Sell the HDJ81 for a 200 Series... Thoughts/comments

[Crab Sack]

I have really enjoyed building my 90 HDJ81 but I am looking to move to a 200 series so I can pull my travel trailer with it and use it for back country trips.

I am really torn on this one because the HDJ81 sits in the garage and is only a toy on the weekends. I could also get rid of my wife's 14 Trail Premium 4runner as well and have her use the 200 as a daily driver.

Thoughts on the towing capabilities of the 200 with a 3 inch lift.

Travel trailer is a 27 footer that weighs in at 5600lbs loaded down.

 

[Markuson]

I have really enjoyed building my 90 HDJ81 but I am looking to move to a 200 series so I can pull my travel trailer with it and use it for back country trips.

I am really torn on this one because the HDJ81 sits in the garage and is only a toy on the weekends. I could also get rid of my wife's 14 Trail Premium 4runner as well and have her use the 200 as a daily driver.

Thoughts on the towing capabilities of the 200 with a 3 inch lift.

Travel trailer is a 27 footer that weighs in at 5600lbs loaded down.
View attachment 1380776

I'll let our tow-masters give you the real answer...but at 5600 lbs, you are nearly 3k below the tow rating. With proper suspension and weight distribution, I can't imagine you'd run into anything you couldn't remedy.

 

[mark71]

If that is what you are pulling it with now, you'll be quite pleased to move up to the 200.

 

[Crab Sack]

If that is what you are pulling it with now, you'll be quite pleased to move up to the 200.

Im actually currently pulling it with a 17 Tundra crew max but would love to have my tow vehicle and my exploring vehicle with me on my trips.
The 81 definitely wouldn't tow my trailer and it is too much for the 4runner.

I guess I have the whole "cake and eat it too" syndrome.

 

[OGBeno]

When you are ready to sell the HDJ and move up the food chain, please let me know.

 

[Tapage]

Why not just make the Tundra do what you wanna do ( Tow / Exploring / Off Road vehicle ..) ..?

 

[Crab Sack]

Why not just make the Tundra do what you wanna do ( Tow / Exploring / Off Road vehicle ..) ..?

The Tundra is a company vehicle that they are kind enough to let me tow with but will not let me modify or scratch going down a trail...

 

[NLScooby]

Hey Crab,
I have both vehicles. I love the utility of the HDJ and the novelty (and the fact that I don't worry about it - ie door dings, pin stripes, etc...)....but everytime I drive our 200 I have a huge grin on my face. It is so comfortable and its a damn rocket compared to the HDJ!
I am torn between them as well. I toy with selling the HDJ and building up the 200 (and finding something new for my wife to DD). But I really dig the looks, the raw functionality and simplicity of the 80 series. I think the solution is to just trade the 4 Runner for a 200 and have them both!

BTW - I also have need for a tow vehicle as we have a 35 foot condominium 5th wheel that weighs in at roughly 15K lbs. But for that I have an 06 Dodge Cummins Mega Cab with a manual transmission, South Bend Dual disk clutch to hold the weight and a Pac-brake to slow us down!

 

[Malleus]

Crab,

I have a 1995 80 and a 2008 LX570. Neither have suspension mods, and I regularly pull an 18' tandem axle trailer with (at most) 8600 lbs total load.

The 80 will pull it, but it doesn't like stopping it, and I know it's back there. My Lexus shrugs; there's just no comparison. Plus, the Lexus is plush. Did I mention the plush factor?

I love both but when I have a choice, I hitch the trailer up to the newer truck.

I do not regret buying the Lexus, but I will be sad when my 15 year old goes to college; he's getting the 80. I'm looking for another FJ40 to replace it.