Yes, LX. Like everybody else has said the key points is weight distribution. Too much tongue weight will make your vehicle unstable and AHC will struggle.
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Air bags arent going to reduce the tongue weight of the trailer. Just offload some of that weight from the AHC.
I was under the impression that too much AHC pressure affects its dampening performance. Why would you need to adjust spring preload with spring spacers for a minor sensor lift but then its not an issue at all for AHC to have to support 2200 lbs of payload on your rear axle?
AHC seems to compensate nicely on its own and damping is fine. I think the question is whether you want to dial in and optimize the suspension for normal use or temporary towing use. When setup correctly with proper preload for sensor lift, AHC will work as close to stock as intended when unladen. While maintaining as much margin for load as possible.
1800lbs is about what you should expect before the system falls back on the coil springs where it can no longer maintain constant height. Much like normal suspension, it'll ride lower. Unless you further augment with airbags.
What is everybody using for a ball mount? The Toyota OEM 2-5/16” ball is on a stop sale, so I was looking at other options for the whole setup - especially something with an adjustable drop.
Anyone have experience with something like the WB Tow & Stow? It’s highly rated by a lot of folks that tow with pick ups, has a lifetime warranty, rotates to multiple ball sizes, and folds over out of the way when not in use.
Anyone have experience with something like the WB Tow & Stow? It’s highly rated by a lot of folks that tow with pick ups, has a lifetime warranty, rotates to multiple ball sizes, and folds over out of the way when not in use.
I used to have 5 or 6 different tow hitch ball setups for different drop heights and different ball sizes. I finally pulled the trigger a couple years ago and purchased a Weighsafe aluminum drop hitch. After a few uses I got rid of all my other ones. I wish I had bought this years ago, makes life way easier and it works great!
Video on the unboxing and install incase you're curious to see it. The video is on my old Sierra AT4. Currently being used on my LX570.
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Achiller30,
That is exactly the hitch I use. I love it. 1 hitch does all the trailers. We have 5 trailers that vary in height and use both 2-5/16 and 2” balls.
I store it in my drawer to keep someone from walking away with it. Plus it looks better.
Best,
Robert
I have two trailers and have a dedicated ball mount for each. I keep the mount on the tongue of the trailer when not in use, so there's no searching/thinking involved when hooking up.
I know lots of folks run a height-adjustable ball hitch that can be adjusted for many different trailers, but I dislike that idea:
1. Leaving the hitch installed in the truck is a bad idea. If you get rear-ended, all force from the impact goes directly to your frame, and then to the rest of the truck, the seats, etc. I still have back pain from being rear-ended in just this scenario 6 years ago. In some places (like British Columbia) it's actually illegal to have a hitch installed in your vehicle when you're not towing. If you remove it, then you've got to go searching for it every time you hook up a trailer.
2. I don't want to have to remember the correct setting on the hitch (height/ball mount size) relative to each trailer. This will inevitably lead to mistakes and less than optimal towing setups.
3. The adjustable hitches can get worn out, locks can freeze, etc. Every moving part is subject to potential issues. I like things simple.
4. Cost. I don't care is my $30 ball mount hitch gets stolen or lost. I'd care if it was $300.
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I use the WeighSafe adjustable hitch. I rent my trailer out and it is handy to be able to set up the trailer correctly for each user.
I agree. I have 4 trailers (2 boat, utility, and camper). Each has its own appropriate drawbar/ball/pin combo and each is clearly labeled. I like the Convert a Ball cushioned drawbars because they slightly lessen the shock load on the hitch and trailer in some circumstances. I never leave the shin-banging hitch stuff on the LC when I’m not towing.
I agree with what others have said about have a dedicated hitch for each trailer.
They’re lighter easier to use and have less failure points.
I also agree that it’s best not to leave the drawbar in the vehicle if it’s not in use.
They’re lighter easier to use and have less failure points.
I also agree that it’s best not to leave the drawbar in the vehicle if it’s not in use.
I really appreciate all the info here. It’s really helpful to hear both for and against it. I actually couldn’t find much against it until hearing from you guys.
I think either way I wouldn’t leave it on the car if I’m not actively towing. I was more worried about someone stealing it, but I didn’t even think about the possibility of it directing impact straight to the frame.
I think either way I wouldn’t leave it on the car if I’m not actively towing. I was more worried about someone stealing it, but I didn’t even think about the possibility of it directing impact straight to the frame.
does the 200 series have an ATF filter?
FrazzledHunter
SILVER Star
TPMS install and trailer wheel balance...
So I'm past the TST TPMS disaster where I couldn't program the sensors even with their stellar tech support. I'll be putting in a Tuson system that comes with the sensors pre-programmed. So presumably THAT won't go wrong. The sensors on the Tuson system will be internal just as in the TST system which requires un-mounting the tires. This is a great target of opportunity to do extra stuff like balance the wheels, check & replace schrader valves etc...
I don't think the wheels on my trailer were balanced as I don't see any wheel weights anywhere. The internet seems to think balancing the wheels is a good idea. I'll probably do it anyway unless the tire place says not to.
RE balancing the wheels: what do you all do?
So I'm past the TST TPMS disaster where I couldn't program the sensors even with their stellar tech support. I'll be putting in a Tuson system that comes with the sensors pre-programmed. So presumably THAT won't go wrong. The sensors on the Tuson system will be internal just as in the TST system which requires un-mounting the tires. This is a great target of opportunity to do extra stuff like balance the wheels, check & replace schrader valves etc...
I don't think the wheels on my trailer were balanced as I don't see any wheel weights anywhere. The internet seems to think balancing the wheels is a good idea. I'll probably do it anyway unless the tire place says not to.
RE balancing the wheels: what do you all do?
My small utility trailer has traditional trailer wheels and tires and they get balanced.
I can’t imagine a world where you wouldn’t balance tires but I may be about to learn something new…. But I doubt it.
My trailer tires are balanced but have them only put weights on the inside of the wheel just like my tow rig.
edit -
we can't link YT videos?
here's the title of the video I tried to link:
Landcruiser 200 Auto Transmission | Service | Flush | What Toyota don't want you to do
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It’s more of a screen than anything. There’s a massive bring your popcorn thread on this topic on here debating drop the pan vs not.
it is not unlike any other ATF filter. It is a fiber mesh filter, much more than a screen. A human hair will not pass through it, not even close.
This is true.