Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (2 Viewers)

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From previous experience I'm a nervous Nellie here and I was wondering about your thoughts...

For those that have solar panels on the roof:
How do you think it affects your MPG when towing ?
If you've ever had them in a heavy snow did snow buildup cause any problems ?

I've asked the dealers the above and I don't really trust their answers.
 
my locking pin is too short - thus had to use cotter pin

looked for light 7 pin connection under pass side - cant figure out and trailer wire too short

oh well. towed 600 miles just fine

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From previous experience I'm a nervous Nellie here and I was wondering about your thoughts...

For those that have solar panels on the roof:
How do you think it affects your MPG when towing ?
If you've ever had them in a heavy snow did snow buildup cause any problems ?

I've asked the dealers the above and I don't really trust their answers.
On the roof of the camper? Then No effect at all on mpg. Snow build up, yes it is an issue. I clear the snow off the roof of my camper about every 6-8” (per and post solar panels) I know of a lot of people that have had camper roofs collapse do to snow load. But I’m in Alaska so we get a lot of snow that doesn’t melt off between storms.
 
On the roof of the camper? Then No effect at all on mpg. Snow build up, yes it is an issue. I clear the snow off the roof of my camper about every 6-8” (per and post solar panels) I know of a lot of people that have had camper roofs collapse do to snow load. But I’m in Alaska so we get a lot of snow that doesn’t melt off between storms.
Oops yes I meant solar panels on the roof of the camper. Got it on MPG.
Wow you can't get a better reply about snow than from someone from Alaska!

I'm thinking about a time when we were caught in a freak snowstorm overnight just before Valentines's day and I was on our rubber roofed trailer trying to get about 6" of sleet covered snow off the roof. I call that type of snow "boiler plate". It's probably the worst, IMHO.

It was bad enough with just the air conditioner and vent for the fridge. I busted our TV antenna trying to lower it iced-up.

I have NO experience with solar panels and my over-active imagination is probably creating worries for non-existent problems.:crybaby:
 
Hi, do you guys know of a hitch pin that will fit the 200 series? I have a locking one that fits, but I am looking for a cotter pin one. The ones I have with a bend gets stuck and not come out enough on the other side.

I know the hitch and ball that toyota included would work, but I don't want to buy that kit just to get a pin. The 4" drop on that hitch is not enough.

Similar to this person's issue with the LX600
 
Hi, do you guys know of a hitch pin that will fit the 200 series? I have a locking one that fits, but I am looking for a cotter pin one. The ones I have with a bend gets stuck and not come out enough on the other side.

I know the hitch and ball that toyota included would work, but I don't want to buy that kit just to get a pin. The 4" drop on that hitch is not enough.

Similar to this person's issue with the LX600


I just use a standard pin on my 200. It’s a tight fit but it works perfectly. I’ve had a few different ones in it as they migrate sometimes.

But I do not have an oem rear bumper, however I am using oem hitch
 
TBH I don't see why there would be a difference. Can you take a pic of how it doesn't quite fit and a measurement of the length?

I have a locking one like this. I had to trim the plastic that is up against the frame in order to get it to fit.


The non-locking cotter pin I have (which came with a receiver D-shackle) worked fine without trimming anything, IIRC (it's been quite a while now that I have an aftermarket rear).
 
Hi, do you guys know of a hitch pin that will fit the 200 series? I have a locking one that fits, but I am looking for a cotter pin one. The ones I have with a bend gets stuck and not come out enough on the other side.

I know the hitch and ball that toyota included would work, but I don't want to buy that kit just to get a pin. The 4" drop on that hitch is not enough.

Similar to this person's issue with the LX600

I don’t know what the guy in the video is talking about. He is trying pins for a different receiver size and acting like the vehicle has a problem. A standard pin fits my 2016 LC easily. Complaining about the plastic keepers on the hitch cover is stupid as well, I’ve not had a problem with mine in 6 years.

