Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (3 Viewers)

[Nothinghead]

After multiple trips towing a 27ft Airstream International in my new-to-me '21 LC, I've noticed that sometimes when I start the engine shortly after a break (usually for fuel) that the starter seems to turn over a few more times than usual before starting. Anyone else experienced this?

My theory is it may be heat-related. Looking at the temps in OBD fusion, everything is within safe ranges, but much hotter than without towing.

Other than that, it has been flawless and tows great, even a very relatively heavy (over 6k pound) trailer. A good setup (WD hitch, Firestone air bags) is key, but the LC is plenty capable. Thanks to everyone who contributed here, the 76 pages of info was instrumental in success.

View attachment 3443067

I've not had this starter over-revving experience myself but I do think you may be on to something with the heat-soak from working that engine. Good looking set-up by the way.

 

[linuxgod]

After multiple trips towing a 27ft Airstream International in my new-to-me '21 LC, I've noticed that sometimes when I start the engine shortly after a break (usually for fuel) that the starter seems to turn over a few more times than usual before starting. Anyone else experienced this?

My theory is it may be heat-related. Looking at the temps in OBD fusion, everything is within safe ranges, but much hotter than without towing.

Other than that, it has been flawless and tows great, even a very relatively heavy (over 6k pound) trailer. A good setup (WD hitch, Firestone air bags) is key, but the LC is plenty capable. Thanks to everyone who contributed here, the 76 pages of info was instrumental in success.

View attachment 3443067

How old is your battery?

 

[JxnLC]

How old is your battery?

Definitely the original battery. No issues otherwise, this only happens when I've been towing for a while.

 

[TeCKis300]

Had to tow a 25’ car trailer this weekend, can’t say that my LX would be my first choice to do this on a regular basis, but I don’t think that’s what is designed to do.

'25 feet is definitely a substantial load. Curious what you thought was lacking? Stability? Power? Range?

 

[Lou Gill]

'25 feet is definitely a substantial load. Curious what you thought was lacking? Stability? Power? Range?

The truck wondered on the road, cruise control was useless avg fuel mileage was 9.0. pulling that trailer with my Yukon Xl was much more enjoyabl, but thats not what the LX was designed to do. It’s ok a couple of times a year, I won’t need to do it again for a long time.

 

[Artie]

avg fuel mileage was 9.0.

No need to brag

 

[ryanCA]

The truck wondered on the road, cruise control was useless avg fuel mileage was 9.0. pulling that trailer with my Yukon Xl was much more enjoyabl, but thats not what the LX was designed to do. It’s ok a couple of times a year, I won’t need to do it again for a long time.

I used to tow an Elise and a FJ60/62 with my wifes 200 few times a year. Not at the same time. Thought it did fine.

Then my friend loaned me his Dodge 2500 brand new diesel. I towed my FJ62 with it 700 miles. WOW. It wasn't even there it felt like.

After using the Dodge (never owned or used an American truck before), I realized how towing isn't what the 200 is made for.

 

[TeCKis300]

I used to tow an Elise and a FJ60/62 with my wifes 200 few times a year. Not at the same time. Thought it did fine.

Then my friend loaned me his Dodge 2500 brand new diesel. I towed my FJ62 with it 700 miles. WOW. It wasn't even there it felt like.

After using the Dodge (never owned or used an American truck before), I realized how towing isn't what the 200 is made for.

No argument there are better tow vehicles out there.

The compromise is that great tow vehicles have compromises too, especially against things that the 200-series excels at. Some trips don't need the 200-series other talents, others require it, so having a tow vehicle that can do it all with some competency is I think why many of us are on these boards.

I agree some of the criticisms of the 200-series towing are definitely due to its limits. Short wheelbase being a major one. Yet there are knobs and dials, tweaking, that can be done to make it more capable hence this thread. For really heavy loads, can't just toss it on the ball like one could with an HD truck.

 

[ryanCA]

No argument there are better tow vehicles out there.

The compromise is that great tow vehicles have compromises too, especially against things that the 200-series excels at. Some trips don't need the 200-series other talents, others require it, so having a tow vehicle that can do it all with some competency is I think why many of us are on these boards.

I agree some of the criticisms of the 200-series towing are definitely due to its limits. Short wheelbase being a major one. Yet there are knobs and dials, tweaking, that can be done to make it more capable hence this thread. For really heavy loads, can't just toss it on the ball like one could with an HD truck.

Well said.

I have towed with my 01 Tacoma, 19 Tacoma, and 2012 FJC quite a bit. When compared to that my 200 towing experience is amazing.

I guess i just didn't know what I was missing till I got the HD Dodge friend loaned me.

Its like being married to the same partner 15 years. All is good. Till you find a new person, and realize OH MAN what was I missing

 

[eatSleepWoof]

A heavy duty, diesel truck will surely tow heavy loads 100% better. But you use that truck for a few weeks of daily errands, and you'll be begging to get back into the 200.

