Towing Capacity Limits

[jamesurq]

So the published limit for towing in the FZJ with the towing package is 5000 lbs.

My question is, is that limit based on the amount of torque/HP the motor makes combined with the brake capacity? or is it more associated with the strength of the frame?

IE: if I were to say add some more power and upgrade the brakes is that enough to push that limit up slightly to 7000 or 8000 lbs or is it now putting dangerous strain on the chassis?

The other factor is tongue weight - I don't see a number listed anywhere.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I regularly tow 5000# with our 2006 LX470 I can imagine 5000# behind an 80.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Based on my understanding of towing ratings, it's a combination of all of the above in addition to the capacity of the springs and the rated capacity of the stock tires. If you theoretically put 20" rotors and calipers at all 4 corners and a 2000hp motor you wouldn't be able to tow 80k# because the frame isn't strong enough and your springs couldn't hold the weight. The towing capacity is a rating of the whole stock system, not just of one component.

If you put HD springs in with larger brakes and more power I bet you could safely tow 7k# with the correct hitch, but that would be pushing it IMHO. Under any scenario, I would not recommend exceeding the rating of whatever hitch you buy.

 

[fj40z]

I wouldn't feel comfortable with 7000 pounds behind an 80 regardless of distance

 

[krzyabncanuck]

Hate to be devil's advocate here but I will just throw this out to keep in mind.

If you were to upgrade everything and all was fine until let's say you get into just a little accident and they were to find out you were overloaded from the rates given then you could face some real issues. Mostly insurance wise I would think.

Therefor I would not recommend this.

 

[jfz80]

So i guess the mud update ditched my post..


An 80 and youre 80 are totally different considerations. Id rent a truck before towing with biscuit

Tandem Axle trailer with breaks at a minimum. At 7000# stopping will be the bigger challenge to think about.

Gen rule of thumb for cargo is 10-15% of weight on tongue

 

[Rice]

So i guess the mud update ditched my post..


An 80 and youre 80 are totally different considerations. Id rent a truck before towing with biscuit

Tandem Axle trailer with breaks at a minimum. At 7000# stopping will be the bigger challenge to think about.

Gen rule of thumb for cargo is 10-15% of weight on tongue

Yup. I can easily imagine an 80 being safely capable of 7k, but never in the configuration we tend to put our trucks in such as lifted with high wall over-sized tires.

Stock height, E rated tires, and an updated hitch WITH weight distribution AND strong trailer brakes .... you're in.

 

[jamesurq]

Okidoki. Thanks for the advice. Maybe a toterhome with a 10k lb towing capacity and a large trailer for Biscuit makes more sense

Anyone got an extra 100k I can have?


Back to looking at tiny trailers under 4000 lbs I guess

 

[stevezero]

well,he could tow in low range everywhere, it just might take him a little longer to get places.

 

[Rice]

Okidoki. Thanks for the advice. Maybe a toterhome with a 10k lb towing capacity and a large trailer for Biscuit makes more sense

Anyone got an extra 100k I can have?


Back to looking at tiny trailers under 4000 lbs I guess

If I was shopping for trailers and had a rig that was capable of 5000# I would still shop for one with a higher capacity. A tandem axle unit with 3500# axles pulls so much better than a single axle, not to mention your added buffer of safety.

Is the trailer you're talking about a camper? A lot can happen for under 5000#

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[stevezero]

You can also check auto racing auctions, where guys close up shops. You can pick up some great deals on folks that tried to make a small fortune by starting with a big one.

 

[jamesurq]

If I was shopping for trailers and had a rig that was capable of 5000# I would still shop for one with a higher capacity. A tandem axle unit with 3500# axles pulls so much better than a single axle, not to mention your added buffer of safety.

Is the trailer you're talking about a camper? A lot can happen for under 5000#

#R201715292 - 2017 Forest River Rockwood 296 HW for sale in Bridgeview IL - House of Camping

That's nice. I'm looking more at this kinda thing. Or at least I was until this discussion.
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[stevezero]

If you find one youre interested in, see if they will rent it to you for a week. drag it around, set it up, tear it down. clog up the pooper, whatever melts your butter. might be the best or worst money you spend.

I looked at renting a 21ft TT in Wisc to take to Oshkosh. Was going to set me back about 1300 or so. That was also during peak week of airventure.

be sure to find long term reviews, and see what "surprises" people have gotten (rotten wood, leaks, reseal, broken frame, etc). not saying that for the model you listed, but man, its scary whats out there

 

[NCFJ]

I look at RVs like I now look at boats (having owned a couple). If I think I want one, I'll rent.

I will not be towing either with an AWD 80 series.