the trailer plug for the wiring harness.
And that’s for good reason, because instead of the trailer plug being located next to the hitch receiver like it is on most vehicles.
The trailer plug on the Toyota 4Runner is located underneath the vehicle about a foot back from the bumper on the left-hand side if you’re looking at the trailer hitch.
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