The Toyota 4Runner is a popular mid-size SUV. It’s known for being tough and reliable, and many people use them for off-roading.
But there’s one question that seems to come up again and again: Do Toyota 4Runners flip easily?
On Road
On-road Toyota 4Runners during normal driving conditions are fairly stable vehicles that perform well in most scenarios and safety situations. There can be challenges when a smaller car hits a 4Runner (which sits higher) and can get under the 4Runner, causing it to flip on its side.
Off-Road
Off-road, three main things impact how a vehicle handles and if it will flip easily or not.
Speed of the vehicle. Most accidents and rollover accidents are caused by a high rate of speed, often combined with other factors.
The terrain. If the terrain is uneven, has large rocks or holes, or is otherwise challenging, it can cause a vehicle to lose control and flip over.
Finally, a vehicle with a high center of gravity. Off-road vehicles are often lifted higher than the factory ride height. People will often place weight on the roof, such as a rooftop tent (RTT) or off-road gear on a roof rack; these will increase the center of gravity. A vehicle with a higher center of gravity is more likely to flip in certain situations.
Do 4Runner Flip Easily?
The short answer is no, Toyota 4Runners do not flip easily. They are built with a low center of gravity and have a wide track, which makes them stable even on rough terrain.
How To Avoid Flipping In Your 4Runner When Off-road
There are some things you should keep in mind if you’re taking your 4Runner off-roading.
First, avoid driving too fast over bumps and obstacles. An obstacle taken at a slow reasonable speed is much less likely to cause a problem than one taken too fast.
Second, be aware of your surroundings and the terrain. If you see a hole or large rock in your path, slow down and approach it cautiously.
Going downhill with an uneven side-to-side grade can create the perfect conditions for a vehicle with a higher ground clearance the perfect conditions to flip.
Finally, if you do find yourself in a situation where your 4Runner is starting to tip over if you can safely come to a stop, do so and see if you can take another line.
If you have other individuals traveling with you, see if you can get a spotter who can watch the terrain from outside the vehicle and direct you to a safe path.
Changes You Can Make To Your 4Runner To Make It Less Tippy
1) Do not lift the vehicle to extremes
A good rule of thumb is never to lift your 4Runner more than 2-3 inches above the factory ride height. In most cases, only lift it enough, so it is capable for the terrain you cover. Most of us don’t rock crawl in our 4Runners, so maxing out a lift isn’t usually necessary.
2) Do not add excessive weight to the roof
If you’re carrying gear or an RTT on your 4Runner, be aware of how much weight you’re adding and try to distribute it as evenly as possible.
3) Look into widening the stance
There are a few reasons you might want to widen the stance of your vehicle. Maybe you’re looking to improve handling and stability, or you’re trying to fit larger tires. Whatever the reason, there are a few different ways to achieve this. One option is to install wheel spacers. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive way to create more space between the wheels and the body of the car.
Another option is to use offset wheels. This means that the centerline of the wheel is not in line with the hub, which creates more space on one side. Offset wheels can be more expensive, but they offer a more permanent solution.
Finally, you can also install fender flares. This widens the entire width of the vehicle, giving you more room for tires and improving its overall appearance.
Do Not Be Afraid To Turn Around or Take An Alternate Route
If you are in a section that just looks too intimidating, do not be afraid to turn around. If you did happen to role your vehicle, it could cause thousands of dollars of damage and potentially injure you or someone else.
Some obstacles often have what is called a bypass or an easier route that someone who is less experienced or has a less capable vehicle can take to get over complex obstacles. This is another good method to still have fun on the trail but is less likely to risk damaging your vehicle.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, Toyota 4Runners are not susceptible to flipping over any more than other off-road vehicles, but there are some things you should be aware of when driving off-road.
Lifting your 4Runner too high, adding too much weight to the roof, and having a poor weight distribution can all lead to a tipping hazard.
When in doubt, always take the less risky option and save your rig for another day.
