Baja trek with a pop-up!

[mikewirths]

Hi all! And thanks for the welcome!

I think the air bags sound like the best solution for the ride height issue since its only a few times a year max I'd be pulling the trailer. The pop-up had electric brakes so stopping was not a problem at all, I find the brakes of the FJ so be top notch anyway!

About the property in Baja that we are looking at, yes it is remote but I actually feel much safer in Mexico (other than TJ and some border areas) than when I'm visiting my Wifes brother in San Diego! Ownership of land by non-mexicans is only allowed outside the 100km from a intl border or 50 km inland from a ocean or sea. So this property is just within the zone that can be owned. The beach properties you see for sale are done through a bank trust (usually 50 to 10 year leases), its buyer beware though and it is very wise to do it through a reputable real estate lawyer!

--cheers

Mike

[Jack]

Would a hitch with torsion bars help? I have a large toy hauler trailer that I tow with a Ford Excursion. You need a special hitch and torsion bars and attachments for the trailer. I believe the torsion bars help distribute the weight to the entire tow vehicle rather than just the hitch point.

As mentioned, trying to reduce the tongue weight by moving heavy items back would help regardless.

I assume you can't move the axle to compensate for the big item tray near the front?

[Rainney]

mikewirths previously said:

About the property in Baja that we are looking at, yes it is remote but I actually feel much safer in Mexico (other than TJ and some border areas) than when I'm visiting my Wifes brother in San Diego!

You might feel that way, but that doesn't make it true. A lot of very bad things have been happening down there lately. Hotel owners murdered, cops executed, women beheaded. Its not the safe, friendly place that some people think.

[Dissident]

mikewirths previously said:

Hi all! And thanks for the welcome!

I think the air bags sound like the best solution for the ride height issue since its only a few times a year max I'd be pulling the trailer. The pop-up had electric brakes so stopping was not a problem at all, I find the brakes of the FJ so be top notch anyway!

About the property in Baja that we are looking at, yes it is remote but I actually feel much safer in Mexico (other than TJ and some border areas) than when I'm visiting my Wifes brother in San Diego! Ownership of land by non-mexicans is only allowed outside the 100km from a intl border or 50 km inland from a ocean or sea. So this property is just within the zone that can be owned. The beach properties you see for sale are done through a bank trust (usually 50 to 10 year leases), its buyer beware though and it is very wise to do it through a reputable real estate lawyer!

--cheers

Mike

Sheesh, which part of San Diego?

I was looking at those trailers, but seeinig how much it sags makes me think there is NO WAY i'd be ok with a motorcycle on the front of that thing...

[Decidion]

Dissident previously said:

Sheesh, which part of San Diego?

I was looking at those trailers, but seeinig how much it sags makes me think there is NO WAY i'd be ok with a motorcycle on the front of that thing...

I wouldn't suggest a taller ball mount. And air bags are just a band aid...they only raise the body, they dont redistribute the weight. So you are still just as bad off with regards to less weight (and traction) on the front wheels.

The only real solution in this situation is a weight distribution hitch. Like Jack mentions, it has torsion bars that effectively move the weight forward and balance out the vehicle.

Reese makes some very good weight distribution hitches.