Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (14 Viewers)

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eatSleepWoof said:
The capability of both vehicles will be borderline identical, differentiated only by the minor weight differences.

Compare the official tow capacity for a 2008 LX570 and 2008 LC 200 - both are at 8500lbs. At some point later, both capacities were officially decreased, the LC 200 to around 8200lbs, and the LX570 to 7000lbs. As I understand it, these were done due to changes in regulartions/laws, not due to any changes of the vehicles themselves. The 2014 models still have identical engines, brakes, transmissions, frames, tow hitches, suspension, etc. Identical vehicles, but now rated differently.

The biggest difference is AHC in the LX, which is a huge win for towing. It supports heavy tongue weights much better than static (traditional) suspension, and will self-level the vehicle once the trailer has been attached. This improves handling, towing dynamics, weight distribution, etc.

If your primary goal for a new vehicle is towing, a 3/4 or 1-ton truck may be a better option than either 200 series. But that said, a 4000-4500lb trailer will be a joke of a task for both the LC and the LX. Beyond weight, consider the physical size of the trailer, the towing setup, weight distribution, etc. A very long trailer would not be a good match for the LC/LX due to its relatively short wheelbase, but a heavier yer shorter trailer may be just fine. Lots of variables at play.
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The LX570 is a BEAST of a towing machine. It really is pretty incredible. Traveled/Towed from KC to the Grand Canyon in total luxury. From there...took a 36 mile trip (18 miles in; 18 miles out) to Point Sublime on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon through the national forest. Had to remove a half dozen trees (chain saw) from the track on the way in and out. Well worth the trip. Expedition 12 weighed about 5,500lbs in tow.
Set the AHC on HI and the LX didn't even blink. Camped for a couple nights. The LX is/was totally stock on this trip. OEM 20" wheels and Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires.

One of the most beautiful places on the planet. The link below is a short clip of the rig towing & moving through the track/trees. The wheel base of the Expedition matches the track of the LX perfectly...so pretty much where ever the LX can go and pull the Expedition ...the Expedition will follow no problem. Expedition has Cooper LTX AT3 285/75/16. Independent Air Suspension. DO35 Hitch. 90 gals of water. 2 queen beds. Microwave. two showers. 85 liter refrigerator freezer. Head. a couple of mountain bikes on the draw bar. Diesel Fuel/Heater.Propane.440 watt solar, 600Ah Lithium Batteries, 2000 watt inverter.Ac charger. dc charger. and most importantly a fully stocked bar. :cool:



Rig and Sunset pic from camp at Point Sublime.

16EA9B64-D871-4E2A-B37C-87611858F2B0.jpeg


Point Sublime Sunset Day 1.jpg
 
Steveray450 said:
The LX570 is a BEAST of a towing machine. It really is pretty incredible. Traveled/Towed from KC to the Grand Canyon in total luxury. From there...took a 36 mile trip (18 miles in; 18 miles out) to Point Sublime on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon through the national forest. Had to remove a half dozen trees (chain saw) from the track on the way in and out. Well worth the trip. Expedition 12 weighed about 5,500lbs in tow.
Set the AHC on HI and the LX didn't even blink. Camped for a couple nights. The LX is/was totally stock on this trip. OEM 20" wheels and Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires.

One of the most beautiful places on the planet. The link below is a short clip of the rig towing & moving through the track/trees. The wheel base of the Expedition matches the track of the LX perfectly...so pretty much where ever the LX can go and pull the Expedition ...the Expedition will follow no problem. Expedition has Cooper LTX AT3 285/75/16. Independent Air Suspension. DO35 Hitch. 90 gals of water. 2 queen beds. Microwave. two showers. 85 liter refrigerator freezer. Head. a couple of mountain bikes on the draw bar. Diesel Fuel/Heater.Propane.440 watt solar, 600Ah Lithium Batteries, 2000 watt inverter.Ac charger. dc charger. and most importantly a fully stocked bar. :cool:



Rig and Sunset pic from camp at Point Sublime.

View attachment 2964465

View attachment 2964478
Click to expand...

We didn't camp there but I have to agree Point Sublime was a great spot

1648471599592.png


We actually found a spot along the east side of the north rim, about 6 miles east of the gas station down a gravel forest service road. Point Sublime would've been cooler but my trailer wouldn't have made it :-)

1648471661433.png
 
linuxgod said:
We didn't camp there but I have to agree Point Sublime was a great spot

View attachment 2964643

We actually found a spot along the east side of the north rim, about 6 miles east of the gas station down a gravel forest service road. Point Sublime would've been cooler but my trailer wouldn't have made it :)

View attachment 2964645
Click to expand...
Great pics…truck looks strong! That camping spot is sweet!

