Towing oil

Slangene · Oct 22, 2015

All, I have a 2014 4Runner that uses 0w20 oil and just bought a boat weighing roughly 3800 pounds with trailer. Is there a need to change to 5w30? Weight is within 4750 towing capacity. My wife has a 2015 tahoe I could use but have the same issue, it too uses 0w20. Thoughts?

beast3300 · Oct 22, 2015

No need to change anything unless the manufacture has a special clause for the weight you're towing.

OneEyeJack · Oct 22, 2015

If the towing is just a small part of your overall driving there's no need to change anything.

Kuato · Oct 22, 2015

Originally Posted By: Slangene
All, I have a 2014 4Runner that uses 0w20 oil and just bought a boat weighing roughly 3800 pounds with trailer. Is there a need to change to 5w30? Weight is within 4750 towing capacity. My wife has a 2015 tahoe I could use but have the same issue, it too uses 0w20. Thoughts?

IIRC Toyota does recommend a 30 weight when towing and during high altitude and high speed operations; I almost bought an FJ a year and a half ago and did the research....it is in the owner's manual somewhere. Numerous guys on FJ websites using 30 weights with no issues.

Up to you of course, but won't hurt to put in 5w30.

hansj3 · Oct 22, 2015

Fro some reason my mind went to a semi truck with a tanker full of 5w30

Rand · Oct 22, 2015

I think I got lost at FJ Cruiser = 4Runner.

Branson304 · Oct 22, 2015

If the owner's manuals of these vehicles don't say anything about needing a heavier oil for towing, then don't use one. I've used 20 weight oils in my vehicles when doing lots of towing with no issues, although a 30 weight wouldn't hurt.

AlaskaMike · Oct 22, 2015

I'd be far more concerned that everything with the transmission is in good shape than I would be with the engine oil.

Greasymechtech · Oct 23, 2015

Tow or warm location.... I'd use a full synthetic 5w30.

I would also bump up the rear diff visc

tig1 · Oct 23, 2015

bigt61 · Oct 23, 2015

Originally Posted By: Rand
I think I got lost at FJ Cruiser = 4Runner.

No one said that. But they both have the same engine. If you get lost that easy, get a freakin GPS.

Nate1979 · Oct 23, 2015

Originally Posted By: beast3300
No need to change anything unless the manufacture has a special clause for the weight you're towing.

+1 read and follow owners manual. If they say to run heavier when towing, do it.

zeng · Oct 23, 2015

Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
Tow or warm location.... I'd use a full synthetic 5w30.

I would also bump up the rear diff visc

+1 , agreed.

Slangene · Oct 23, 2015

thanks everyone for the input

Kuato · Oct 23, 2015

Originally Posted By: Rand
I think I got lost at FJ Cruiser = 4Runner.

Same engine if the 4runner has a 6 cyl.

Towing oil

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