Can a 40 series be pulled 2400 miles, or must it be trailered?

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

Trailer it.

Can you flat tow it? Sure, but there is a significant risk to doing so. A Durango just doesn't have the mass to counter the momentum of the FJ40 if it gets squirrely.

Is the risk worth the cost? That is a choice that you need to make.

Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
" Pull the rear drive shaft on the fj, make sure both tranny and transfer are in neutral, tie the steering wheel so it can't turn too much, and make sure your hubs are unlocked up front. Thats how I do it with mine and how many of the others on the board do it."
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


I kind of consider myself an expert in this field now (different story) That said, you should never tie the steering wheel because you want it to steer behind you when your making sharp turns. Remove the rear drive shaft and just make sure your hubs are unlocked. For your own peace of mine you can place the transfer case in neutral but that doesn't really matter since the front hubs are free. I have towed my fj40 behind my 07 double cab Tacoma @ 75-80 mph without any issues with stability. I even experienced strong cross winds (palm springs area) that were pushing all the RV's and semi's around and I didn't have any problems. The big test was towing it through Carbon Canyon and the Cruiser followed effortlessly through hair pin turns that were posted 15 mph. Personally I wouldn't put the Cruiser on a trailer if it were me. My Tacoma and a Durango are probably equal in towing capacity and I think the weight will be too much for a half ton yet alone mid size truck. Just make sure your tow bar is at a level position and the mounts on your bumper are no closer then 30".
 
there are so many opinions on this topic, I know because I asked alot of questions before flat towing my fj40 behind my 08 tundra. There are also alot of variables, which include: how big of a tow rig? how big of an fj40 (tire size, height, overall weight incl. rollbars sidebars, etc) how long of a tow? I would say with a durango you could do it flat towing BUT for 2400 miles it would make MUCH MORE SENSE to rent a trailer and do it this way. You will be able to drive a bit faster, will be much more comfortable and will have trailer brakes, which with a durango will probably be needed and will be much safer. My tundra has a 10,800 tow limit and it flat tows the 40 just fine but for longer trips I rent a trailer just for the convenience and safety of having one.

HTH,

Noah
 
I think the problem he has Noah is in the tow vehicle. Your Tundra is rated @ 10k but the Durango (like my Tacoma) is rated way lower, somewhre closer to 7k. I remember when I bought my FJ40 and picked it up with a trailer in my Dodge half ton 4x. Let me tell you, the weight was too much for that truck and it was rated at 9,800 lbs. I didn't feel safe it nt. When I eventually bought my Duramax Chevy, the same load was very secure and I didn't even feel the load. Nothing beats a HD truck, let me tell you. Now that I had to downsize, I'm back to a Tacoma and I wouldn't dare tow such a rig on a trailer. Could it be done? OF Course! Will he feel safe? Absoulutly not! I think He'll do fine on the flat tow provided he sets it up right. The only thing I would caution him with is if he runs into rain. Even though I experienced flat towing through rain, I wouldn't recomend it for safety issues. He'll get an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
 
Couple thoughts:

U Haul has pretty beefy dollies actually, but they will not let you tow an FJ with it... nor they will let FJs on their flat trailers... thats assuming you will be honest with them (not advocating that you shouldn't)

I have towed the FJ to mountainous terrains of VT with an Isuzu Trooper, that cant move out of its own way as it is, and surprisingly it went quite well. I'm sure Durango is quite more capable.

Now, I'm a bit crazy as it is, but if I was in your predicament I would get a large truck from U Haul and a trailer... stuff one in, and one on the tail. Save the wear and tear on your equipment, and ride with peace of mind.
 
I have flat towed and trailer towed both of my 40's behind 1/2 ton p/u. If you pay attention (check all fasteners, etc.) hook it up right (properly adjust your tow bar...wider angle the more stable) and drive conservatively, you will be ok. My only concern, and the real beneift of a trailer is braking. If something happens and you have to stop, can you? With 4 wheel disks on my 4x4 crewcab truck it is close....Durango...I wouldnt take that bet. Use something with brakes, dolly, trailer....aftermarket braking kit for the 40 if you intend on towing it in the future.
 
