Towing and heat stress ??

[Camprunner]

The wife and I bought a new camper and im going to tow it with my 06 V6 Toyota 4runner the camper will be aprox 4,900lbs under full load and I have a few oil questions.

1. I have been runneing Formula Shell full synthetic in my 4runner for some time now and I was wondering is there an oil that would be better to use for high heat/high load conditions?

2. I usually change my oil at 5,000 miles (still under warranty)but I was thinking that I should change it more often when I tow for fear of oil breakdown?

Thanks

 

[Steve S]

It would really depend on what the oil temps are . How heavy your foot is when driving.

 

[GMBoy]

First question for me is what is the max towing spec for your 4runner? 4900lbs plus you have to add your body weights and anything else in the camper and the truck so you may be closer to 6000lbs than you think. Anyhow - I am sur you are close to the max tow for the vehicle so a good oil is paramount to protect that hard working V6. Me, personally, I'd use Mobil 1 or a Redline syn lube. That Formula Shell is just a hydro-cracked group III oil, not really a true synthetic. Not that you would not be well served by that oil, but I'd want the extra margin of protection that M1 or redline (or even Amsoil).

 

[Camprunner]

I was wondering is PP a hydro-cracked group III oil or a true synthetic?

 

[Ken2]

That oil should be fine. Shell's Pennzoil syn might be a better oil. The oil drain interval should be OK at 5k. If you'll be in very hot weather, you might upgrade to a 5W-40. (Ignore humidity on machinery...it's tough on us but makes do difference to machinery.)

 

[Gary Allan]

CAPACITIES
Curb weight (lb.) 4530
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lb.) 6005
Towing capacity [6] (lb.) (2WD/4WD)7000

Check out the Toyota Guide to Towing to learn the proper techniques:

PART 1
Selecting the Right Toyota Truck or SUV for Your Towing Needs
PART 2
Towing Trailers, Boats & Driving with a Trailer
PART 3
State Towing Laws, Toyota Tow Ratings & Payload Capacities 7000

http://www.toyota.com/4runner/specs.html

 

[coffee]

Using Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 may be a good option for you and is a great oil overall.

 

[Tempest]

Originally Posted By: Camprunner
I was wondering is PP a hydro-cracked group III oil or a true synthetic?

It uses, at least in part, the finest Grp III available. It also appears to use some of the best, shear resistant VII.

 

[TallPaul]

If you are going to run the engine at high rpms, go with Redline as it will take the heat.

 

[Bircsbor]

Assuming your 4runner is an automatic trans....I would highly recommend an auxiliary transmission fluid cooler if you don't already have one installed. Toasting a trans can ruin a camping trip