I use a Masterlock brand one like this:
Amazon product ASIN B000COX0MY
The design means you don’t have to keep up with a cotter pin. I didn’t measure the one I linked, make sure you buy one built for a full size receiver.
 
I don’t know what the guy in the video is talking about. He is trying pins for a different receiver size and acting like the vehicle has a problem. A standard pin fits my 2016 LC easily. Complaining about the plastic keepers on the hitch cover is stupid as well, I’ve not had a problem with mine in 6 years.

I use a Masterlock brand one like this:
Amazon product ASIN B000COX0MY
The design means you don’t have to keep up with a cotter pin. I didn’t measure the one I linked, make sure you buy one built for a full size receiver.
If you don’t need to lock it, this Masterlock is the way to go. I’ve used one for years on each of my trailers.

I’ve had the cotter pin work it’s way out of the cotter pin type, so don’t use those.
 
Oops yes I meant solar panels on the roof of the camper. Got it on MPG.
Wow you can't get a better reply about snow than from someone from Alaska!

I'm thinking about a time when we were caught in a freak snowstorm overnight just before Valentines's day and I was on our rubber roofed trailer trying to get about 6" of sleet covered snow off the roof. I call that type of snow "boiler plate". It's probably the worst, IMHO.

It was bad enough with just the air conditioner and vent for the fridge. I busted our TV antenna trying to lower it iced-up.

I have NO experience with solar panels and my over-active imagination is probably creating worries for non-existent problems.:crybaby:
I clear the snow when it gets to that 6” or so mark because it gets a lot harder (I get on top with a broom and avalanche shovel). Here in Alaska I don’t know how much more snow I’m going to get and when. I currently have about 4 feet sitting on the solar panels on the roof of my house. My plan was to clear them off last weekend. I only clear my roof panels when it gets to 4-5 feet. For that I use a snow peeler, but that only works on pitched roofs.

 
If you don’t need to lock it, this Masterlock is the way to go. I’ve used one for years on each of my trailers.

I’ve had the cotter pin work it’s way out of the cotter pin type, so don’t use those.

Thanks, I will try that one. I know it sounds weird but the pin that comes with the Curt or o'reilly hitch ball doesn't fit the LX570, just too short to go through properly.
 
I'm seeking some advice regarding the towing capacity of a Japan-spec LC200 equipped with the 4.7L 2UZ engine. My LC200 doesn’t have a tow hitch, and the owner’s manual doesn't mention towing capabilities. I'm considering installing a pintle hitch on the rear cross member (part number 51209C). Assuming I use a proper weight distribution system and the trailer has brakes, can I expect a towing capacity similar to the US-spec LC200s?

Additionally, I noticed that the US-spec LC200s have two extra frame reinforcement members (parts 5163A and 5163B). Would adding these to my Japanese model enhance its structural integrity for towing purposes?

I'm also wondering if this discussion might be better suited to a separate thread since the main blog post focuses primarily on US-spec LCs. Looking forward to your insights and experiences. Thanks in advance!

US-spec rear x-member
Screenshot 2023-11-22 at 10.20.51 AM.png

Japan-spec rear x-member
Screenshot 2023-11-22 at 10.23.20 AM.png
 
I'm seeking some advice regarding the towing capacity of a Japan-spec LC200 equipped with the 4.7L 2UZ engine. My LC200 doesn’t have a tow hitch, and the owner’s manual doesn't mention towing capabilities. I'm considering installing a pintle hitch on the rear cross member (part number 51209C). Assuming I use a proper weight distribution system and the trailer has brakes, can I expect a towing capacity similar to the US-spec LC200s?

Additionally, I noticed that the US-spec LC200s have two extra frame reinforcement members (parts 5163A and 5163B). Would adding these to my Japanese model enhance its structural integrity for towing purposes?

I'm also wondering if this discussion might be better suited to a separate thread since the main blog post focuses primarily on US-spec LCs. Looking forward to your insights and experiences. Thanks in advance!