I hesistate to offer up this little ditty

Due to the fact that you probably have drum brakes all around
veer can occur.. unless you adjust em well b4 the trip but I would recommend
Brake Buddy. they aint cheep. but i have seen em on craigslist for 500.00
Do a google instant breaks for the towed vehicle without the added trailer weight
Might be feasible. just the drum break thingy bugs me slightly.
 
I pulled my 40 from West Virginia to Massachusetts with a U-Haul dolly and it went fine. Didn't tell U-Haul that I was hauling a 40 because they won't let you, but the rig handled it fine. Would NOT recommend that crossing a border, however. I would probably trailer it. Is the Durango a 1/2 ton? I might even consider driving up, flying back and picking up the second rig. The BJ probably is pretty reliable, even if rusty and ugly. I'm currently working during the week in NYC, and staying in Jersey City, and if you need help, PM me. :cheers:Ned
 
Don't do it. Read between the lines of the replies. The Durango is nowhere near heavy enough to stop your towed rig in an emergency unless you rig up towed-vehicle brakes. They are available, but expensive.

I spun around going 25 on a damp offramp towing my '40 with a fully loaded suburban. I estimate the suburban weight at over 6000 lbs and the '40 pushed it around like a compact car. The minor damage to the suburban cost my insurance co about $4000. If I would've been going 55, or even 45 it would've been a very different story.

I would not flat tow a '40 again with any tow rig that did not have dual rear wheels unless it was just across town and guaranteed dry.

Even with my dually, I take any downhill corner at 45 max and if it was wet, I'd stop and stay in a hotel until it was dry.
 
I wondered about that brake buddy system...anyone here try it?

Is there another similar product out on the market designed to work the brakes on a flat towed vehicle? :popcorn:
 
Larr75fj40 said:
I think the problem he has Noah is in the tow vehicle. Your Tundra is rated @ 10k but the Durango (like my Tacoma) is rated way lower, somewhre closer to 7k. I remember when I bought my FJ40 and picked it up with a trailer in my Dodge half ton 4x. Let me tell you, the weight was too much for that truck and it was rated at 9,800 lbs. I didn't feel safe it nt. When I eventually bought my Duramax Chevy, the same load was very secure and I didn't even feel the load. Nothing beats a HD truck, let me tell you. Now that I had to downsize, I'm back to a Tacoma and I wouldn't dare tow such a rig on a trailer. Could it be done? OF Course! Will he feel safe? Absoulutly not! I think He'll do fine on the flat tow provided he sets it up right. The only thing I would caution him with is if he runs into rain. Even though I experienced flat towing through rain, I wouldn't recomend it for safety issues. He'll get an uneasy feeling in his stomach.
Click to expand...

right, that's why I said it COULD be done, but it makes more sense to at least rent a trailer or even better get a trailer and a good tow vehicle.
 
Wow, cool freakin' braking system!

I have towed 1 and 2 ton vehicles, and it is tedious. I have pulled for 250 miles at a time on highways. Typically I set the cruise at 55 and go. I stay in one lane and curse at people as they try to cut me off. My Durango has 4 wheel disks and can feel a pit light in turns, but I am moving so it will be loaded up with stuff and will weigh at least 1/4 ton more.

Still, the auto brake option intrests me...

Do you need to cut a hole in the fire wall to allow the brake cable to pull? Is the autobrake adjustable to allow for different braking systems.

That is a cool item and I thank you for the post. Seems like it may be on my "Need to buy" list. I just need to know about how much damage I will do with installation of this unit.

Best,

T




1973Guppie said:
no, I just got the rb1000 simple unit, my 40 has four wheel discs so even without the booster the brakes work, really the brake system more than anything really helps keep the 40 straight when braking hard on the tundra....
Click to expand...
 
