Towing with a 60

[SteveLCetc]

One of the advantages of a forum like this is to learn from other peoples' experiences. So don't worry about "wasting bandwidth" here. Marc, based on your comment on another thread about getting something with better gas mileage, and combining that info with what's here, I think a 3rd gen 4Runner might be something to consider. Your 60 will indeed suck worse (gas) towing a pop-up. Or, you can put a V8 in it, get about a dime back for every dollar (including time) you put into the conversion, and not gain in the gas consumption department.

 

[pappy]

Mark,

I have yet to hear from somebody that installed the 5-speed that regretted it. Quite the opposite. Lower first gear, which will help when towing ... plus the over-drive which will help your mileage and save your motor. The H55F is considered by most to be one of the best improvements/upgrades you can make to an FJ60, especially a late FJ60 since it's a straight bolt on. Talk to Larry or Pierrette. I know Larry installed the H55F in Pierrette's FJ60, and he might have installed one in his. He is very happy. Dan is the best place to acquire one so check with him on cost.

I don't see why towing 1500 lbs should be a problem. That isn't much. I towed around 1000 lbs with my 22RE from here to NC last summer. I knew the trailer was there, but for most of the trip did 65 or 70 without trouble. How often are you going to be towing? If it was everyday I would say get a different truck. If only occasionally, then make your FJ60 work better, or just live with it. Talk to Larry about the exhaust he put on one of his 60's. I seem to recall it was 2.5" pipe and might have been on Pierrette's. It also sounds real good. Larry doesn't lurk here so call him.

 

[marcfj60]

Thanks for the thoughts.

Steve, I considered buying a 3rd gen 4runner before I got the 60 but convinced myself otherwise (with a little help from dad too). It's still an option but I'd really prefer a double-cab Tacoma. It's not in the cards right now though. It sounds like it's not the best option to tow with the 60 but it can be done. Buying a new truck just to tow a pop-up a few times year doesn't seem justified either.

Marc

 

[Cruisergreg]

Or, you can put a V8 in it, get about a dime back for every dollar (including time) you put into the conversion, and not gain in the gas consumption department.

Nobody does an engine swap as an investment; it's to go fast and pull more stuff. Gas mileage isn't (or shouldn't be) a consideration either.

 

[Cruisergreg]

I think it's about $1800 shipped to our man on Alameda.

You should figure more like $2,200 to 2,500 once you deal with all the "while you're in there" costs (new clutch parts, rebuild parts for the t-case, whole bunch of gear lube).

 

[Cruisergreg]

Lower first gear...

All of the first three gears are lower than the H42.

 

[evanz80]

Marc -

For what it's worth, we've really enjoyed our tent trailer. It's a big step up from tent camping in terms of comfort, especially when the weather's bad. It gives you and the family more room to spread out, since you've got beds, a table, etc., and gets you up off the ground if the rain's really coming down.

I liked Ali's suggestion about trying the trailer out for a "test tow" with the 60. I think you've gotten the general impression from the group that a 60 with a stock drivetrain may not be the ultimate tow vehicle, but it might do fine for a few times a year until you get your Tacoma.

It sounds like ours is about the same size as what you're considering - I think ours might run 1,350 pounds dry. We've pulled it with the 80 for a few years now, and we've just outfitted the Tacoma with a trailer brake controller, so the truck will likely become the primary tow vehicle. We are going to take the tent trailer to Ruidoso this weekend with the Cruiser, so you're welcome to check ours out if that would help you make a decision.

Also, trailer brakes are a big plus, even with a trailer that small. I used to think that they were probably not necessary on our small trailer...until a lady in a Corolla decided to do a lock-her-brakes-up full stop (from 75 - 80mph) on I-25, in the left lane, so she could do a U-turn in the median. We were right behind her in the Cruiser and we were able to stop in time, but I think without brakes on the trailer, we'd have been in her back seat. I'm still amazed no one plowed into us from behind.

I think you'd enjoy a tent trailer if it seems like the Cruiser will work for you in the meantime until you get something else. I'd be surprised if the seller wouldn't let you borrow it for an hour and take a test drive to the East Mountains to see how the 60 does on some uphill grades.

Good luck - we'll watch and see if you're tent camping this weekend - or tent-trailer camping.

Evan

 

[marcfj60]

A test tow sounds like a great idea except for one minor detail. I don't have a hitch. But I can probably work around that. I could swap trucks with my father for a few days.

Marc