Question about HDJ81s and towing

[knorrena]

I am considering the purchase of an HDJ81 as a second vehicle and a summer tent trailer towing rig. The trailer weighs 1750lbs and does not have electric brakes, though I suppose I could fit them. I would like some opinions on using an HDJ81 in such a capacity.

My wife and I have been working hard to put ourselves in a situation where we can change out both our vehicles. Here is our current set up:

Dodge Dakota (POS that at 78000 kms is already falling apart) for towing and DD. 1985 BJ70 (501000kms and rattles less than the Dak) second vehicle.

Alternative setups:

2005-2006 Audi A4 Avant (DD) and a 1991 HDJ81 (or an 1996-97 FZJ80 or LX450)

2005-2006 V8 4Runner (DD) and a 1990 bj74 or 1991 hzj73

Import a 2004-2006 100 series TLC from the US (DD) and a 1990 bj74 or 1991 hzj73


Comments?

 

[dieseldan]

An HDJ81 towing a tent trailer is a non issue. Though I wouldn't expect many vehicles would have a problem with that. The rating is 7500 lbs. (there is at least one thread soley dedicated to towing with an 80 - mostly gassers but have a look) Depending on how long of a daily commute you have - the new V8 Toyota's might be better suited. Mine's a dd but I drive 2km to the highway, then 10km on the highway.


I posted this question some time ago and there are many threads both in the 80's section and the JDM Alliance section.

My 81 was fitted with a hitch yesterday and it's main purpose is to launch and recover boats between 1800 and 6000 lbs. Mudders here advised things such as a tran. temp guage and extreme valve body kits to improve shifing and increase clamp loads. Basically you'll love driving an 81 and it will love towing.

 

[Martin White]

A trailer of the weight you propose won't be a problem, but you aren't going to end up charging up mountains as you might with a domestic pickup. I think owners of the 1HDT can get into a little bit of "overenthusiasm" with respect to its towing abilities.

 

[dieseldan]

A trailer of the weight you propose won't be a problem, but you aren't going to end up charging up mountains as you might with a domestic pickup. I think owners of the 1HDT can get into a little bit of "overenthusiasm" with respect to its towing abilities.

oh yeah? Well my dad can out-tow your dad!

 

[Martin White]

Okay, that made me laugh....good one. But I have read posts (not from you) like "the 1HDT laughs at hills...." which are a bit over the top.

 

[JDMGoodness]

My Hilux Double Cab wasn't called a hillfinder for nothing.

I have a 90 HDJ81 and have an 18 foot car hauler. With a car on it isn't the fastest thing on the road. It will get there though.

It sure feels fast once the trailer is unhooked.

 

[knorrena]

Thanks guys. We are going to look at a 4runner and a 100 series today, and if we have time, and the courage (its darn cold today) an 81 tomorrow. BTW, JDMgoodness thats one sweet lookin rig ya got.

Karl

 

[JDMGoodness]

How much are they asking for the 81? I think of selling mine every now and then.

That and the fact the wife won't drive it. Just want to see if $16000 is reasonable for mine.

 

[wussyPup]

Mudders here advised things such as a tran. temp guage and extreme valve body kits to improve shifing and increase clamp loads.

...and an external tranny cooler; considered "stock" on US and Oz market 80-series but usually not fitted to the JDM HDJ81s.

-Steve

 

[Mickldo]

I regularly tow 3000-3500kg trailers (big boats for work) and have no dramas with my turboed HZJ80.

The only piece of advice is to get a pyrometer and watch those EGTs like a hawk especially on hills. That is even with the smaller trailer. On long hills even unloaded my EGTs can get up there.

 

[hill]

knoorea...where are u going to look at the 100series??

 

[hill]

JDM id paid 16k for your truck...

 

[JDMGoodness]

I'm thinking of selling it. So if you are interested you can come take a look.

BEB's have been changed. Coolant flushed and changed. New steering damper. New diesel filter. All the regular stuff.

I need to put the stereo in. It's apart. Have a Compustar starter/alarm that was just put in.

35" X-Terrains, winch, lift, etc...

I just don't have time to do all the things I want to it. If I bought something brand new the wife would drive it and I wouldn't have to worry about small things that I wanted to do with the L/C.

 

[hill]

what tires do you have on there? Did you DOT the lights?

Truck looks great... im worried my wife wont drive a RHD.....but i might take you up on that test drive offer.

Lockers?

colin

 

[JDMGoodness]

Tires are 35/12.5/15 Pro Comp X-Terrains on Pro Comp Extreme Alloys.

The L/C is registered and insured in Alberta and has passed the OOP and an insurance inspection.

As for the wife it's not the RHD giving the problem it is the ride height.


Yes. Lockers.

Rancho 9000's, Factory winch, rear heat, cruise, console cooler, trailer hitch(a real one), sunroof. It was a conditon 3.0. It has 158,000 km.

I should almost make a new thread.

 

[knorrena]

JDMG,

I test drove an hdj81 at a dealership called Bonnybrook Auto. They were nice guys, but pretty clueless about cruisers. The one I drove had an asking price of 15900, but your is way nicer, but I think that this one is overpriced by about 1500-2000. I suspect that yours is worth at least 16000. I am not sure about my wife, she might or might not. She can be kinda shifty sometimes . Before anyone starts firing comments of the ilk "who cares about your wife, just buy what you want", stuff it, I dont want to hear it. I too might be interested in your 81. I will talk with my finance minister and see what she thinks. If I had my druthers, I would buy an 81 though.

Hill,

Here in Calgary there is a F*RD dealership on Macleod that has 2 LX470s and 2 GX470s. They have been importing them up from Pheonix. We really liked the LX. I doubt that we would buy one from them. I fly down to Dallas every few weeks for work. My plan is to find either a nice 80 or 100 series or a nice GX in Dallas and either have it shipped up or drive it up, although that would be a hell of a drive from Dallas to Calgary. Why Dallas, why not B.C.? RUST and market value. Nice cars are stinking cheap down in Dallas compared to Calgary.

Karl

 

[GXO]

I wish I had these problems

 

[knorrena]

DanKunz,

Diesel envy problems?

Karl

 

[wileetoyote]

JDMG,

Here in Calgary there is a F*RD dealership on Macleod that has 2 LX470s and 2 GX470s. They have been importing them up from Pheonix.

Karl

That explains why it took me over two months to see a single LC hit the Phx market when I was looking for mine (locked FZJ80) a few years ago. Seems one-sided...what do we get from north of the border? Send us your women and we'll call it even.

WET

 

[JDMGoodness]

I was actually thinking of heading down south to pick up a LX or something else as well. I want to buy a Jetboat in the offseason while prices are lower. This way if I sell my LC and buy a boat and another truck I can just fly and drive both back.

It's over $1000US in shipping for a boat from Florida to Minnesota. I think I can save a few more $ by getting everything all at once.

Anyone in Texas have a boat to sell as well?