Towing capability of your 100

[dieselbigot]

I wanted to start this thread to see who's towing what with thier 100 series Cruiser. I just bought a 99 100 which was to serve as both a DD for my wife, and double as my tow rig so I could sell my Dodge Cummins. Now I know it won't haul like the Cummins BUT, will it be sufficient? Here's what I'm towing:
10,000lb dual axle flatbed trailer (1,500 lbs) + my 85 Toy buggy (3,500 lbs) total weight 5,000 lbs.

Anyone using thier 100 to tow this king of load or more? How does it do?

Thx,

Brett

 

[macneill]

I towed my buddy's Disco 2 out a few times. ;p

 

[calamaridog]

Brett,

The 100 is rated for 6500lbs stock. Personally, I'd upgrade the springs and shocks before doing any serious towing, based on past experiences with stock suspensions. Stock just never seems to handle the load like I want.

I've towed 3500lbs. with my Taco, no problem. Towed 5000lbs. with my brothers Tundra, no problem.

Haven't had to tow with the 100 yet, but it should handle the load similar to the Tundra. I know a guy who trailers about 6,000lbs. with his Tundra on a fairly regular basis and he has no complaints.

Also, you haven't stated how often, how far, hills, etc. so those things also factor in. Does your trailer have brakes?

 

[DMX84]

I tow a 3500lb trailer and it had a tongue weight @ 600lb and I agree with Clamaridog, the suspension needs to be beefed up a little. I moved my Trials bike to the back and now it’s about half the tongue weight now. IMO it’s too light of a spring for towing a big trailer.
Also,, get your trailer wiring recall done on your LC. I did not know about it and paid like $125 for the new one. It lists for ~$200.
Dean

 

[calamaridog]

LOL, It's not "Clamari", that's another sort of seafood

 

[dieselbigot]

Also, you haven't stated how often, how far, hills, etc. so those things also factor in. Does your trailer have brakes?

Thx for the feedback...I will end up towing only about 6 - 8 times a year...this is why I wanted to get rid of the Dodge, the ONLY thing it was good for was towing and I do so little...I HATED to drive it otherwise. As for hills, I'll be facing some pretty serious hillage....heading up Hwy 50 from Sacramento to Rubicon or Fordyce, heading southeast on 58 heading to the Hammers...these are the regular trips. I'm not expecting to fly up a 6% grade at 80mph like the Cummins...just hoping I won't have any motorhomes passing me! My trailer does have brakes so no worries there although I think this particular trailer is overkill for such a small load...I'm considering a trade with a buddy and his lighter 7,000lb trailer to free up a little weight

 

[trw]

You shouldn't have any problem. I use mine like you plan too. I did kill the rear springs though so the upgrade mentioned should be considered a priority. The area I live in has a good bit of short but steep hills that I have to go over. Does fine, but make sure the brakes on the trailer work. I was towing a backhoe and a yard (1 ton) of stone on a trailer with brakes that didn't work and that has been the only time I felt there was any pressure on the truck. I tow 7k lbs at least once a month and I'm not complaining.

 

[tabraha]

5000lbs less than 10 times a year is not worth beefing the suspension up for and the V8 won't have any problems with it either. I've towed 6500 lbs and while I new it was back there, the suspension had no problem self leveling the tongue weight and when I have had over 6500lbs (only a few times) I just cranked the shocks up to sport mode to help control it better. Bear in mind this was all on an LX with adjustable suspension; I cannot speak for a LC with standard suspension.

Since you've already bought the 100 just hook it up and see how you feel about it. I think you will be satisfied enough to warrant getting rid of an entire vehicle.

 

[e9999]

only towed lightweight (about 2,500lbs or so) No problem noticed until I went about 7000 ft with steep hills and it started to struggle very noticeably. Had to come down to 3rd.

 

[calamaridog]

Ok dieselbigot, lets see a pic of whatever you are trailering... and I still say beefing up the tow rig is worth a few hundred bucks, but I can't stand to drive stock suspension vehicles. I've never left ANY of my vehicles alone.

 

[Pitbull]

Brett, I hear you about the Dodge Cummins diesel. I had a 2002 3500 4x4 and it was a little over kill for what I used it for. I did love the sound . I couldn't find a LC/LX that was in the condition I was looking for and at the price I wanted to pay so I got a 4runner but it is rated for 7000 lbs towing which handles anything I would need. Still wish I had the money to have the LC/LX and the Dodge Cummins, it was a beast. Good luck with the towing, looks like you won't have any problems with the weight you are pulling, I would look at GVWR and tongue weight and what you will be hauling "in" the vehicle so you don't go over.

 

[dieselbigot]

Ok dieselbigot, lets see a pic of whatever you are trailering... and I still say beefing up the tow rig is worth a few hundred bucks, but I can't stand to drive stock suspension vehicles. I've never left ANY of my vehicles alone.

Here's my POS buggy...this on a big ass flatbed

 

[dieselbigot]

Brett, I hear you about the Dodge Cummins diesel. I had a 2002 3500 4x4 and it was a little over kill for what I used it for. I did love the sound

I do love the Dodge for towing, but that's all it was good for...I HATED commuting in it...totally inferior to any Toyota I've ever owned in fit & finish, comfort etc. When the hell is Toyota going to come out with a REAL full sized rank-ass diesel tow rig?? I'd love to have a full Toyota diesel line-up in the driveway....who the hell invented the gas internal combustion engine anyway? I'm sure we'd have world peace if we all drove diesel's

 

[calamaridog]

Nice! Looks like it does the trick eh?

Someday I hope to have a dedicated trail rig to tow behind my 100!

 

[dieselbigot]

it's very worthwhile having something you can roll and not worry about....makes hardcore wheelin much more relaxing. That little rig has paid for itself in damage I didn't inflict on my BJ70...now if I could just get my wife to buy off on that...

 

[crushers]

sweet pics, still looking forward to riding shot gun but best beef up the suspension on my side...
;^)

 

[dieselbigot]

I'm thinking of installing air bags on you side wayne...

 

[Pitbull]

I do love the Dodge for towing, but that's all it was good for...I HATED commuting in it...totally inferior to any Toyota I've ever owned in fit & finish, comfort etc. When the hell is Toyota going to come out with a REAL full sized rank-ass diesel tow rig?? I'd love to have a full Toyota diesel line-up in the driveway....who the hell invented the gas internal combustion engine anyway? I'm sure we'd have world peace if we all drove diesel's

Agree loved the Cummins hated the Dodge (except for it's looks) I love the dually, big and bad looking just real poor quality parts. Toyota needs a diesel, would be nice.

 

[calamaridog]

Toyota is developing a heavier duty truck and will offer a diesel no later than 2007.

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

For the occasional tow it does just fine. Good brake controller is a must. Trailer is around 1500# empty and usually around 5500# loaded. If your trailer isn't set up right and there's too much weight on the tongue, the 100 will be dragging ass on the ground. Put the ECT in Power and be willing to take it out of OD.

And this is the wife's '00 DD so I don't get to do this very often. Don't know why I feel guilty working it hard, it's built for it.