I am going to move my daughter to law school towing a 4'x8' trailer using my 2020 4Runner Off Road. Likely to go over mountains and travel from Southern California to the Midwest or East Coast in late summer. 0W-20 is the manufacturer's recommended oil, I am considering changing to 0W-40 over concerns of the engine running hotter than its typical 186-degrees. Is this something that is practical?
Because I live in Southern California, going down to 0W isn't as necessary for climate but regularly using 0W-30 sounds like it might be a good move for my region's normally warm temperatures.
By the way, I have changed my differential and transfer case fluids and will change the transmission fluid prior to this trip. The car has 54k on it, so the ATF-WS is ready for a drain and fill, if I should pursue more of a "flush" with a second or third drain and fill, I would appreciate knowledgeable feedback.
(Anticipating snark... Yes, it would be cheaper to buy those items at the destination than to travel... This is an event for us.)
Using an oil heavier than what the manufacturer specifies can cause problems with variable valve timing.
Use only the oil viscosity recommended by the manufacturer!
over concerns of the engine running hotter than its typical 186-degrees.
Your engine runs at the same temperature regardless of load.
I remember summers in Nevada my temperature was 192-195 (especially going slower).
Well unless you have a really beefed up 4x8 trailer, your max cargo with the weight of the trailer will likely be less than 3k pounds. Just don't try t break any speed records with it, and follow the instructions toyota may have for towing, and you will be fine.
I have towed many 4x8 and 5x8 trailers with both my old 98 4Runner and my Lexus GX470 with no problem, the 4Runner did struggle a bit though. I often was pushing the limit of the weight, and almost always crossing a bunch of mountains. Your much newer 4Runner should handle it even better.
As far as the transmission, drain and fill is okay. I prefer a full fluid exchange, but it does cost more.
Thanks for the anecdotal information. It's a light load (2,000-2,400lbs including the trailer, maybe),
I buy my transmission fluid through parts.toyota.com and paid around $9/quart in Fall, 2022. Not all dealerships are so good on the pricing but, in San Diego, one place is regularly amongst the lowest prices in the country, Norm Reeves ZIP 92108.
- Don't
Absolutely not. Your engine will ALWAYS take the same grade of oil recommended in the manual. Do not adjust. You may also want to read the fine print of your warranty agreement.