We had to really work with the head National Park Ranger-North Rim to get approval and permit to do the trip. They really scrutinized the rig capabilities before they would let us go. They were of course not familiar with the Zone Expedition…but they commented that they “have no worries about the tow vehicle capabilities” which brought a smile to our face. They were concerned honestly about the lack of all terrains…as were we. (Which has since been addressed)
We were asked to report back to the Ranger in writing on the experience afterwards…and I promised I would and did. We carried two full size spares on the drawbar (1 for LX and 1 for the Expedition…we moved the spare under the LX to the drawbar). They also required us to have a chain saw and 2 new blades…which we had on board.

Your pics inspire me to go back …but so hard to get 1 of only 2 permits to camp. We went early spring …about the first day the Park opened it…so it was a bit messier and more challenging right after the long winter up there. Erosion…trees down …etc.
 
Steveray450 said:
Great pics…truck looks strong! That camping spot is sweet!

We had to really work with the head National Park Ranger-North Rim to get approval and permit to do the trip. They really scrutinized the rig capabilities before they would let us go. They were of course not familiar with the Zone Expedition…but they commented that they “have no worries about the tow vehicle capabilities” which brought a smile to our face. They were concerned honestly about the lack of all terrains…as were we. (Which has since been addressed)
We were asked to report back to the Ranger in writing on the experience afterwards…and I promised I would and did. We carried two full size spares on the drawbar (1 for LX and 1 for the Expedition…we moved the spare under the LX to the drawbar). They also required us to have a chain saw and 2 new blades…which we had on board.

Your pics inspire me to go back …but so hard to get 1 of only 2 permits to camp. We went early spring …about the first day the Park opened it…so it was a bit messier and more challenging right after the long winter up there. Erosion…trees down …etc.
Click to expand...
The drive out to Point Sublime was pretty easy when we did it in August 2017. There were one or two rocky descents in which I used 4Lo but otherwise it was not bad. I wouldn't have pulled my Lance but any decent turtleback would've made it at that point. I can fully imagine if there was still snow, or at least a lot of mud and erosion, that it would be a lot more challenging to do.
 
Coming back from a day out mud riding with the family. 22' Aluma trailer plus toys for a total weight of about 5,500lbs. Airbags and Gen-Y Glider hitch make for a super smooth ride.
LoadedTrailer.jpg
 
linuxgod said:
The drive out to Point Sublime was pretty easy when we did it in August 2017. There were one or two rocky descents in which I used 4Lo but otherwise it was not bad. I wouldn't have pulled my Lance but any decent turtleback would've made it at that point. I can fully imagine if there was still snow, or at least a lot of mud and erosion, that it would be a lot more challenging to do.
Click to expand...
A couple "sporty" moments but not too bad. There are a couple of ways in...we were directed by the Ranger to take the back entrance...the road less traveled if you will... in hopes of not running in to any other off-roaders/ATV's etc.

The LX was a champ...without the Expedition in tow it would have been almost relaxing. We experienced two-three of the steep rocky descents and inclines that you referenced with 70-80 degree sharp switchbacks at the bottom with steep rocky assents right out of bottom. With the 5,500lbs pushing us down the hill...it was very interesting. The EOH (electric over Hydraulic) braking system and Coopers on the Caravan saved our butts a few times no doubt. Got some nice new Pin-Striping on a few of those! :p Most buffed out nicely.

We were in 4Lo crawl control a couple times and it was so impressive...especially in rocky descents with the switchbacks at the bottom.

Lots of fun!
 
First tow with the OBD dongle and app. I was locked in 4th headed east on I-84.
IMG_5933.PNG


My TC temp definitely hit 240 and maybe more since the scale stops at 240. It was short lived though and I've done a fluid change maybe 20k ago.
That MPG thought... 😭

Departing camp:
IMG_5955.jpg


IMG_5959.jpg

Yes, I put up the steps before driving off.
 
dubyahard said:
First tow with the OBD dongle and app. I was locked in 4th headed east on I-84.
View attachment 2966251

My TC temp definitely hit 240 and maybe more since the scale stops at 240. It was short lived though and I've done a fluid change maybe 20k ago.
That MPG thought... 😭

Departing camp:
View attachment 2966252

View attachment 2966253
Yes, I put up the steps before driving off.
Click to expand...

IMO, no worries on the temp. I've seen it clear into the high 250s and it's not even the middle of summer yet.

