Trailer Towing Question, newbie..

[MoCruiser]

We are in the process of going to our 4th LC. We had two of the 80s, then swapped one of those for a 98. I had always said I wouldn't own a new model first year, but thought it's a LC, so no problem, right.
Well, it's got 230,000 miles on it without any issues.. We found a 04 with 67,000 miles on it, priced ok, so we are swapping again.

I am also getting rid of my Tacoma (09 Dbl Cab, 4x4) I have been using the Tacoma to pull our 19' airstream, now I'm going to have to use the 04 LC to pull the trailer.

Well, we've never pulled the airstream with the 98 LC, so I don't know how it would have done.

The new (to me) 04 does not have the trailer towing package that the Tacoma did, but it does have a nice hitch installed by the PO. I noticed it also has a tranny cooler.

I'm curious if there is anything else I should get. We have a nice weight distribution hitch, and elec brake controller..

Anything about the 04s I need to look out for? It has the GPS screen built in, all working properly. Hopefully it stays working, as I would guess it's a pricey piece to replace..

Thanks, and sorry for the lengthy 1st post..

Also, I used to take my Tacoma through some pretty tough passes out in Colorado, Tin Cup, Pearl, Imogene, to name a few.. Hopefully the LC will be able to do the same..

Jeff

 

[Loyota]

You should be fine. I have a 04 LX470 and it tows like a dream. We have a 5000lb travel trailer and have taken it on a 1500 mile trip with no issues. Before the cruiser I towed with a V8 4x4 4runner which had plenty of power but was not as stable as the cruiser. A good brake controller is definitely required. The only issue I have had is terrible gas mileage - 6-7 but I was probably going too fast. As far as off road, we did tom boy, engineer, cinammon, california, corkscrew, etc. and truck was awesome.

 

[AimCOtaco]

Read up on the forums here and find out what kind of trailer light controller... most here recommend a wiring adapter that powers the trailer lights right off of the battery to avoid loading the vehicle system (takes only signals from the truck). The stock box is junk for sure but you may have something else...

The LC wheels pretty good, different from the Taco but quite able.

 

[MoCruiser]

Thanks for the replys. I will have to look at the brake controller. What your saying makes total sense.
The brake controller I have I'm just pulling off the Tacoma. Itnhad the trailer tow package, so it was a pretty easy install. On the LC, no trailer tow package.., and the PO had the plug wired in when he added the draw-tight hitch. I hope it's done right..
I figured it would be capable for wheeling.. It's a Landcruiser!

Thanks again, I've been doing a lot of reading here. To be honest our three previous LCs were mainly kids haulers for my wife, but the kids are gone. I'm going to be using this one. With just 67k on it, we should be driving it for a long time..

Jeff

 

[patrickfinley]

With a 19' Airstream you shouldn't have too many problems. The LC can tow more, but the double cab Taco has a longer wheelbase which helps stabilize everything. So you may find that the Taco behaves better in wind but the LC better over mountain passes. I'm not sure what the tongue weight is but you may or may not want airbags if you get a droop. The LC does have a slightly better payload than the Taco.

Stock LC will do just fine on Imogene, just don't tow the Airstream

 

[saillaw]

I've just orederd these firestone airbags that fit in the rear coils to help with towing our new trailer while also being loaded with gear, kids, and dogs:

The bags themselves are pretty cheap ($140 with installation gear) but I also added an air compressor which adds another $200. There are cheaper bags out there, but I went with firestone mainly because that's what my trusted installer carries.

 

[MoCruiser]

I was going to get the airbag system for the Tacoma. I have a hitch mount bike rack for a motorcycle. It tends to make the rear end ride a little lower.
With the travel trailer though, the weight distribution hitch unloads the tongue weight. If you over compensate you can have the front of the tow vehicle lower than the back..
I'm anxious to pull it down the road. It seemed to tax the transmission, and the 4L 6 cyl engine on the Tacoma.

Jeff