Hey everyone! I recently completed a 600-mile road trip to the SAVE Show in Stark, Florida with my new sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner, and I’m excited to share my experience towing a Space Trailer equipped with an Iron Man Ursa tent.
Towing Performance & Fuel Economy
The numbers might surprise you! Here’s what I observed:
- Outbound Journey: 17.5 MPG (traveling 75-80 mph with tailwind)
- Return Journey: 15.1 MPG (fighting headwind at 70 mph, ~2100 RPM)
- Overall Average: 16.3 MPG
Considering we were towing with:
- A four-cylinder turbo engine
- Larger, heavier tires
- A Prinsu roof rack
- Approximately 300 lbs of cargo
- A single-axle trailer
I’d say these numbers are quite respectable!
Trailer Setup & Performance
The Space Trailer XL proved to be an excellent companion. Some key features are:
- Extended tongue length for off-road maneuverability
- Aluminum construction with galvanized frame (perfect for Florida weather)
- Standard 2-inch ball hitch compatibility
- Excellent weight distribution capabilities
- Strut-assisted lid operation
The trailer tracked remarkably well behind the 4Runner. Even during convoy driving at highway speeds, the setup felt stable and confident. The longer tongue design really helped prevent any jackknifing concerns during maneuvering.
Vehicle Modifications
The 4Runner is starting to take shape with some recent additions:
- CBI ditch brackets
- Baja Designs lights (Nitto branded)
- Prinsu roof rack
- Nitto Terra Grappler G3 tires (aired down to 32 PSI from 40)
Camping Setup
The Space Trailer XL functions as both a utility trailer and camping solution. Here’s what I managed to pack:
- Iron Man Ursa rooftop tent
- BluEddy power station
- IceCo fridge
- Camping chairs and tables
- Cooking equipment
- Spare tire
- Various camping supplies
One of the biggest advantages was keeping the 4Runner’s cargo area completely free, which would be perfect for future trips with the dogs.
Lessons Learned
A few observations from this shakedown trip:
- The tent setup, while spacious and comfortable, requires closing when accessing the trailer
- The trailer’s electrical hookup is more accessible than the 5th gen 4Runner
- Weight distribution is crucial for optimal towing performance
- The strut-assisted lid makes accessing gear straightforward, despite the heavy rooftop tent
Overall Experience
Overall, I must say that combination of the 6th gen 4Runner and Space Trailer XL offers both utility and comfort. The fuel economy that i got i am little surprised and impressed. I recommend this setup to all of my readers without any hesitation. In future i will be doing more adventure trip with it so stay tuned.
