Does anyone know the towing capacity of a 1993-1997 Landcruiser? I thought I heard it was 3500, but that seemed light for such a big vehicle. Also, is there any way to increase the towing capacity? Thanks.
Towing Capacity of FJ80
- Thread starter SpeedRacer71
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5500, althought others have towed more.
if you do tow more, get a brake controller.
The UK specs the rating above that. Maybe 7000 pounds? use search, you will find your answer.
if you do tow more, get a brake controller.
The UK specs the rating above that. Maybe 7000 pounds? use search, you will find your answer.
I have a Tekonsha controller, airlift bags in the rear springs and tow a 1600lb dual axle trailer with anywhere between 2500lb and 4000lbs cars with no problems. That's 4100-5600lbs total.
Little slow from a stop with heavier stuff, but you can always S/C or turbo the truck. The airbags eliminate any sag so the entire rig is level.
Little slow from a stop with heavier stuff, but you can always S/C or turbo the truck. The airbags eliminate any sag so the entire rig is level.
murf
Lifer
Load levelers on the trailer also works wonders onstabilizing a heavy load.
My 91 towed my 1988 fj-62,we have air-bags. Mike
arcteryx
Supporting Vendor
FJ80s are 3500. FZJ80s are 5000.
I just towed a 8x14 fully enclosed utility trailer full of tools last week. Not sure how much it weighed, but I was running 75 mph with no problems except a need for more gas. I think I got around 7-8 mpg while towing. I don't have airbags in my springs and I do sag quite a bit. I have to flip my tongue over and mount the ball upside down to get an extra 2" of clearance. If you're looking to do a lot of towing over 3000lbs, I would look into a supercharger, transcooler, and a good trailer brake setup. Some say it's too expensive just to tow, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper than buying a more powerful truck.
An FJ80 with the Class III (Class V? I can't remember) hitch receiver can tow 5000.
'94 is 5000lbs with a tongue weight of 500lbs IIRC. Airlift or similar airbags are almost a must unless you're running heavy springs on the rear already. They really are great. I regularly tow 4000lbs. Cruiser is a dog going up grades, but will always get you there. I was down to 30mph coming southbound up the grapevine this past weekend after starting the grade at over 70mph and I never once had to let off the skinny pedal! Don't know about other states, but Kalifornia law says any trailer over 1500lbs must have brakes (electric or surge). I like my Tekonsha Prodigy model brake controller.
arcteryx
Supporting Vendor
Second vote on trailer brakes + Prodigy brake controller. All you need it 1 white knuckle occurrence while towing without a brake controller to become an advocate. I towed my FJ40 with trailer with my 97 and no brake controller. Prolly was about 5500 pounds. Being "pushed" down hills and having the trailer start the sway is NOT an enjoyable experience. If you are going to max out the tow capacity, ensure braking and safety measures are used.
- Thread starter
- #12
Thanks for all of the helpful advice. My trailer is a dual axle trailer with brakes. Sounds like the air bags are the way to go!!
We move every couple of years so the towing will not be frequent, but likely very long trips. Maybe even cross country.
We move every couple of years so the towing will not be frequent, but likely very long trips. Maybe even cross country.
If you do the airbag route in the rear coils, be sure to plumb them separately to avoid air transfer from bag to bag. Lots of good info with search on 'airlift'. Don't spend the $$ on the guages or onboard compressor either, especially if you aren't towing frequently. Basic bags can be had for less than $100.
One of the reasons I bought an 80 is because of it tow capability. I want to be able to tow a ~3000lb pop-up trailer to camp in while I 4x4. (and pray nothing breaks, 2x tow fee FTL)
The 80 I bought has the stock hitch which appears super beefy, the only problem is the bad departure angle.
Slee hitch adapter would be great to improve clearance:
"not rated for towing"
Slee bumper w/ hitch says the same thing.
ARB I've seen pictures with a hitch, but can't find any info.
Any thoughts?
The 80 I bought has the stock hitch which appears super beefy, the only problem is the bad departure angle.
Slee hitch adapter would be great to improve clearance:
"not rated for towing"
Slee bumper w/ hitch says the same thing.
ARB I've seen pictures with a hitch, but can't find any info.
Any thoughts?
You want to get a Kaymar rear bumper for that combination. Technically you need a USDOT certification on tow hitches and while the ARB and Slee stuff is probably capable and there are people towing with them they are not certified. I understand that the Kaymar is actually only certified for the Aussies but it's for 7700lbs. So if youre in the market for a new rear bumper and you wanna tow with it I personally think Kaymar is the no brainer. I've researched this and there are more threads.
Even though it isn't rated by the DOT for towing (big money) lots of people use the slee for towing. The ARB has enough sales that they tested it for towing. Thats the picture I get anyway.
I towed... for a short distance... a 20 foot all metal twin axel trailer with 300 gallons of liquid that weighed twelve pounds a gallon... plus five 55 gallon drums of the same liquid on the trailer itself... and some assorted equipment. Heavy duty trailer weighs about a ton... so close to 9000 pounds. Our Powerstroke was getting new tires (blasted firestones...). That whole scene was a bit sketchy. We had it balanced out well with about 400 pounds tongue weight, but it was SLOW.
I wouldn't suggest it ever... but it was mostly back roads. Top speed of 60 with long, long stretches to slow down gradually so as not to overwhelm the underwhelming 80 braking prowess...
I towed... for a short distance... a 20 foot all metal twin axel trailer with 300 gallons of liquid that weighed twelve pounds a gallon... plus five 55 gallon drums of the same liquid on the trailer itself... and some assorted equipment. Heavy duty trailer weighs about a ton... so close to 9000 pounds. Our Powerstroke was getting new tires (blasted firestones...). That whole scene was a bit sketchy. We had it balanced out well with about 400 pounds tongue weight, but it was SLOW.
I wouldn't suggest it ever... but it was mostly back roads. Top speed of 60 with long, long stretches to slow down gradually so as not to overwhelm the underwhelming 80 braking prowess... When you say the Slee should be strong enough, are you talking about the adapter on stock bumper?
It would be great to only spend $80 and get better drop angle. I really don't want to spend on a rear bumper.
It would be great to only spend $80 and get better drop angle. I really don't want to spend on a rear bumper.
With the adapter to the stock bumper I would consider that for accessories only. A cooler rack, bicycles, etc. The Slee adapter I was talking about was the one to the slee bumper for like $195 + the slee bumper.
I use a class 4 dist. hitch. Mike
