Urgent: need advice on 200 series towing

[damdifino]

New forum member here. I have a chance to purchase a very nice 2009 200 series gas 5.7L, but must make a decision in the next 36 hours. My concern is about towing. I will be towing a 23-foot Arctic Fox 22H travel trailer with a wet weight of 780 lbs. tongue and 5240 lbs. axles (total = 6020 lbs.), per certified CAT scale. This weight includes batteries, propane and fresh water, but not food, clothes, tools, etc., which I estimate to be under 1000 lbs. Therefore my gross trailer weight will be around 7,000 lbs. The '09 LC has a stated towing capacity of 8500 lbs. I also have an Andersen anti-sway weight distribution hitch. How will this combination perform under real world conditions, including mountain highways? Much thanks, damdifino...

 

[Stumpalama]

I can tell you that the 5.7 has plenty of power to tow that. I have that engine in my 07 Tundra. So, from a power standpoint there is no issue. Can't speak to the rest of it, but you are below the tow rating, so the drive train should also be gtg.

 

[texaswakerep]

You might want to get airbags or stiffer rear springs. I tow a boat/trailer around 5,000 lbs and it squats the LC pretty good. Tows it fine with plenty of power, but the rear end is very squatty.

 

[AG200]

texaswakerep is right. Attached is picture w 25' trailer - was not happy. Since then I've installed heavy springs and it tows nicely. I've also done many other mods (see my photo album in my profile)

 

[Stumpalama]

Sooo, did you pull the trigger?

... I have a chance to purchase a very nice 2009 200 series gas 5.7L, but must make a decision in the next 36 hours.

 

[damdifino]

Sooo, did you pull the trigger?

Bang! Yes I did. It's an '09, very clean, totally stock. Took the rig for a quick 50-mile test run today in crosswinds 20 mph gusting to 30 and she handled okay. I'm used to pulling the trailer with an F-350, which, as you'd expect, is rock solid. So yes, I did notice a little sway from time to time with the LC, but I don't what to think is "acceptable." Nothing scary up to this point, though. She squats a little, but not as much as I had feared. Went to a CAT scale close to home and got weights of: 3000 lb. steer axle, 3800 lb. drive axle and 5480 lb. trailer axle, for a GVW of 12,280 lbs. So I'm under engineering specs and I believe with a little fiddling I can make it work.

 

[crazy1323]

I think with some air bags you should be all set. I am used to pulling with a diesel F-250, so pulling with the LX 570 is quite a difference. There is plenty of power, but the short wheelbase can keep things interesting.

I am sure you will love the Cruiser, congrats.

 

[damdifino]

OP here.... Just for fun I thought I'd try to post a pic of my new acquisition:

 

[damdifino]

Okay, sorry. That didn't work. For some reason I can edit my posts on here.