towing
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
Joined
·
2,219 Posts
Save up some $$$ and shove a supercharger in the FJ:rocker:, along with some other high rpm performances will help with the towing. Also if you tow a lot, you might to consider some airbags in the rear. 
Joined
·
18,268 Posts
5000 is the max towing capacity. Take into account all of the weight in the FJ as well into this. If you have 4 people that weigh 150 (600), then 200 in gear, subtract 800 for this. If towing a boat, take into account weight of trailer.
The FJ is equipped with a class III trailer hitch, meaning the tongue weight cannot exceed 500 lbs. If your a decent sized male (im 6'1" 180) and cannot lift the trailer tongue at all, you may need to shift some things around in your trailer to make the weight less on the hitch.
Also, any trailer with cargo that exceeds about 2000lbs, should have trailer brakes. I couldn't imagine trying to stop a 5000 lb trailer without trailer brakes (think 3800lbs wakeboard boat + 1000 lb trailer with no trailer brakes = the FJ not stopping and quickly going through brake pads)
Also, put it in 4th gear. If you leave it in drive the transmission will be shifting in and out of Over Drive a lot and cause the transmission to run hot. In chevy's, the "tow/haul" mode button turns off OD. You will get worse mileage though.
The FJ is equipped with a class III trailer hitch, meaning the tongue weight cannot exceed 500 lbs. If your a decent sized male (im 6'1" 180) and cannot lift the trailer tongue at all, you may need to shift some things around in your trailer to make the weight less on the hitch.
Also, any trailer with cargo that exceeds about 2000lbs, should have trailer brakes. I couldn't imagine trying to stop a 5000 lb trailer without trailer brakes (think 3800lbs wakeboard boat + 1000 lb trailer with no trailer brakes = the FJ not stopping and quickly going through brake pads)
Also, put it in 4th gear. If you leave it in drive the transmission will be shifting in and out of Over Drive a lot and cause the transmission to run hot. In chevy's, the "tow/haul" mode button turns off OD. You will get worse mileage though.
Joined
·
794 Posts
install a transmission cooler.
Joined
·
524 Posts
I tow my 19' Stratos bass boat no problems.I leave it in OD and it does not hunt as some will do when left in OD.It certainly does not pull like my Tundra but it does get better than 13 miles per gallon.Its set up as a tournament rig,30 gallons of gas most of the time.3 group 31 deep cycle gel cell batteries with a Yami 150 on the back.I have not weighed it at any scales but i would guess around 3800lbs.
As for the leave it in OD while towing i live in South Florida and the biggest incline is a exit ramp.You can see in my avatar its hooked up now
Hope that helps
As for the leave it in OD while towing i live in South Florida and the biggest incline is a exit ramp.You can see in my avatar its hooked up now
Hope that helps
Joined
·
2,513 Posts
Check this thread out.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/general-discussion/18587-anyone-towing-toy-hauler.html
I was looking into this around a year ago, but decided a house was more important.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/general-discussion/18587-anyone-towing-toy-hauler.html
I was looking into this around a year ago, but decided a house was more important.
Joined
·
67 Posts
I looked at a few tent trailers based on an aluminum frame. They have a flatbed area large enough for two ATV's up front, & aluminum Loading ramps, the tongue weight was good based upon 800 pounds cargo weight for two ATV's. One trailer had Roof Air, & both trailers have Bathrooms. The other trailer I would consider is a Hobbi. I am not sure about who builds it, but there is a used one by me, & with two ATV's in the back, It would be just fine for the tongue weight. I would definetly do a hitch with load distribution-or sway bars as some people call them, & trailer brakes on the FJ, if I were pulling a trailer of that size. I pulled my tent trailer a few weeks ago with just the regular hook-up & the FJ did just fine. Once on the freeway, I put it in drive, if I went below 45 mph, then I put the FJ in 4th. My tent trailer with boat & small engine on top weighs about 1,200 lbs, & very little tongue weight. I am thinking about upgrading the trailer to a toy hauler type tent trailer as well. So I have been looking at the smaller trailers that will will sleep 6 people & carry all the #*@& to the lake or the dunes. (What happened to K.I.S.S.-Keep It Simple Stupid)
Joined
·
13,974 Posts
One additional thing to consider . . . wind resistance !
My experience with towing various boats is that they pull very easily for their size and offer very little wind resistance. When you hook up a cargo trailer or a toy hauler and hit the interstate, I think the wind resistance is going to surprise you. The faster you go the more you will notice the resistance . . . and its influence on your gas mileage. I hope you find a small toy hauler.
My experience with towing various boats is that they pull very easily for their size and offer very little wind resistance. When you hook up a cargo trailer or a toy hauler and hit the interstate, I think the wind resistance is going to surprise you. The faster you go the more you will notice the resistance . . . and its influence on your gas mileage. I hope you find a small toy hauler.
Joined
·
18,268 Posts
Wind resistance is 4 times as great when going 60 as compared to 30.
My FJ already is a beast to keep on the road in high cross winds.
Joined
·
1,093 Posts
The only thing i use my FJ for pulling wise is my two place trailer for my motorcycle to take it to the track. It does that job like butter
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
