who here has towed anything heavy with thier Hj? Im just wondering If It would be able to tow my fj40 around on a trailer?
thanks Dan
thanks Dan
HJ61 towing
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It will tow ok just not as well as a big American pick up but you will get there.
Make sure the trailer brakes are good because the 60 series dont have much in reserve
Make sure the trailer brakes are good because the 60 series dont have much in reserve
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- #3
does that include going up big hills? I should probably get a pyro?
thanks Dan
thanks Dan
Hey Dan, I towed a 23 foot travel trailer across Canada with my HJ, about 14,000 km in total. I figured that loaded, I was around 12000 lbs. I had to install two 24-12V converters, one for trailer brakes and one for brake signal. It was no speed demon, especially in the mountains. In fact, it was f..king slow!
However, the truck handled the trip extremely well, all considering. It was the fastest tractor I had ever driven.
Your 61 has a turbo, does it not? If so, I don't see much of an issue as tow weight would be handy 5000 lbs. You might take a look at your rear springs and add a leaf if need be. You would also want a stablizing hitch.
That weight will be overloaded for the Hj61. Might even be dangerous.
The brakes on a 60 will not handle it. The power forward might be fine, but yah a pyro is needed.
I personally would not try to tow that much weight with it.
What is a HJ61 rated to? The other 60's are rated to about 3500 max.
Our hills in BC are just too big for towing well above the rating.
3500 is the max without the stablizing hitch. With the stablizer you should be good to 1:1 towing ratio, at least that is what I understood when I researched this in 2003. Trailer brakes are a must in this situation though.
My experience says; The trailer is everything. Some light trailers pull like crap, while much heavier one's are steady pull. Speed is out of question unless the turbo does it all! I drive a BJ60 pulling a one horse trailer (solid built) in Southern Ontario (flat country) loaded with tools (I figure a total of 3000-4000 pounds), I call it active driving, constant attention to engine sounds, forecasting the landscape (hills ahead) and of course braking power (just in case). I also use the weight distributing hitch system to lift the hitch point and assist the rear leaf springs and my rig , truck & trailer, never sways/fishtails/wobbles just a steady ride, I also have electric brakes no way would I otherwise.
All that said, I'd never take it on the mountains in BC, just not worth it. I'd rather hire someone with the proper tow rating.
If you still insist, I'd suggest you try it first and you'll make an informed estimate. Try to get it above the 80Km/h limit to check for swaying (it can be god-awful on the Hwy).
Hope this helps.
All that said, I'd never take it on the mountains in BC, just not worth it. I'd rather hire someone with the proper tow rating.
If you still insist, I'd suggest you try it first and you'll make an informed estimate. Try to get it above the 80Km/h limit to check for swaying (it can be god-awful on the Hwy).
Hope this helps.
The weight distributing hitch is what I have, I think it is also called a stablizer hitch but I may be mistaken.
As for the mountains in BC, I had absolutely no issues other than the slow crawl uphill. And yes, active driving indeed! You have to pay full attention to driving to have a steady driving experience.
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I'm reluctant to even take my HJ60 through the BC hills, towing nothing but its own fat arse...
You probably should get the loaded trailer weighed. It will go up any hill in the lower gears but stopping coming down the other side and avoiding trailer sway would be my main concerns.
Pyros are helpfull
- Thread starter
- #11
hmm wonder what an fj40 and trailer would weigh?
6-7k pounds...
Then there is ice, snow, and high winds. Lots of 8% grades for miles....
Transport trucks will be pissed if they have to pass you up hill on a climb..
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- #14
In Norway, where trailer brakes are mandatory on any trailers of any practical size, the HJ 60 can leglly tow 3500 kg, about 7716 lb
(All trailers must be registered and have a licence plate to be road legal)
(All trailers must be registered and have a licence plate to be road legal)
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In Norway, where trailer brakes are mandatory on any trailers of any practical size, the HJ 60 can leglly tow 3500 kg, about 7716 lb
Same here but I wouldnt say legal is safe under all conditions
IMO 3500kg is barely acceptable under perfect conditions, such as a good flat road in good weather.
Agreed! (And does it go fast? nope...)
