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midmod_nomad · 11-04-2016, 11:17 AM

I'm sooooo close to convincing my husband to get an AS but want to make sure I am doing the right thing for my family. I have two little ones and don't want to put them in danger.

I currently have a '11 Land Cruiser with no plans to buy anything else or have a dedicated TV, hubs has a Subaru Outback so that's not an option. I want to get something smaller=safer, yet big enough that can sleep 4, we might even live in it for a few months! How do you determine what is a safe length for your vehicle? Based on all the stats, it looks like we can tow something longer but now I'm quite nervous about it.

I've searched around but can't find much info on using my current vehicle as a TV here. Any experience, any insight, any encouragement???

midmod_nomad · 11-04-2016, 11:54 AM

Would like to add that I do want a vintage model! For the character and the lighter weights.

polarlyse · 11-04-2016, 01:24 PM

I would suggest that you begin with Toyota and find what they rated the Land Cruiser to tow. We used to have a 6cyl Toyota 4-runner that was rated to 5000#. The V-8 model was rated for 7000#. The LC is larger and heavier and I should think able to handle a decent size trailer.

midmod_nomad · 11-04-2016, 01:33 PM

It has a towing capacity of 8,200 but based on some of the comments I've seen, there are other factors at play. That's what I'm trying to figure out. Based on that number, I could tow a very long vintage trailer but do I want to??? Will it be the scariest drive of my life??? lol!

DaveMc · 11-04-2016, 01:50 PM

If you're able to take a picture of the sticker inside the driver side door and post it here, it may provide additional info to provide a starting point for you.

Dave

cliffcharb · 11-04-2016, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveMc

If you're able to take a picture of the sticker inside the driver side door and post it here, it may provide additional info to provide a starting point for you.

Dave

What he said. Use the actual numbers from your vehicle. I'd go weigh your vehicle also and go from there.

Countryboy59 · 11-04-2016, 05:41 PM

23' or less you should be fine. Have it set up by a dealer who can weigh it etc. lots of folks on here do all the weighing etc. I'm an engineer and I just had a dealer set it up. You will have to have a brake controller installed.

I towed a 19' with a Grand Cherokee Overland V6, no problems, but I live in Detroit where there are a lot of idiot drivers so I traded up to a one-ton Ford crew cab. I commute with this truck too.

The 19' is a very nice size, also people like a 20'. You might take a look at those too although a bit small for 4 people.

Piggy Bank · 11-04-2016, 05:52 PM

The missing X factor you are stewing about is Payload.

It's like this.

Your vehicle will have several data points related to its ability to tow and haul.

Payload is the number of pounds capacity being born by the frame of the vehicle that you can safely have the vehicle move and stop.

Payload is anything beyond the driver and tank of gas.

So all passengers, all the luggage, car seats, strollers, any cargo in the back seat, behind the back seat, on the roof rack, and the hitch weight. Added up that is the payload number.

My Toyota Tundra has a payload of about 1200 pounds. It is rated to "tow" 10,000 pounds. But the hitch weight, passengers, and cargo still need to weigh less 1200 pounds or it is over its rated payload capacity.

Think of it as a dynamic of engine power and the weight the frame and components can bear safely.

coveredwagon · 11-05-2016, 11:27 AM

The Tundra and Land Cruiser have the same engine, and close to the same towing capacity. mYou'll be fine with a two axle trailer 25' or so.

Debit · 11-06-2016, 08:19 AM

We tow our 2016 26U Flying Cloud with an LX 570 and have no trouble at all. It's he same chassis as the LC. For us, it's proven to be a great TV. The only drawback we've experienced is the 20 gal fuel tank that only provides about 2.5 hours of towing drive time between stops. This isn't a huge problem b/c we typically need to stop for some reason every 2.5 hours anyway. We use a pro pride hitch with 1,200 pound bars (I feel this set up to be essential for us as the LX 570 is not a long wheel base vehicle and need to avoid sway while also place ample weight to the front axel). We've been very happy with this set up. Importantly, we've also swapped the p-rated tires for Michelin LTX A/T 2's (e-rated) on the LX. We've also upgraded the AS wheels to 16'' size with Michelin LTX M/S 2'a as many have done and commented on here at AF. We just returned from a round trip journey from TX to NH and back and over three weeks - great trip and no problems. We've also traded the steel LP bottles for replacement aluminum bottles to help reduce a little tongue weight. We tow at highway speed limits, subject to good road conditions, safe weather and traffic conditions, otherwise go much slower or choose to wait. Best of luck!

midmod_nomad · 11-06-2016, 05:53 PM

Thank you all so much for the replies! It has made my heart happy to know I don't have to scrap my plan.
here is the photo, if it loads correctly...

