Towing with a 200 Series

[MScruiser]

Let me know if you DO decide to give your 200 to the wife and convert it back to stock. I want those tires/wheels!

 

[Overlake]

If you're lifted which I can tell you clearly are and don't have aftermarket upper control arms to set caster back within stock specs, your ride is going to be really darty trailered or not.

Plus if you're not running stiffer ome springs for heavier loads, you're not setup for it.

There's nothing wrong with the lc. You just haven't made the right modifications as a whole given how big one is changing suspension geometry whenever they choose to lift.

Also consider getting gears. Not a must with what looks like 33s with the potent 5.7.

Tundra is a huge downgrade IMHO but then it is a markedly cheaper rig. You get what you pay for.

Ps one of the best looking cruisers I've seen yet - nice. Too many run bicycle tires here.

 

[5ForFighting]

Thanks, it's got the heavy springs. Maybe I'll look into the upper control arms.

 

[drowningman]

Thanks, it's got the heavy springs. Maybe I'll look into the upper control arms.

I am towing a Keystone Outback 230RS 26' which is slightly heavier and longer than your Nash with my 2013 200. The trailer is about 5000 dry and 6500 the way I load for camping (dirt bike and 1/2 water to balance the trailer-more on that later). I've made 3-4 600mi round-trips during the last year in various conditions from Phoenix to the SoCal deserts on I10 or I8 for dirt biking which meant freeway speeds/traffic with some fairly serious desert crosswinds at times and no white knuckling.

This will be the 3rd tow vehicle I've had with this trailer and I would say just as good as the 1/2 ton pickup but slightly better than the other SUV (but I do miss the diesel mileage and 4 corner air suspension that had for towing). The one main downside as bjowett mentioned in a prior post is that the 200 is geared very tall making S4 gear selection the sweet spot when towing resulting in 8-10MPG. Combine the low mileage with the small fuel tank and I am stopping more frequently than I used to. Due to analysis paralysis I am however still on stock suspension so I can't comment on the OME setup or the effect of a lift, but I did add the Firestone Airbags from experience to help level and stop the porpoising over bumps. I am running TRD wheels with 33" P Series Nitto Terra Grapplers although I did make a couple of trips on the stock 33" LT BFG's that came with the wheels as well. On the rear axle I ran the LT BFG's at 60PSI and run the Nitto's at max sidewall pressure when towing.

Point here is your setup looks as sane as mine and you should be able to get yourself out of white knuckle land without resorting to a 3/4 ton vehicle.

Another thought... when I still lived in CA I had CHP weigh my axles at the truck scales which is when I discovered the nose heavy nature of my trailer and why I run with 1/4-1/2 tank of water. If you have a CHP weigh station nearby you might stop by and ask when a good time to come by with your trailer might be in order to experiment with a couple different loads.

Hopefully this helps.

 

[5ForFighting]

That's very helpful, thank you.

Here's how it looks

 

[5ForFighting]

since I messed with the hitch:

 

[Overlake]

Thanks, it's got the heavy springs. Maybe I'll look into the upper control arms.

Per your build thread you have the non laden springs or the 722s not 723s iirc. Ucas are a must. Not sure how people drive a lifted lc without. G'luck.

 

[MScruiser]

^ This is my understanding too.

Don't forget the differential drop kit too.

 

[5ForFighting]

Quick Update:

First shakedown trip went well (O'Neill Regional Park for those who are local). I think I'll be fine if I continue to take it easy. Have to say though, with the small tank and an average 9mpg towing with no major climbs - the frequent gas station stops are going to suck.

 

[5ForFighting]

 

[Footwork]

700 miles got 12 mpg at 65 mph. You'll be good!