Rear tow hitch question

[djawahir]

So I've read that the towing capacity of the FJ60 is 3500lbs and class 2. Well, I took off my tow hitch to repaint it. I decided to replace the tow hitch bolts as well. The original tow hitch bolts were grade 5. The new ones that I replaced them with are grade 8, which I think are the strongest ones available.

I was wondering if the 3500lb towing capacity limit was based on the strength of the bolts or the strength of the welds on the tow hitch.

Does anyone know?

 

[mister bean]

I always assumed it was based on the power of the engine, brakes and similar components.

Mine has a class one hitch with a class 2 ball on it so I don't think it's the strength of the hitch that limits it to 3500 lbs.

 

[stinkyfj60]

Yeah I agree, its based on the engine, weight of vehicle, brakes and so forth.

 

[Tinker]

I've asked this question of many mechanics & trailer fabricators, but no one seems to know. I need to know in order to upgrade my '84 60's towing capacity.

 

[Gappy]

I would not tow more than the rated capacity just because of any upgrade in the reciever. Call me conservative but my thinking is that any repeated towing over the capacity can cause you problems, usually trany. You would need to upgrade every component effected by the towing, such as all the components listed in the other post.

 

[fourand20]

I think it has to do with the amount of weight you can put on the rear end. (tongue weight). I towed a 4200 pound 1997 dodge stratus ES from corpus christi tx to winchester va without any problem what so ever. the rear end sagged a little bit, but most of the cars weight was on the tow dolly.

84 Blue FJ60 230k mile....LANDCRUISER, like a timex, takes a licken and keeps on ticken
02 Peweter ZR2 BlaZR 45K miles