Towing a U-haul Trailer with FJ80

[allenb]

I'm moving some things from Denver to Long Beach, CA., next week and plan to rent a U-Haul trailer, either 4x8 or 5x8. I've seen information that the FJ80 can tow 3500 lbs, but considering how mine does in the mountains in Colorado with one passenger and some gear in the backmakes me a bit concerned. The engine was rebuilt at 165K, but still the last thing I want is to put too much of a strain on the engine.

I've got a few key things that have to go, maybe weighing 500-700 lb, but I could definitely fill the trailer up with other things than could push the weight to 1500 lb or more. Anyone out there have experience with towing that can give me any insight?

 

[thatcabledude]

Paging @Walton

He can give you pointers when you enter California with the trailer.

 

[Dragos80]

Especially how fast one can drive while towing a trailer.

 

[dudek7]

Few years back I towed U haul trailer from Sacramento back to San Diego with my 80, the speeds in Cali for the cars with trailers are 55, the cruiser did well on the flats but struggle a little up the hills.

 

[Qball]

Just recently towed both uhaul 8x12 and a 5x6. Both times it sucked and 8mpg tops. But I do have heavy 35 tires. With stock tires you should be ok with the 5x8.


Tip for towing in CA is keep under 70 or 65 near cities(slower than everyone else) and stay in the right lane or right two lanes if there are 3 or more lanes. Cops usually over look a few MPH but will alway ticket you for towing in the fast lane.

 

[baldilocks]

I'm moving some things from Denver to Long Beach, CA., next week and plan to rent a U-Haul trailer, either 4x8 or 5x8. I've seen information that the FJ80 can tow 3500 lbs, but considering how mine does in the mountains in Colorado with one passenger and some gear in the backmakes me a bit concerned. The engine was rebuilt at 165K, but still the last thing I want is to put too much of a strain on the engine.

I've got a few key things that have to go, maybe weighing 500-700 lb, but I could definitely fill the trailer up with other things than could push the weight to 1500 lb or more. Anyone out there have experience with towing that can give me any insight?

So your engine is a 3fe?

 

[nigelsiam]

It's not so much how slow you are going when trying to go fast but how slow you can go when you are trying to go slow...braking!! They aren't that great to begin with and when have that extra weight you have to be careful...like really careful.

 

[wpns4l]

I towed the 6x12 trailer from FL to CA with a 1992 FJ80 (3FE) on 35''. Here are my tips.

1. Make sure you have a good trans cooler. In the flat states i had no issues but once i got to CA and had to get up over the mountains into San Diego it was an issue. The hill climb and 100 degree temps caused my trans heat light to come on a lot. Luckily there were pull over spots like every 1/4 mile so i could stop let it cool, make my way to the next one let it cool and repeat over and over till i made it to San Diego. Then the hills were less and the temps were lower and it never came on again.

2. Make sure you load it properly. I didnt and the weight shifted to the rear which made for some scary situations the first day of the trip till i could stop and repack it all. After i got it packed better i never had handling issues again.

3. I think my top speeds in the flat states was about 65mph. Above that it didnt feel safe. In the mountains i was going like 35mph and people hated me but whatever. Just stay in the right lane and get acquainted with 2nd gear.

We ran AC the whole time and never had issues with overheating or anything. i think i got like 7-8mpg.

 

[chap79]

I’ve towed back and forth across Cali in all sorts of different configurations and weather conditions. It will be slow, it will use a lot of gas, give yourself plenty of room to stop, and then some. Especially when in traffic. Some asshat will cut you off and it will be everything you can do to stop. And be careful when you park to grab something to eat, @Dragos80 keeps a watchful eye out for violators.

 

[gummycarbs]

The best moving experience I ever had was when I rented a Penske truck (after U-Haul repeatedly failed to deliver the truck I'd requested months ahead, lesson learned) and car trailer, and towed my old SUV behind me. IMO, it's well worth the dollars to have a vehicle that tows with ease and keeps the strain off your own rig.