Because we are going vintage, everything I'm looking at is way below our tow max so sounds like even with our car seats and strollers and everything that comes with that, we will be alright.
I did really want to get into dual axle to help spread out the weight. Sounds like I still may be able to do that.

midmod_nomad · 11-06-2016, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debit

We tow our 2016 26U Flying Cloud with an LX 570 and have no trouble at all. It's he same chassis as the LC. For us, it's proven to be a great TV. The only drawback we've experienced is the 20 gal fuel tank that only provides about 2.5 hours of towing drive time between stops. This isn't a huge problem b/c we typically need to stop for some reason every 2.5 hours anyway. We use a pro pride hitch with 1,200 pound bars (I feel this set up to be essential for us as the LX 570 is not a long wheel base vehicle and need to avoid sway while also place ample weight to the front axel). We've been very happy with this set up. Importantly, we've also swapped the p-rated tires for Michelin LTX A/T 2's (e-rated) on the LX. We've also upgraded the AS wheels to 16'' size with Michelin LTX M/S 2'a as many have done and commented on here at AF. We just returned from a round trip journey from TX to NH and back and over three weeks - great trip and no problems. We've also traded the steel LP bottles for replacement aluminum bottles to help reduce a little tongue weight. We tow at highway speed limits, subject to good road conditions, safe weather and traffic conditions, otherwise go much slower or choose to wait. Best of luck!

Thanks so much Debit! This is exactly what I was looking for! With a three and four year old we do have to stop often, so hopefully the gas is not too much of a concern. I was a bit worried about what our MPGs would go down to!

DaveMc · 11-06-2016, 06:02 PM

think you've got stroller compatibility spreadsheet attached...��

m.hony · 11-07-2016, 10:08 AM

2011 Land Cruiser payload is 1,510#- a little less than my Tundra's payload of 1,544#.
I tow a 2013 Classic 30 with my Tundra, but...
2011 Land Cruiser towing capacity is 8,200#- considerably less than my Tundra.
I guess the Sequoia and Land Cruiser have less towing capacity because they have independent rear suspension compared to the solid rear axle of the Tundra.
I would say you can safely tow any Airstream trailer less than 8,200# GVWR- 25'?

midmod_nomad · 11-07-2016, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveMc

think you've got stroller compatibility spreadsheet attached...��

Whoops! Sorry!

Here we go...

m.hony · 11-07-2016, 12:12 PM

The other sticker- white with red and yellow on it-

Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

cliffcharb · 11-07-2016, 01:45 PM

look for the CGVWR rating

jholder · 12-08-2016, 02:40 PM

I have a 14 LC and was shocked by the amount of sway. I am looking into a stronger hitch/ WD setup. Twas night and day from my Suburban 2500 stability due to longer wheelbase.

jholder · 12-09-2016, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Debit

We tow our 2016 26U Flying Cloud with an LX 570 and have no trouble at all. It's he same chassis as the LC. For us, it's proven to be a great TV. The only drawback we've experienced is the 20 gal fuel tank that only provides about 2.5 hours of towing drive time between stops. This isn't a huge problem b/c we typically need to stop for some reason every 2.5 hours anyway. We use a pro pride hitch with 1,200 pound bars (I feel this set up to be essential for us as the LX 570 is not a long wheel base vehicle and need to avoid sway while also place ample weight to the front axel). We've been very happy with this set up. Importantly, we've also swapped the p-rated tires for Michelin LTX A/T 2's (e-rated) on the LX. We've also upgraded the AS wheels to 16'' size with Michelin LTX M/S 2'a as many have done and commented on here at AF. We just returned from a round trip journey from TX to NH and back and over three weeks - great trip and no problems. We've also traded the steel LP bottles for replacement aluminum bottles to help reduce a little tongue weight. We tow at highway speed limits, subject to good road conditions, safe weather and traffic conditions, otherwise go much slower or choose to wait. Best of luck!

Yes. We have one of the LX as well. Amazing trucks!

Seinbelld · 12-10-2016, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midmod_nomad

I'm sooooo close to convincing my husband to get an AS but want to make sure I am doing the right thing for my family. I have two little ones and don't want to put them in danger.

I currently have a '11 Land Cruiser with no plans to buy anything else or have a dedicated TV, hubs has a Subaru Outback so that's not an option. I want to get something smaller=safer, yet big enough that can sleep 4, we might even live in it for a few months! How do you determine what is a safe length for your vehicle? Based on all the stats, it looks like we can tow something longer but now I'm quite nervous about it.

I've searched around but can't find much info on using my current vehicle as a TV here. Any experience, any insight, any encouragement???

That was our exact situation a year ago.... 200 Land Cruiser and an Outback. We also have 2 little ones. We ended up going with a 30 ft. Serenity and selling the beloved Subie and buying a truck. Wonderful memories after our first year using it. Congrats on finding a solution that'll work. Love Land Cruisers...

Eric