100 series pulling a 40?

[pjohnson]

First off, I searched and read all the threads I could find.... so

I'm considering a 1998/99 100 series for the family camping, light/medium wheeling vehicle. My wife really likes them and I want to take advantage of that.

But I want to tow my mildly built 40 behind it..... Am I nuts?

Real world experiences are most appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Phil

 

[LXPearl]

Your proposal is very reasonable and makes a lot of sense for you and your family. The only thing I would add it to is to seriously consider a 2000+ model if you find a good one that fits your budget. Your description is ideal for TRAC.

 

[farinvail]

Be sure caster is good so your 40 rolls straight down the road.

 

[corsair23]

But I want to tow my mildly built 40 behind it..... Am I nuts?

Is your plan to flat tow, use a dolly, or trailer the 40?

 

[pjohnson]

Is your plan to flat tow, use a dolly, or trailer the 40?

I figure a trailer is going to be too much weight. I read threads where people have indicated 5500 is the realistic max tow capacity even though the 100 is rated for 6500. My 40 is probably 4500 to 5000 lbs., add 1500lbs for a trailer and the tow capacity is maxed.

So that leaves flat tow or tow dolly. I would probably go with whichever is safest.

Phil

 

[sprocket3]

I have towed a coupld times with my 2000.

1) A 4000 pound camp traler.

2) A 93 Nissan 4x4 on a 2000 pound uhaul trailer.

The big issue is how many hills are you going to climb? It will do it, you just work it pretty hard going up hills. I think every person has a different take on what is OK!

Anything over 4000 pounds on a hill is going to be a load and have you in 2nd grear! Try going over the pass in your 4 runner in 2nd at 45-55mph to get an idea of what it will be like.

You have to spend a ton to get a trailer under 1900 pounds! All the steel ones i looked at are 1900+

PM me if you have more questions!

 

[pjohnson]

Thanks sprocket3. I towed a 70s era (heavy as $hit) pop-up with my 4Runner(3.0) to Moab from the West Coast and I imagine a loaded car trailer behind a 100 series would be very similar.

I would want to be able to tow my 40 to Moab, SD, TX, etc. for all the big Cruiser runs. That means going over good sized 'hills'

Anyone have experience with flat-tow/tow dolly behind a 100?

Phil

 

[LXPearl]

I think the comments on towing reflect individual preferences. The 100 has a good deal of torque and is built solid. In stock form it is a good towing vehicle, though I could see where the 5sp trans would be beneficial - but that puts you up to a 2003 model. On those, you will need to install a tow hitch to get the 6500 rating - the one in the bumper is 5000 lb.

While the LC is not going to tow like an F350 diesel, it will compare well with a 5.4L F150 (I used to own).