Towing with a 200-series Toyota Land Cruiser (5 Viewers)

[eatSleepWoof]

Hitching Up
To be clear, there isn't a need to ever use AHC "off". There isn't necessarily a preferred position (L,N,H) to hitch from. Any can be used. Though obviously you'll need to have the ball come from under the coupler so the lower AHC position is probably more useful.

With WD hitches, instead of lowering the coupler onto the ball, it's preferrable to use AHC high to jack the ball into the coupler. This sets things up for the next steps: latch the coupler, then engage to WD bars. As mentioned, being in AHC high and/or tongue jack in a high position, will allow engaging the WD bars with the least amount of effort, and potentially without tools depending on the specific WD hitch.

Setting Tension
This part is a bit tricky as you can't use the common measuring of front fender heights to establish Front Axle Load Restoration (FALR) tension.

One of the first things to do is to set ball height. (Important for stability but also plays into WD bar angle/tension) This part is easier as AHC is constant height in normal position. You'll want to get the trailer level on its own, and get a measurement of the coupler height. Setup the drop hitch to have the ball at this height. If somewhat in between, slight nose up of the trailer is preferred over slight nose down.

The next part of setting WD bar tension will be somewhat done by judgement. Overtime, you'll develop what is right for bar tension based on experience. Ideally you'll cross check this on the scales. If the setup or steering feels squirely or sways, you need more tension. Too much tension, and you'll know it too as it'll feel like the nose if forced down over road gradiants/bumps. The car should feel very stable and fairly neutral in attitude.

Back to setting tension, get vehicle in AHC H or jack things up pretty high with tongue jacks. With the type of bars in the picture, you'll lash up with some tension where it should require the leverage of the tool. Draw up the tongue jack and have AHC self level. You should see some preload and bend in the bars. If it's straight, there's probably not enough tension. If it's too curved, probably too much.

Congrats. Good luck. And pictures!

I was hoping you'd chime in. Thanks for the detailed info, as always!

Pictures when/if I actually buy the trailer. Just going for a look-see this Sunday, then potentially working out a deal and picking it up the following weekend. Looking at a 2019 Outdoors RV 21RD.

If somewhat in between, slight nose up of the trailer is preferred over slight nose down.

Is this not backwards? Slight nose down would shift more of the trailer weight forward, resulting in more tongue weight and better stability. Or am I missing something?

 

[TeCKis300]

Is this not backwards? Slight nose down would shift more of the trailer weight forward, resulting in more tongue weight and better stability. Or am I missing something?

Yes, you're correct. There's some trades to your point and here are some other factors to consider. If you believe there isn't enough tongue weight in your load out, that might be more important to address, but there's other ways to affect that?

1) I'm assuming your trailer will be a tandem axle? The attitude of the trailer affects the relationship of its center of gravity and the imaginary axle between the tandem axles. Nose up puts more bias on the rearmost axle, shifting the imaginary axle rearward, which has the center of gravity of the trailer in a more stable posture. Biasing on the forward axle shifts the imaginary axle forward, virtually putting more mass behind said axle. We know too much mass behind the trailer axle is a more sway prone posture.
2) AHC lowers at speed. Best aero efficiency is had with a level trailer, and a slight nose up will have it level at speed where it makes the most impact.

If possible, level is best.

 

[eatSleepWoof]

Yes, you're correct. There's some trades to your point and here are some other factors to consider. If you believe there isn't enough tongue weight in your load out, that might be more important to address, but there's other ways to affect that?

1) I'm assuming your trailer will be a tandem axle? The attitude of the trailer affects the relationship of its center of gravity and the imaginary axle between the tandem axles. Nose up puts more bias on the rearmost axle, shifting the imaginary axle rearward, which has the center of gravity of the trailer in a more stable posture. Biasing on the forward axle shifts the imaginary axle forward, virtually putting more mass behind said axle. We know too much mass behind the trailer axle is a more sway prone posture.
2) AHC lowers at speed. Best aero efficiency is had with a level trailer, and a slight nose up will have it level at speed where it makes the most impact.

If possible, level is best.

Great explanation!

I hadn't considered that tandem vs single axle can change things. Level or slightly nose up, got it.

 

[sleepycruiser]

Had been thinking about airbags, but now decided to go with SumoSprings based on the recommendation of a fellow Mudder. I’ll keep everyone posted.

 

[dnh1]

It’s always funny to me to take these kinda pics. Makes the LC look like a toy truck.

No I don’t tow it far. Just around town.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

I hope this is the right thread for this question.
We just put a deposit on a travel trailer and we're getting back into it after a long layoff.

What travel apps are you all using for trailer friendly/accessible gas stations, places to stop, bridge & tunnel restrictions etc...?
It used to be paper maps and word of mouth but for us it seems like it's a brave new world.

 

[TeCKis300]

I hope this is the right thread for this question.
We just put a deposit on a travel trailer and we're getting back into it after a long layoff.

