Cashing in my V-card.

[KingBeeIII]

Well, this coming Memorial Day will be my first camping trip using the FJ40 and my trailer. I haven't taken the Cruiser camping since my wife and I got together with one exception, while she took (and rolled) my Ranger. Anyway, I've had a CDL for 13 years, handling a trailer isn't an issue. I just want to know if there is anything I should watch for since I've never towed anything with my Cruiser.

Specific details: '71 FJ40 with front and rear lock rights, a 2F and about 5 inches of lift (SUA). The trailer is comparable to a 101, 1/4 ton with a 2" ball and won't be loaded to weight capacity. I won't need 4WD to get there, but there are some obstacles here and there to navigate. I've posted pictures of my trailer in this forum before but I am not at my normal computer right now.

Hit me with your wisdom.

Enjoy

 

[Degnol]

Just be aware of the short wheelbase and check to see the tire pressure is the same all around. With what details you've offered, that's all I have to contribute.
GL!

Ed

Given your experince........that ain't much wisdom.......sorry!

 

[KingBeeIII]

I think I'll remove the landing leg or the spare, maybe both to improve the turning radious a bit. Ran some errands with it attached. Now the wife is really excited about camping and so am I.

 

[Brian in Oregon]

Just be aware that a ball hitch does not have the articulation of a lunette, especially a setup with a lunette or pintle designed to twist.

BTW, wouldn't a family top have been easier than removing all the glass?

 

[KingBeeIII]

Just be aware that a ball hitch does not have the articulation of a lunette, especially a setup with a lunette or pintle designed to twist.

BTW, wouldn't a family top have been easier than removing all the glass?

I figured a lunette would be better for articulation, however, this trailer already had the ball hitch when I acquired it. I'd been looking for a long time and jumped on this the moment I saw it. There is only one section of road on the upcoming adventure I am worried about and it probly isn't even worth worrying about. I'll just throw the SM420 into first and keep my eye, or have my wife get out and keep her eyes on things.

As far as my top goes, I bought a rusty '71 parts 40 a few years back. The top wasn't in too bad of shape but was missing a window. I also wanted more circulation and the amount of shade that a hard top would provide, so the other windows and whole rear hatch were removed. It doesn't seem nearly as top heavy and it's an easy two-person job of taking on and off.

 

[KingBeeIII]

I love my trailer

I didn't have any issues over the weekend. The trailer handled great. The 40 was seamed a bit slower, but that was expected. I used 12 gallons of gas over about 100 miles. The trailer tracked great and handled the few obstacles fine. I'm definately glad I bought it last year. Now I just need to find the time and money to mod it the way I want to make it even more useful. Pics from the weekend.

 

[wearsabrowncoat]

You need some mud flaps.

Also, you didn't say you were traveling with a Ram truck. I would have told you your 40 and trailer could go anywhere he could go.