2002 LX470 as a Tow Rig

[CandyPants]

Whelp, I've started down a path that I now need to figure out. I have a 2002 LX470 with a Master Hitch and P2 brake controller. I also have a 1978 FJ40 Green Monster that weighs a s***-ton (probably 4500-5000lbs, but I am guessing). Now I need a trailer to get both of them to events.

I've been looking at trailers, but trying to keep it econmical and light weight aren't happening at the same time.

How much will the LX pull and not kill me? Sticker says 6500 pounds. With a 2000 pound trailer and a possibly 5000 lb truck, I am over capacity. I could spring for an aluminum trailer ($$$) and lower the weight by 1000 lbs and I think I'd be OK.

I am new to trailering, so any advice would be great.

 

[Nottajeep]

Heather-
I have pulled my 40 on a various trailers (borrowed, rented, etc.) to the Round up and Crawl. The uhaul car hauler was a great setup for the weight distribution. I think that trailer weighed 2200 lbs or something so I had to fib on the vehicle I was pulling. Since you are in TX, check out the big tex brand of car haulers. You should be able to get a 1600 lb trailer for <$1800 bucks.

Trailer brakes and correctly located tie down locations are a must have.
D-rings strategically located on the front and back of the deck boards is what I plan to do when I buy my trailer. I think going for AL trailer is a waste for $5K, but would probably tow better.

 

[CandyPants]

Thanks Jason. I can get a utility trailer for that here, you are right. The issue is that the 40 is WIDE. I have to have drive over fenders and a wider deck to get it on a trailer at all. So trailer companies are saying they want to use heavier axles. And thus more weight and cost. I figure I'll be up around 7000 pounds for towing. Pushing it for the hundy, but I think it will do it.

 

[TeCKis300]

Given a solid tandem axle trailer with good brakes, I wouldn't question the Hundy's ability to stably tow 7k lbs, even if that's over spec. The hundy is a heavyweight with a solid wide stance.

Where the concern lies is in the following 2 areas:
1) Liability - especially if you lie to u-haul in case you were to have an incident
2) Power - With only a 4 speed tranny, this might be a concern if your route has significant climbs. Flats won't be too bad.

 

[harrell79cj5]

I tow my jeep on a regular utility trailer(I know you need something wider) with my 2000 LX470(also P2 controller) and it tows great! I am probably somewhere between 6000 and 6500 lbs and it has no problems. I think you would be perfectly fine with 7000lbs. The power wont really be an issue as long as you dont get in a huge hurry. Flats to rolling hills are no problem, steeper hills will start to get you!

I know this is my first post, but I have been lurking for awhile and not really new to toyotas(I have had two tacomas and now have the LX and a GX). I really wanted an FJ40 when I bought my first jeep, but was too much $$ for a college kid.

 

[Musky]

Like they said above. If you have lots of big hills you might want to go another route. I towed my buddies boat that weighs around 5000 lbs and that wasn't too bad here in Wisconsin. If you baby it and take it easy you'll be fine. If you want to take it thru the canyons going 75mph you're going to want to get a diesel truck or a 200 series.

 

[brevitything]

Are you still running the ahc on the lx? If so I would consider a non-ahc rear spring. I flat towed my jeep on a short 2hr trip just great, but I did an ahc delete first.

I'm curious about this too as I will probably make my jeep a trailer queen at some point

...via IH8MUD app

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Keep the AHC, just add some air bag helper springs. I am always impressed on how mine tows. I have a P3 controller and airbags.

 

[liveoak]

I tow my 4runner all over the place and it does fine. I also added airbags to level the ride. I am guessing i am around 7000 lbs including trailer and gear. Because your rig is so wide you may consider a set of skinny wheels and tires on the rig when you tow and carry the tools to swap wheels and tires otherwise you'll have to get too big of a trailer just to get the width you need.

 

[Nottajeep]

Thanks Jason. I can get a utility trailer for that here, you are right. The issue is that the 40 is WIDE. I have to have drive over fenders and a wider deck to get it on a trailer at all. So trailer companies are saying they want to use heavier axles. And thus more weight and cost. I figure I'll be up around 7000 pounds for towing. Pushing it for the hundy, but I think it will do it.

Just saw your buggy... 44's and Dana 70 is probably going to push you into a goose neck ...

Pay close attention to tongue weight.... you can push max weight but tongue weight is critical since the coils condense so much. Airbags might help but it depends on how much you are maxing out

 

[CandyPants]

So I have already deleted the AHC, running an ironman set up now. I ordered a 102" wide trailer, with drive over fenders, 5200# axles, brakes, etc. if the tongue weight is an issue, I plan on putting a load leveler on the trailer. The D70 and 44s have me concerned, but the tires are probably temporary, I will probably downsize in time. I sure hope this works!

 

[trizzo]

hey @CreeperSleeper whats the tongue weight and dry weight of that camper?

Keep the AHC, just add some air bag helper springs. I am always impressed on how mine tows. I have a P3 controller and airbags.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

No clue, to be honest. It's not my trailer. I would guess the dry weight to be somewhere in the 5000 - 5500 range. The car hauler weighs in at about 6000 lbs with the 40 on it. I usually have about 200 lbs of camping crap in the back as well with that one and it doesn't have a weight distribution hitch. Hope that helps!