Like TeCKis300 said above, in a do-everything vehicle like the 200-series, it's all about compromises. I don't tow 99% of the time, so I expect the vehicle to be tailored towards that use, but be able to tow when I occasionally need to. That's my use case/needs, and the 200 fits it very well.

My next-door neighbour is a landscaper; he tows his (heavy) cargo trailer every day, uses his bed every day, etc. He's got a diesel GM Sierra one-ton, and I think that's a great vehicle for his needs. He also tows a 10,000lb ArcticFox travel trailer a few times per year. That said, despite only being a few years old, the Sierra is constantly breaking down - this sensor, that sensor, another sensor, something is always a problem.

 

[ryanCA]

A heavy duty, diesel truck will surely tow heavy loads 100% better. But you use that truck for a few weeks of daily errands, and you'll be begging to get back into the 200.

Like TeCKis300 said above, in a do-everything vehicle like the 200-series, it's all about compromises. I don't tow 99% of the time, so I expect the vehicle to be tailored towards that use, but be able to tow when I occasionally need to. That's my use case/needs, and the 200 fits it very well.

My next-door neighbour is a landscaper; he tows his (heavy) cargo trailer every day, uses his bed every day, etc. He's got a diesel GM Sierra one-ton, and I think that's a great vehicle for his needs. He also tows a 10,000lb ArcticFox travel trailer a few times per year. That said, despite only being a few years old, the Sierra is constantly breaking down - this sensor, that sensor, another sensor, something is always a problem.

Agree 100%. I had that truck for 4 days, and I towed Los Angeles through Donner Pass Reno heavy loads.

Thus I don't own a HD Truck. I love the 200.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

No argument there are better tow vehicles out there.

The compromise is that great tow vehicles have compromises too, especially against things that the 200-series excels at. Some trips don't need the 200-series other talents, others require it, so having a tow vehicle that can do it all with some competency is I think why many of us are on these boards.

I agree some of the criticisms of the 200-series towing are definitely due to its limits. Short wheelbase being a major one. Yet there are knobs and dials, tweaking, that can be done to make it more capable hence this thread. For really heavy loads, can't just toss it on the ball like one could with an HD truck.

So how much of the "negatives" can be mitigated by a sway-reducing or weight distributing hitch? Or is everyone already using one and there are still issues?

 

[TeCKis300]

So how much of the "negatives" can be mitigated by a sway-reducing or weight distributing hitch? Or is everyone already using one and there are still issues?

Probably depends on the load.

At least for my personal trailer that is 8k lb and 28 ft long, the negatives are mitigated and it tows superbly. It performs at a level I am completely satisfied with and I believe I have high expectations. I experience no stability caveats and it is stable in wind, passing semis, mountain roads, and 80+mph freeways. Power is there for extreme grades, including Donner, but also Kingsbury that is not recommended for trailers for those that know the area.

The real shortcoming is fuel range, but that can be mitigated with an aux tank.

WD is a big part of the recipe worth getting right, but it cannot mask if there are other fundamental issues including tongue weight, ball tight and close to rear bumper, too much compliance in tires and suspension.

 

[JohnPW]

I tow boats in flat Florida at sea level, so I don’t know how much my opinion counts vs big trailers over mountains. But my LC200 tows much better than a handful of other SUV’s I have owned previously. Prior vehicle was a Chevy Tahoe, which has a longer wheelbase than the Land Cruiser…but the LC tows my 21’ boat so much better. The short wheelbase is an advantage maneuvering in tight spaces when backing up as well.

I did have airbags installed to counter the suspension sag. Which was a great improvement for towing.

 

[TeCKis300]

The short wheelbase is an advantage maneuvering in tight spaces when backing up as well.

This x 100%. Long trucks and long trailers make maneuvering in tight campgrounds a PITA.

 

[linuxgod]

So how much of the "negatives" can be mitigated by a sway-reducing or weight distributing hitch? Or is everyone already using one and there are still issues?

My trailer is 6000# and 25'. My rig is 7k without the trailer. I've towed 75mph on the highway tens of thousands of miles. WD with anti-sway is definitely required but the truck in both stock and modified form does just fine, even with an extended hitch shank. Would a 1 ton diesel quad cab with an 8' bed tow "better"? Maybe? But the LC/LX does just fine, and I've passed plenty of diesel pickups in the right lane pulling trailers on the I-70 passes through Colorado with my setup.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

What hitches are you guys using?

 

[linuxgod]

What hitches are you guys using?

Blueox

 

[Nothinghead]

Equalizer. Friction bars are noisier than Blue Ox chains but it's tool-less to connect. Friction bars also may not control sway as much if you're in really wet conditions compared to chains.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Any opinions on an Anderson?
Weight Distribution Hitch - Andersen Hitches - https://andersenhitches.com/product/weight-distribution-hitch/