Should I or Shouldn't I?

[FHMan1905]

I have been debating for a long time on the FJ. I currently have an 05 tundra lifted with all the goodies, but i need more room than my double cab has. I am worried about towing abilities. I know all the specs but like real world claims. I have a mastercraft ski boat and this is about all I really tow and was just wondering how the FJ's handle towing duties. And any other information would help also. Just debating because i have always had trucks from compacts to full size diesels so i am really hung up on moving to a SUV.

Thanks

[dau666]

FHMan1905 previously said:

I have been debating for a long time on the FJ. I currently have an 05 tundra lifted with all the goodies, but i need more room than my double cab has. I am worried about towing abilities. I know all the specs but like real world claims. I have a mastercraft ski boat and this is about all I really tow and was just wondering how the FJ's handle towing duties. And any other information would help also. Just debating because i have always had trucks from compacts to full size diesels so i am really hung up on moving to a SUV.

Thanks

You cant replace your Tundra with the FJ....!!! LOL
How heavy is your boat with trailer ? How long is the the ride from home to water? thats the first thing you should ask..

More info...all of us will help you decide....

[max-9]

I will be towing my 20 ft skiboat (marada) soon...about 4000lbs w trailer(single axle), Ill let you know.

[dau666]

Both of you should read this. There are other threds about other members towing his boat but I cant find it.

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...ghlight=towing

[FHMan1905]

My boat probably weighs about 4500 or 5000 lbs...it is only about a 20 minute drive but it is all hills up and down and we go to a lake a lot that is about 2 hours from here....My boat is the only heavy that i tow the other is fourwheelers and hunting stuff....i plan on keeping my 285's from my tundra since i am pretty sure the bolt pattern is the same and lifting the FJ, because my fiance claims i can't leave anything alone when i buy it...haha...thanks for you help

[vodooomt6]

i bought an old chevy 4x4 for towing my skeeter. the fj will NOT last long towing.most of my towing is in the mountains. just my 2cents

[FHMan1905]

well for the most part we only go the local lake but we do sometimes head to dale hollow which is about two hours away. The boat is the heaviest of my hauling the other is a honda rincon fourwheeler....and our boating season is only about 3 or 4 months....at least for wakeboarding and skiing. But thanks for the feed back voodoo....i appreciate it all now. I know the manager at the local dealership real good so he is going to let me have one for a weekend to see how i like it. Thanks

[dau666]

FHMan1905 previously said:

My boat probably weighs about 4500 or 5000 lbs...it is only about a 20 minute drive but it is all hills up and down and we go to a lake a lot that is about 2 hours from here....My boat is the only heavy that i tow the other is fourwheelers and hunting stuff....i plan on keeping my 285's from my tundra since i am pretty sure the bolt pattern is the same and lifting the FJ, because my fiance claims i can't leave anything alone when i buy it...haha...thanks for you help

FJ is class 3, 500/5000 pound rated, far below the Tunrda.... So you are close to the limit of what the FJ can do. Having relatively short wheelbase is not going to be much fun driving it either. Not sure if you have considred the trailer/passenger/gear weight as well...285 tires will rub slightly on the body mount, thus, some cutting and spacer may be required. If you want to pull so much weight you might have to beef up the suspension, too. Dont get me wrong I dont want to talk you out of it. But if the boat is more than the FJ can handle you will not have much fun pullng it, let alone pulling it out of the ramp...

[jcbuch]

I would be concerned about the tranny on the FJ over the long haul since you are right at the max towing capacity. not to mention things that others have like shorter wheel base and the towed weight vs vehicle weight. Dont really want the tail wagging the dog, especially in emergency stopping situations. I am currently picking up my FJ next week but I would not consider giving up my truck that I use to pull my horses and boat.

my 2 cents

[BigStew]

I have always had a pickup until a few years ago, when I got a 4Runner. It lasted about a year. I realized I can never go without a pickup again.

The best of two worlds, Chevy 1 Ton for the big stuff, and the FJ for the fun stuff.