Starting off, I am writing this to possibly help others who decide that they want to flat tow their 80 series. I want to be upfront and say I have not flat towed the 80 yet (except for around the block) and I don't know if flat towing is gonna wreck the tranny, transfer or anything else on the rig. However I have spoken to a few people on here via pm and tele about their setups and how they do it. Everything says you should NOT flat tow (4wheels down) an 80. The owners manual says it, toyota service people say it, many on this forum say it. So.... this is only written from a Guinea pig perspective.
DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Hi I'm the Guinea pig because I want to:
1. Be able to take my family of 6 around the USA for a year or two and I don't want a freeking minivan.
2. I don't want a freeking minivan.
3. I want to be able to go pretty much anywhere.
4. If I'm going to pay $2 - $3k for a flat towing setup.... I'm not going to get one for a minivan.
For this you will need.
1. A vehicle that weighs significantly more than your 80.
2. An 80 that is perfectly alligned
3. A hitch that is rated at least 7,000lbs
4. A towbar that is rated for at least 7,000lbs
5. Safety cables
6. A custom made Base Plate (they don't make em because you shouldn't tow these!)
7. A braking system
8. A safety brake-away system
You will also need to research if this is the right thing for you. I chose flat towing because a 37' RV + a 20' Cruiser + about 4' of towbar put me at the 61' length. Call around to Koa's and rv parks... you won't be able to stay in many unless you disconnect the Cruiser. Now if you are Trailering your 80... then add another 8'+ and do you really want to disconnect the trailer/cruiser combo just to stay the night? Dolly... out of the question.
This thread helped me come to the decision of flat towing. Make up your own mind. https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/61565-motorhome-towing-80-a.html
The 80 I have in the below pictures was one I was looking at buying. I wanted to make sure that it was going to mock up right. It was close, but not where I wanted it.
DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Hi I'm the Guinea pig because I want to:
1. Be able to take my family of 6 around the USA for a year or two and I don't want a freeking minivan.
2. I don't want a freeking minivan.
3. I want to be able to go pretty much anywhere.
4. If I'm going to pay $2 - $3k for a flat towing setup.... I'm not going to get one for a minivan.
For this you will need.
1. A vehicle that weighs significantly more than your 80.
2. An 80 that is perfectly alligned
3. A hitch that is rated at least 7,000lbs
4. A towbar that is rated for at least 7,000lbs
5. Safety cables
6. A custom made Base Plate (they don't make em because you shouldn't tow these!)
7. A braking system
8. A safety brake-away system
You will also need to research if this is the right thing for you. I chose flat towing because a 37' RV + a 20' Cruiser + about 4' of towbar put me at the 61' length. Call around to Koa's and rv parks... you won't be able to stay in many unless you disconnect the Cruiser. Now if you are Trailering your 80... then add another 8'+ and do you really want to disconnect the trailer/cruiser combo just to stay the night? Dolly... out of the question.
This thread helped me come to the decision of flat towing. Make up your own mind. https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/61565-motorhome-towing-80-a.html
The 80 I have in the below pictures was one I was looking at buying. I wanted to make sure that it was going to mock up right. It was close, but not where I wanted it.