US-spec rear x-member
View attachment 3488630
Japan-spec rear x-member
View attachment 3488633

Those two frame members in those positions would do nothing for towing. Rather, they are probably for USDM crash protection marketing or standards. I recall the LX570 brochure talking about rear crash crush space and that's likely this.

I towed quite a bit with the 4.7 2UZ-FE VVTi in my '06 LX470. That rig was rated for 6,500lbs and I towed right up to that. Stable. Where it runs into its limits is power. With the 4.7 in the 200-series, that's probably a few 100lbs heavier than the 100-series with the same motor. I'd say a reasonable tow limit is probably in that same range, depending on prevailing speeds and hills in your area. The 4.7 did not like the huge mountain grades in my region at those weight levels. Passing at freeway speeds...not really.

I've never seen a pintle hitch with weight distribution? At 6,500 lbs, weight distribution is probably important and I'm not sure the Japan-spec rear cross member is capable of WD loads? Without that, another typical threshold for weight carrying hitch loads is 5,000lbs.
 
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Idk about side mirrors but I have a remote camera on the back of my camper and it outputs to a screen that’s in the shape of a rear view mirror mounted over the rear view mirror and it’s been great.. it also has a forward facing camera and they record.

How are you liking this so far? How did you route the power to the monitor? What’s the connector type for the power supply to the monitor?
 
I'm seeking some advice regarding the towing capacity of a Japan-spec LC200 equipped with the 4.7L 2UZ engine. My LC200 doesn’t have a tow hitch, and the owner’s manual doesn't mention towing capabilities. I'm considering installing a pintle hitch on the rear cross member (part number 51209C). Assuming I use a proper weight distribution system and the trailer has brakes, can I expect a towing capacity similar to the US-spec LC200s?

Additionally, I noticed that the US-spec LC200s have two extra frame reinforcement members (parts 5163A and 5163B). Would adding these to my Japanese model enhance its structural integrity for towing purposes?

I'm also wondering if this discussion might be better suited to a separate thread since the main blog post focuses primarily on US-spec LCs. Looking forward to your insights and experiences. Thanks in advance!

US-spec rear x-member
View attachment 3488630
Japan-spec rear x-member
View attachment 3488633
Here’s a chart that indicates the 200 with a 4.7 has a towing capacity of 3500 kg. I have no idea if this source is valid or if it applies to your truck. I also don’t know what hitch is needed. However, trailer brakes for sure. I agree with @TeCKis300 about a WDH with a pintle hitch-never seen one.

 
How are you liking this so far? How did you route the power to the monitor? What’s the connector type for the power supply to the monitor?
It’s very handy even with the slight delay. The power is routed through the headliner down the a pillar but after that I’m not sure where it’s pulling power, I had this installed along with a ton of other electrical work before I took delivery.

The power supply is a typical dc round cylinder thingy… sorry for the overly technical terminology.
 
It’s very handy even with the slight delay. The power is routed through the headliner down the a pillar but after that I’m not sure where it’s pulling power, I had this installed along with a ton of other electrical work before I took delivery.

The power supply is a typical dc round cylinder thingy… sorry for the overly technical terminology.
Thanks. I see that the mirror/monitor takes 5v and so I wondered if it was a mini or micro usb and I could use a dongar adapter to take power from the top of the windshield.
 
AHC doing its thing keeping the truck level with a 30' x 8.5' car hauler. I don't know the tongue weight. Man, I love this truck.
Prodigious 8.0 mpg for the approx 280 miles.
Screen Shot 2023-12-03 at 11.51.29 PM.png
 
AHC doing its thing keeping the truck level with a 30' x 8.5' car hauler. I don't know the tongue weight. Man, I love this truck.
Prodigious 8.0 mpg for the approx 280 miles.
View attachment 3498273

8 mpg is pretty tall cotton when it comes to bad MPG… I’m impressed.
 

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