[cjfisherman]

Hello all, sorry if I'm posting to the wrong section. I am setting up my 2013 that currently is w/o towing package to tow my travel trailer. Couple of questions:
First: Any feedback on pulling a 4500 lb travel trailer with my FJ? It's 30' LOA and I have an equalizer hitch with sway control. It's under the 5000lb towing rating, but it's close. Just wanting to know of other's experience.
Second: Any reco's on going with OEM or aftermarket hitch receiever? Found this one on Amazon, and seems to be pretty easy to install Amazon.com: Reese Towpower 44545 Class III/IV 2" Square Tube Professional Hitch Receiver: Automotive
Third: Any suggestions on wiring harness to have 7-pin connector on the back of the FJ?
I have researched and found the Georgia FJ Cruiser instructions. Will these work for a 7-pin as well?
Thanks to all in advance.
Chuck

 

[adam12_4]

I will give some bad news you will need the Toyota Kit with the fuses, Relays & controller that is only available at Toyota I got mine for 108 $ or your lights will not work. 4500 you should be good 5000 tow rating. You can but a 4 to 7 pin connector for about 10$ almost anywhere. I bought a factory hitch due to not wanting to lose rear approach angles . I would look for one of those on this forum or E bay. I also like the cleaner look. I have a spare valance cut out on my work bench that is sprayed back with bed liner I can give you if you go this route . Happy towing!

 

[Serenity Now]

Is 4500 empty or loaded? if empty I'm guessing you would be over 5000 loaded.

Either way I would install an auxiliary transmission cooler.

The factory hitch is easy to install (I just installed mine the other day), and retains more ground clearance for departure angle, if that matters to you.

 

[2010armygreen]

Looks like some pesky Mod removed your other threads and my response.

Get the factory hitch. It is well made and aftermarket ones hang down lower and look out of place. Many people start with an aftermarket one or buy their FJ with one and swap it for a factory one so my .02 is to start with the Toyota one. :bigthumb:

 

[cjfisherman]

Thanks to you all for the replies. Looks like the overwhelming consensus is to go with the factory setup. This leads to more questions:
First - Due to my complete ignorance, aren't there two different rear bumpers for the FJ depending on whether the tow package was initially installed at the factory? For some reason I have it in my head there was a cutout/raised section in the bumpers with factory receivers installed. This is the reason that I assumed I had to go with the lower tube-style setup.
Second - Does anyone have any suggestions about where to get the factory parts from at the best deal? My local dealer charges way too much.
Thanks
Chuck

 

[cjfisherman]

Is 4500 empty or loaded? if empty I'm guessing you would be over 5000 loaded.

Either way I would install an auxiliary transmission cooler.

The factory hitch is easy to install (I just installed mine the other day), and retains more ground clearance for departure angle, if that matters to you.

Trailer is 4200 empty. I figured if I light-load it, I could keep it around 4500-4600. This is for infrequent towing, as we normally use my Sequoia. Just wanted to take it on a 1200 mile trip elk hunting and would rather have the FJ versus the Sequoia in the Idaho woods.
Thanks

 

[BIGGUY]

The only difference is the little silver/black piece of valence in the middle of the bumper and I think it now comes with the hitch from some of the recent posts on hitches. Look at vendors in the vendor section of the forum. There are a few that carry the hitch at good prices. TRDparts4u, Sparks, and Purefjcruiser are 3 off the top of my head.

 

[cjfisherman]

Got it! Thanks. That's the Valance that adam12_4 was referring to.

Appreciate it.

Chuck

 

[BIGGUY]

Yep it's the little silver piece. You can see how it's notched with the hitch and with no hitch it's just straight/flat. If it's for a TT then it is black instead of silver.

 

[Serenity Now]

They don't make the black notch valance any more, although it is possible you could still find one in stock somewhere. I tried a few places but had no luck, so I just painted a silver one.

 

[cjfisherman]

Last one, and then I think I'm all set:

I assume that the factory wiring kit will allow the use and connection of a trailer brake setup? I need this with such a large trailer and don't want it to push me all over the road.

How is the wind-buffeting of the trailer on the FJ? My biggest concern is getting the "dog wagged by the tail" with the FJ being such a short wheel base opposed to a 30'LOA trailer. I do have sway control with my EQ hitch.

Thanks
Chuck

 

[NMroamer]

Last one, and then I think I'm all set:

I assume that the factory wiring kit will allow the use and connection of a trailer brake setup? I need this with such a large trailer and don't want it to push me all over the road.

How is the wind-buffeting of the trailer on the FJ? My biggest concern is getting the "dog wagged by the tail" with the FJ being such a short wheel base opposed to a 30'LOA trailer. I do have sway control with my EQ hitch.

Thanks
Chuck

Been reading replies to your question and been good advice.

My experience for what is it worth. Have a 2013 that I put a Curt hitch on because I wanted a frame mounted hitch for 3100 lb dry weight travel trailer. Trans mission cooler is a must especially where you live.
E trailer has everything you need to get going. When hooking up the brake controller the green wire with yellow stripe is the one you want.
I live in Albuquerque. Spent the weekend in Alamogordo, pulled the trailer just fine on the plains. The 6600 ft ridge on 380 had me in third gear and fifty mph. About as big as I want to go in NM.
I will be checking back if you have any more questions. Running the wires for the brake controller and charging circuit is easier if you run them along the frame. Don't drill a hole in your firewall punch a hole in grommet by the steering column.

 

[cjfisherman]

Been reading replies to your question and been good advice.

My experience for what is it worth. Have a 2013 that I put a Curt hitch on because I wanted a frame mounted hitch for 3100 lb dry weight travel trailer. Trans mission cooler is a must especially where you live.
E trailer has everything you need to get going. When hooking up the brake controller the green wire with yellow stripe is the one you want.
I live in Albuquerque. Spent the weekend in Alamogordo, pulled the trailer just fine on the plains. The 6600 ft ridge on 380 had me in third gear and fifty mph. About as big as I want to go in NM.
I will be checking back if you have any more questions. Running the wires for the brake controller and charging circuit is easier if you run them along the frame. Don't drill a hole in your firewall punch a hole in grommet by the steering column.

Thanks for the insights to all.

Ordered an OEM reciever and wiring kit from Pure FJ this morning (~$250 for both). Looking into the tranny cooler. Etrailer has one for the FJ for about $50. Talked to Toyota dealer and they'll install for 2 1/2 shop hours time. Might see if I can find an independent Toy shop and get a quote from them. Not something I feel comfortable doing although I've watched install videos on Youtube, don't want tom mess up my rig only being semi-mechanically inclined.

Someone mentioned earlier in the thread that you can't find a black valance with a notch any more. While I was on Pure FJ, I found they still have them for sale if anyone's looking. Trail Teams Edition Black Rear Valance - with Notch for Hitch [PT228-35110-HC] - $64.81 : Pure FJ Cruiser Accessories, Parts and Accessories for your Toyota FJ Cruiser
On sale for half off right now.

Thanks
Chuck