Check the laws in the states you are crossing as well as Canada. Many states and I think Canada require an alternate brake system (like brake buddy etc.) on towed vehicles. Since you are crossing a border they may be looking.
As far as push through a downhill turn. I can feel the LC push the rear of my 14000 lb motorhome when I come down the Sierras. I keep saying the only thing I do slower than go up hills, is come down them.
Be careful
 
It is late and I am tired but I started reading this post. Flat towing is totally safe as long as the two rig can handle it. I towed my CJ from Fresno CA to Corvallis OR when I sold it to the new owner. It was on 35s, locked and a great rock climber. But I have a full size F150 pulling the rig. It is about a 14 or so hour drive up some of the steepest mountains that one might cross especially some long, steep, downhill turns. T
hings that make it safe:
Flat tow bar. THis keeps the towed rig from pushing up or under the tow rig.
Alignment on towed rig perfect. THis will keep it right behind you.
Two thick THICK chains crossed uder the tow bar attached to the frame of both rigs.
Steering wheel NOT TIED!!!! THIS IS BAD AND WRONG NEWS! NEVER TIE THE WHEEL. Tow trucks do this when they pull from the rear to keep the rig straight. If you tie the wheel, you will drag the front of the towed rig accross the ground and casue all sorts of problems. I actualy became angry seeing the post in the this thead that said to rope the wheel. DO NOT ROPE IT!
Towed rig remove rear driveline and open hubs.
Magnetic brake light at a good level for people behind you.
Speed 55mps
Take all lower MPH turns 10 MPS lower than posted.
Up Hills, use the pull out lane or what ever is available. LOW gear and go slow. If you have to go up at 15 mph, then do it so you keep your rig cool and your tranny cool.
Use gears to slow on grades.
Give yourself twice as much distanc between you and the car you are following.
Watch what the truckers are doing. IF they are creeping up and down hills all the way to the right, do the same.
Do not drive fast. Take mapquest time and add 30%.
Stop every hour and ahlaf to stretch, let your brakes cool, or enigne cool, check your rigs for any issues.
 
Pretty much most posts above have covered everything i can think of, and the one above as far as anything ive ever known says the same for the steering being tied. Ive only ever seen tow trucks do it when the front wheels were on the ground and the rears werent. The last vehicle i towed had steering column removed, so nothing to lock the steering, the vehicle followed behind me perfectly.

Though with a durango, which doesnt get great gas mileage to start with, id be concerned with how much more fuel is being used up to tow the 44. If you start with 18mpg and with the 44 you only get 12 that 6 mpg loss over 2400 miles would be a few hundred bucks in extra fuel. Plus the extra headache/stress of the tow. How much would the freighting of the vehicle be? You'd make much quicker travels and be free of the stress.
 
Yeah, I would never tie a steering wheel. I just let that slide...

So no worries there. I have flat towed before. Last 2 tips, and the brake assist tip are awesome. So is everyone else's.

Gas mileage will suck, but it is still much cheaper to pull. A trailer is adding super weight to the pull, so I think it might actually make me less safe. I am not big on tow dollies as they are not legal for some highways.

I will carefully consider the brake assist option, and all the other options. I am also seeing if family members can assist with the drive. (wifey doesn't drive - woo hoo). I would much prefer a 2 car drive than a pulled drive, but whatever. I will do what I can do.

Keep the tips coming please. There have been several awesome ones, and everyone's input is appreciated.

Best,

T
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Wadesters
1983 FJ40 Horns, can they be repaired
Replies
9
Views
828
Engineer8000
Engineer8000
Fzjrvakma
CruiserParts Bow Set for 40-Series
Replies
0
Views
222
Fzjrvakma
Fzjrvakma
Old Dude Walking
What would this be worth fj45
Replies
6
Views
1K
NOSAJ
NOSAJ
TX73FJ40
1973 FJ40 - Can't pull out the starter. It's hung up. Anyone pulled a starter to find out the touch points off a 73?
Replies
6
Views
781
igotta40
igotta40

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom