More towing questions

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Joined
Apr 29, 2012
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NorCal
1993 FJZ80 with tow package. I understand factory rating (USA) to be 5k pounds. After discussing it with a friend he feels the limitation is the hitch itself. If that's the case why do the Aussies get the higher rating?

I am on the fence to buy a nice enclosed car trailer. Problem is the combined weight of trailer and car puts me at about 6,500-7,000 lbs. Way over USA specs. If it's just the hitch that's the problem then I can find a solution. If it's the truck then I am screwed.
 
The difference is because of the difference in regulations here in the USA versus other countries.

I am not saying it's what you should do, but I regularly tow our 20ft enclosed trailer with vehicles in it with my 1997 Land Cruiser. The short wheel base is the biggest problem for towing in a Land Cruiser IMO. It sometimes makes driving in high winds tricky and sways a bit more than a longer wheel base truck. Apart from that, my 1997 tows great. Make sure to use a brake controller, wired in and working properly.
 
My 80 didn't come with a tow hitch when I bought it so I went to a Toyota junk yard and got an 80 hitch and installed it. Is there anything I should I be I aware of or are there any certain limitations since my rig didn't come with a hitch.

Next weekend I'm moving and planning on renting a 5'x9' utility trailer with ramp from uhaul and have a load of about 2k lbs. and drive 130 miles from and to. Will I be ok?
 
Hi guys and gals.

I tow quite often. Animals, cars, hay wagons, you name it.

In my opinion the 80 series is way underpowered for over the road towing, especially if you are in hilly terrain.

At low speeds it will pull the weight all day.
I love my 80 and do tow with it this time of year in the snow.

But when the roads are clear I use my 97 powerstroke..
Totaly different animal for sure. But it pulls loads the 80 struggles with
without even thinking about it.

If I was going to pull over 4000 lbs often I would think about a V8 swap or a diesel.
A Diesel 80 would be the best of both worlds.

Just my opinion.

Joe W
 
My 80 didn't come with a tow hitch when I bought it so I went to a Toyota junk yard and got an 80 hitch and installed it. Is there anything I should I be I aware of or are there any certain limitations since my rig didn't come with a hitch.

Next weekend I'm moving and planning on renting a 5'x9' utility trailer with ramp from uhaul and have a load of about 2k lbs. and drive 130 miles from and to. Will I be ok?

You'll be fine. Make sure you have a wiring harness for the brake & turn signals.
 
Weight distribution hitch really stabilizes the vehicle/trailse handling on my 1/2 chevy with loads like that-a lot. Do search- lots of threads on towing capacities.
 

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