What travel apps are you all using for trailer friendly/accessible gas stations, places to stop, bridge & tunnel restrictions etc...?
It used to be paper maps and word of mouth but for us it seems like it's a brave new world.

Google maps and iExit are my go to apps when on the road.

Loves and Maverick are my favorite fill up spots for their reasonable prices, full service, and clean facilities. Then again, the 200-series is so nimble even with my longer trailer, that I can use just about station. And facilities are right there following the 200.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Google maps and iExit are my go to apps when on the road.

Loves and Maverick are my favorite fill up spots for their reasonable prices, full service, and clean facilities. Then again, the 200-series is so nimble even with my longer trailer, that I can use just about station. And facilities are right there following the 200.

Thanks!
We're all over Google maps which we have used even to pick campsites for tenting which is what we've been doing lately.
Talking to other RV'ers at campsites the past 3 years we're finding they map out their stops for RV accessible gas etc... using Google Maps or Earth the night before. But some of their trailers are BIG! I mean REALLY big.
The trailer we ordered is a pretty short 22 ft. including the tongue.
We went and got the inTech OVR Expedition after I was able to finally find a dealer to make the custom mods we wanted.

BUUUUT...we never towed with our beloved LC before and being low on gas and then getting stuck in a gas station with the "wrong" configuration is one of my concerns LOL.

I'll certainly check into those apps that other app you mentioned.

 

[TeCKis300]

Thanks!
We're all over Google maps which we have used even to pick campsites for tenting which is what we've been doing lately.
Talking to other RV'ers at campsites the past 3 years we're finding they map out their stops for RV accessible gas etc... using Google Maps or Earth the night before. But some of their trailers are BIG! I mean REALLY big.
The trailer we ordered is a pretty short 22 ft. including the tongue.
We went and got the inTech OVR Expedition after I was able to finally find a dealer to make the custom mods we wanted.

BUUUUT...we never towed with our beloved LC before and being low on gas and then getting stuck in a gas station with the "wrong" configuration is one of my concerns LOL.

I'll certainly check into those apps that other app you mentioned.

Early in my towing adventures, I use to do the same and have my wife look at the satellite view of gas stations prior to exiting. Nowadays, with more experience and confidence, anywhere I can fit the 200-series is about where I can tow a trailer. Just takes time to get comfortable.

22' and I assume 8' wide? That should be a great nimble rig.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

Early in my towing adventures, I use to do the same and have my wife look at the satellite view of gas stations prior to exiting. Nowadays, with more experience and confidence, anywhere I can fit the 200-series is about where I can tow a trailer. Just takes time to get comfortable.

22' and I assume 8' wide? That should be a great nimble rig.

Yep 8 ft wide. Not sure when we'll actually get it. Wished somebody had one on the lot with the options we wanted.

My next quandary is mirror extensions for the LC. It never ends.

 

[linuxgod]

Thanks!
We're all over Google maps which we have used even to pick campsites for tenting which is what we've been doing lately.
Talking to other RV'ers at campsites the past 3 years we're finding they map out their stops for RV accessible gas etc... using Google Maps or Earth the night before. But some of their trailers are BIG! I mean REALLY big.
The trailer we ordered is a pretty short 22 ft. including the tongue.
We went and got the inTech OVR Expedition after I was able to finally find a dealer to make the custom mods we wanted.

BUUUUT...we never towed with our beloved LC before and being low on gas and then getting stuck in a gas station with the "wrong" configuration is one of my concerns LOL.

I'll certainly check into those apps that other app you mentioned.

My trailer is just shy of 26'. Including the WD setup and extended length shank and I think truck nose to trailer bumper is something like 43'. I don't really plan things like gas stops, but I am cautious pulling into some gas stations as sometimes it's clear they weren't planning for a vehicle with a trailer and even if you can get in you may have trouble getting out without backing way up. Even still, having a pair of handheld radios in the truck along with flashlights is helpful if I get into a situation where I have to back way up (like on a dirt road to a dispersed campsite that suddenly has terrain changes which aren't trailer-friendly).

I keep a rotopax with 5 gallons of gas on the truck when I tow, in case I ever overestimate possible distance or run into a situation like the above where I know I can't manage to pull it off and will need to find another station further along.

As far as ingress/egress/maneuvering in other places like parking lots and dispersed camping areas, google maps and satellite view can be helpful, streetview or other photos can help, but ultimately if you're going to drive your trailer around a bunch you'll have to get comfortable knowing how to maneuver it around obstacles and tight spaces.

BTW I have used the RV Dumps app which often surprises me finding free county/town dump sites and potable water out west.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I hope this is the right thread for this question.
We just put a deposit on a travel trailer and we're getting back into it after a long layoff.

What travel apps are you all using for trailer friendly/accessible gas stations, places to stop, bridge & tunnel restrictions etc...?
It used to be paper maps and word of mouth but for us it seems like it's a brave new world.

