95-97 Land Cruiser Tow Package

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B

brevell

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I'm thinking of buying a 95-97 Land Cruiser to tow a two horse trailer (2400 lbs. of horses plus the trailer) and live in Colorado where I'll probably be going over some 9000 ft. passes. Is the vehicle capable of it, will it be sluggish on the passes, any other considerations? Also I've read the rated capacity is 5000 lbs. and that there is a 'tow package' . Would that up the rated capacity and if so to what?
Would the newer V8 be a better rig for what I intend to do? Thanks, Burt
 
All 80s have the tow package, which is a tranny cooler. The tow rating is 5000lbs. I would think that it will work as a tow rig, but there are definitely better alternatives for that purpose if it is frequent, especially at your altitudes. A TRD supercharger would certainly help.
 
It'll be sluggish on the passes, and yes the newer V8 100 series will be less sluggish. If that's an issue, don't get a 6 cylinder 5400lb SUV. It's a great truck, but heavy towing is not its primary design intent and it shows when you go over the rating.

DougM
 
When towing, you really need to consider the brakes and their condition. Even though a vehicle can tow a certain load, can the vehicle stop the load on the given terrain?

In properly maintained condition, the TLC will tow your load, albeit a little slow and a little rough.
 
I would venture to say that if you buy the LC primarily for towing, you will be disappointed.
I think my engine is in top condition, but when I'm loaded and also pull our 2500 lbs popup uphill at altitude it's really struggling. Not that it won't go, but you have to downshift to 2nd and be content to do 40 mph (or less).... Of course, it's probably getting something like 8500 lbs uphill by that time....
 
e9999 said:
I would venture to say that if you buy the LC primarily for towing, you will be disappointed.
I think my engine is in top condition, but when I'm loaded and also pull our 2500 lbs popup uphill at altitude it's really struggling. Not that it won't go, but you have to downshift to 2nd and be content to do 40 mph (or less)....
Click to expand...

My previous 97 FZJ80 would downshift like that on the higher mountain passes in Colorado even without anything in tow. I may have driven it a little conservatively but I recall being passed by the likes of motorhomes and semis climbing grades like Monarch Pass. The elevation definitely takes a toll on the 1FZ-FE.

Burt, get an 80 if you primarily want to go four-wheeling in it.
 
If you want to tow something, you should be looking at a Diesel, even if it is only 2500-5000lbs. They tow much much easier, and will get better milage than a petrol engine, not to mention cheaper if you get something like a mid-90's Dodge Ram with the 6BT in it.
 
i tow a big 7x16 double axle haulmark with about 4 to 5 K, with my rig... and yeah, it' sluggish and slow, but it gets the job done...
a few mods that have helped me out...
Airlift airbags in the rear coil springs, 150 bucks...
Scanguage obd2 so i can monitor the temp of engine on the fly, 150 bucks...
and the most important thing, the Voyager electronic brake control mounted under my dash so i can manually tune the trailer brakes to my standards and hand brake the trailer in case of an emergency jack knife, 100 bucks...
all 3 simple installs...
so, bottom line, it'll do the job...
fixin to haul it cross country...
won't get good gas mileage though, probably tens...
i sure do miss my diesal excursion for these ventures, but i'm still savin money with the price of gas...
and that's why i heart my TLC...
happy to send pics if ya'ld like...
:popcorn:
 
I have had no problem with 4-6k towing behind my cruizers, the 93 seems to do better for some reason, but if you look at the tow ratings overseas on the same vehicle it was 7k lbs in 1993, With my empty car trailer (1900lbs) I can go up the Cajon grade at 50 easy. With 4k or more you are going to work it going up heavy grades but for use with my car trailer it is much nicer and more comfortable ride than my dodge. Now for heavy stuff over 6k I do recomend the 90's dodge's, I have a 3/4 ton 4x dodge with a worked over 6bt that is good up to about 14k lbs.. with no problem...
 
"All 80s have the tow package, which is a tranny cooler. The tow rating is 5000lbs. I would think that it will work as a tow rig, but there are definitely better alternatives for that purpose if it is frequent, especially at your altitudes. A TRD supercharger would certainly help."

What about the LX 450? The manual says either 3500 or 5000 with the tow package, (duh) how do I tell if it has the tow package? It has the 2" receiver...
 
Same with the LXs as far as I know.
 
j2custom said:
What about the LX 450? The manual says either 3500 or 5000 with the tow package, (duh) how do I tell if it has the tow package? It has the 2" receiver...
Click to expand...

Look for the tranny cooler sitting right in front of the radiator...Just FYI my '97 LX450 has the cooler AND tow hitch. My '97 FZJ80 has the cooler but NO tow hitch and no indication that there ever was one installed. Just more data supporting that all 80's came with the tow package?
 
For the safety of you, your passengers and your horses....3/4 ton diesel. Especially for the braking capability coming down the backside of those passes. I travel them all the time, and I've pulled some heavy weight over them. A diesel doesn't even flinch on grades and a heavy duty vehicle will have much more braking power.
 
it's all relative...


it'll tow, but you won't go very fast. if you're okay with that...then cool...

if you're expecting to be able to stomp on it and get a response whilst towing...you'd better think about getting something else.
 
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