If the new Tundras without tranny coolers are any indication, these modern fluids are plenty robust and can take a little heat.
 
dubyahard said:
First tow with the OBD dongle and app. I was locked in 4th headed east on I-84.
View attachment 2966251

My TC temp definitely hit 240 and maybe more since the scale stops at 240. It was short lived though and I've done a fluid change maybe 20k ago.
That MPG thought... 😭

Departing camp:
View attachment 2966252

View attachment 2966253
Yes, I put up the steps before driving off.
Click to expand...
Looks similar to mine.

Set the max value for towing to at least 305F. The a/t warning light comes in at around 302F and goes off around 270F
 
Towed the turtle to Utah and about 100 miles of technical trail in Utah. Max coupler worked wonders as I was near 30 deg on some tough sections of trail. Lots of 2 low with rock mode and the LC performed great. Towing on highway was in 6th gear and was great but sure was drinking the gas. Total trip average was about 10-11 mpg. Curious my trans temp though.

7DDAAA8E-7373-497A-A075-ACA7EE58F63D.jpeg


2F3F1E5A-19BE-4CD8-BFE0-F4909B05F846.jpeg
 
Steveray450 said:
The LX570 is a BEAST of a towing machine. It really is pretty incredible. Traveled/Towed from KC to the Grand Canyon in total luxury. From there...took a 36 mile trip (18 miles in; 18 miles out) to Point Sublime on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon through the national forest. Had to remove a half dozen trees (chain saw) from the track on the way in and out. Well worth the trip. Expedition 12 weighed about 5,500lbs in tow.
Set the AHC on HI and the LX didn't even blink. Camped for a couple nights. The LX is/was totally stock on this trip. OEM 20" wheels and Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires.

One of the most beautiful places on the planet. The link below is a short clip of the rig towing & moving through the track/trees. The wheel base of the Expedition matches the track of the LX perfectly...so pretty much where ever the LX can go and pull the Expedition ...the Expedition will follow no problem. Expedition has Cooper LTX AT3 285/75/16. Independent Air Suspension. DO35 Hitch. 90 gals of water. 2 queen beds. Microwave. two showers. 85 liter refrigerator freezer. Head. a couple of mountain bikes on the draw bar. Diesel Fuel/Heater.Propane.440 watt solar, 600Ah Lithium Batteries, 2000 watt inverter.Ac charger. dc charger. and most importantly a fully stocked bar. :cool:



Rig and Sunset pic from camp at Point Sublime.

View attachment 2964465

View attachment 2964478
Click to expand...

Nice rig! Are they importing Zone's?
 
tdcruiser406080100 said:
Nice…. What model Lance is that?
Click to expand...
2017 Lance 2185

It has three bunks and a slideout u-shape dinette which were part of our criteria. I do wish it had bigger fresh and gray tanks (45 gal each). I think for our next trailer, we'd look more closely at Outdoors RV.
 
dubyahard said:
2017 Lance 2185

It has three bunks and a slideout u-shape dinette which were part of our criteria. I do wish it had bigger fresh and gray tanks (45 gal each). I think for our next trailer, we'd look more closely at Outdoors RV.
Click to expand...
I have a 2015 and we camp a family of 5. Keep an extra empty 5 gal water jug (or two) in the pass thru and fill it when you go out if you’re staying somewhere a few days. We can go 5 full days and use about 60-65 gal of fresh water.

We will put a 12 quart wash basin in the sink and then dump that water into the toilet rather than down the drain to conserve gray water space. In a pinch I will occasionally use the 12 quart wash basin to transfer grey water (at the dump port) and then I carry it inside and dump it into the black tank.
 
linuxgod said:
I have a 2015 and we camp a family of 5. Keep an extra empty 5 gal water jug (or two) in the pass thru and fill it when you go out if you’re staying somewhere a few days. We can go 5 full days and use about 60-65 gal of fresh water.

We will put a 12 quart wash basin in the sink and then dump that water into the toilet rather than down the drain to conserve gray water space. In a pinch I will occasionally use the 12 quart wash basin to transfer grey water (at the dump port) and then I carry it inside and dump it into the black tank.
Click to expand...
I'm a newbie to the trailer game. Thanks for the gem of advice!
 
dubyahard said:
2017 Lance 2185

It has three bunks and a slideout u-shape dinette which were part of our criteria. I do wish it had bigger fresh and gray tanks (45 gal each). I think for our next trailer, we'd look more closely at Outdoors RV.
Click to expand...
Based on a cursory look, Outdoors RVs seem to weigh too much for the cruiser to safely tow.
 
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