I use GasBuddy app a lot. They even have a trip planner section online. However, this is more for gas prices. I've never been worried about getting in and out of places pulling a trailer, especially with the LX.

 

[Nothinghead]

I've had good success with iOverlander iPhone app for planning places for getting potable water and dumping tanks.

 

[linuxgod]

@FrazzledHunter if you or others come up with a good way to plan routes in Google maps or similar based on bridge heights or weight or length restrictions, please let me know. We've had a couple times where length was a problem and we needed our setup to be shorter (said no woman ever!) or find a different route. Entering Sequoia NP from the south comes to mind.

 

[FrazzledHunter]

@FrazzledHunter if you or others come up with a good way to plan routes in Google maps or similar based on bridge heights or weight or length restrictions, please let me know. We've had a couple times where length was a problem and we needed our setup to be shorter (said no woman ever!) or find a different route. Entering Sequoia NP from the south comes to mind.

This is EXACTLY what I'm trying to work on.

 

[sleepycruiser]

I use the ‘Upside’ app. Basically you can search it for gas stations (mostly Shell) and it gives you money back on each gallon you buy. I normally get back a few bucks per tank…and then just save up the $$ and blow it on something Cruiser related. If anyone is interested I can give you my referral code and you will get $5 the first time you use the app. Just PM me. No, I am not a scammer.

I also have been looking for an app with dump stations, but not much around me I don’t think. We try to stay within a few hours with the camper.

 

[Ratchey]

This is EXACTLY what I'm trying to work on.

I don't know if these are free but here are a few I found

SmartTruckRoute Best Truck GPS App

smarttruckroute.com

‎RV LIFE - RV GPS & Campgrounds

‎Powered by over 1 million RVers, our vision is to make RV adventures safer, less expensive & more enjoyable. RV LIFE is a community-driven GPS navigational app which provides you RV Safe routes specific to your RV's height, length, & weight. No more worrying about low clearances or being...

apps.apple.com

Allstays Travel Apps Camping, Trucking and Road Warriors

Information about the top camping app, the top trucker app and many other apps for traveling on the road.

www.allstays.com

RV LIFE Trip Wizard - RV Trip Planner & RV Safe Routes

RV Trip Planning made easy with unbiased data & best-in-class features. Save time, plan RV Safe Routes, and find great campgrounds. Try the FREE demo today.'

tripwizard.rvlife.com

CoPilot GPS - Navigation for Android, iPhone and iPad

Get where you’re going safer and faster. CoPilot gives you reliable offline navigation and routing that never lets you down. Start your free trial now

copilotgps.com

inRoute - Intelligent Routing App

Plan optimal routes between many stops, or chart your own course using weather, elevation, curves & more. Now on CarPlay, iPhone, iPad & Mac.

inroute.com

 

[Artie]

I've had good success with iOverlander iPhone app for planning places for getting potable water and dumping tanks.

Came to mention this app. It may not be as helpful to traditional RV’rs but for us it’s been very handy for potable water, laundromats, and boondocking. I’ll use iOverlander in conjunction with scouting ahead with google satellite imagery and use Gaia to mark all our planned stops and keep tracks and such.

We also trip plan with the kids using paper maps and hand written notes that they help take. It’s always good to teach those analog skills and have those physical maps just in case.

 

[Sandroad]

@FrazzledHunter if you or others come up with a good way to plan routes in Google maps or similar based on bridge heights or weight or length restrictions, please let me know. We've had a couple times where length was a problem and we needed our setup to be shorter (said no woman ever!) or find a different route. Entering Sequoia NP from the south comes to mind.

I’d like that too. I’ve had too many bad experiences with Google Maps while towing to trust it. I’ve had it route me to a bridge with too low a clearance over the Ohio River, on to miles of rutted, potholed gravel roads in the pouring rain when a perfectly good paved road was nearby, through residential neighborhoods way off my route in Canada, up hills on city side streets too steep for safe towing, and into industrial sites (gravel pits, really) where there used to be a road but not anymore. Now when towing on camping trips, I always double check the route with another GPS app and look at the entire route in full detail the night before the next leg of the trip. Next summer I plan to investigate stand-alone GPS navigators dedicated to RV use.

 

[linuxgod]

I’d like that too. I’ve had too many bad experiences with Google Maps while towing to trust it. I’ve had it route me to a bridge with too low a clearance over the Ohio River, on to miles of rutted, potholed gravel roads in the pouring rain when a perfectly good paved road was nearby, through residential neighborhoods way off my route in Canada, up hills on city side streets too steep for safe towing, and into industrial sites (gravel pits, really) where there used to be a road but not anymore. Now when towing on camping trips, I always double check the route with another GPS app and look at the entire route in full detail the night before the next leg of the trip. Next summer I plan to investigate stand-alone GPS navigators dedicated to RV use.

Heh, me too! I have to admit, the 20 year old Toyota GPS does a better job avoiding those, at a cost of not always taking the most efficient route, and not knowing about recent road changes