Thanks to all who contributed suggestions/opinions.
Here is info that others considering purchasing an FJ to tow a Bambi 16 might find of value.
Drove FJ from Atlanta, GA to Lakewood, NJ - averaged 19.9 mpg and drove on interstates at 73-78mph. I only burn the mid-grade gas in my car and have never had any pinging or problems.
Returning from NJ I averaged 11.1 mpg. I ran tests on different tank fulls. I would drive one tank at 63-65mph and another at 70mph. Turns out the mileage was actually better when I kept my speed in the range of 69 to 71mph - less downshifting and the motor must have stayed in a torque range that it was happier with. The terrain was hilly for the vast majority of the trip and I'm sure that had an impact on the mpg I got.
On the topic of handling, I had an Equalizer brand hitch, 6000# model, in NJ. The trailer behaved perfectly during the entire trip from New Jersey. I did encounter snow (white out conditions for several hours on the NJ Toll Way), ice and lots of traffic coming home. At no time did I feel the trailer and the FJ were not totally compatiable!
In short, I'm very pleased with the matting of the two units. We have not had a chance to get out camping since I pickup up the trailer due to the poor weather. I will advise what my mileage is when driving on less hilly terrain.
We recently sold our 2006 Ford F-250 diesel and Safari 22’ – got tired of feeding the Ford diesel that was running within spec per Ford at 9MPG, and only 12-13 without the Safari attached.
Hey Jack.. Sorry to hear your F250 didn't work out.. Those fuel numbers are terrible! Those number are more typical of the V10 not the diesel...she was a little thirsty....I can't blame you for parting with her.
I guess I've been fortunate.... my '05 PSD gets 11-13mpg towing a 30' AS approx 7800 lbs.. 13-14mpg all in town and 14-17mpg on the highway.. Just went to Tucson last night (190 miles round trip) for a meeting and set the cruise at 83 mph wide open highway... got 15.5 mpg.. not bad for the speed...(BTW this was without the airstream I don't drive that fast when towing )
A good friend of mine has an FJ and LOVES it. Hope your new Bambi is fun.
__________________ AZstreamin goin' where the weather suits my clothes....
Trailer Life tested the FJ Cruiser for towing a dual axle Hi-Lo. By the pic it looks like a 22'. Here are their comments...
We towed a Hi-Lo Anniversary telescoping trailer to check off-the-line performance and handling characteristics. The FJ Cruiser was a good match for the trailer. With a 5,000-pound tow rating, this SUV should prove very popular with young families hauling a small trailer, and the SUV ground clearance will make this new entry a very popular exploration vehicle once unhooked.
We have a 19 Bambi and Fj and have towed around NC with no trouble. At 60 mph its OK but over that, 65 and 70, you know the Bambi is back there. We have the equlizing hitch and stablizing bar and typically travel with no water in the Bambi thus as little weight as possible. We're heading to Alaska in three weeks for an extended visit. This will really put the Fj through its paces. I'll let you know how it works out. Cooter
We have a 16' CCD International and it's towed with an 2007 FJ Cruiser. We have Equalizer Hitch and Electronic Brake controller. This set up works with no problems. I have done a few modifications to the FJ for a little more power. Changed the stock air filter setup to a TRD Cold Air Intake, replaced the muffler with MaxFlow Muffler and use Mobil One oil. With this setup I get 11-15 MPG depending on the terrian and speed. I ususally tow 60 to 65 in 4th gear and avoid using OD. Using this techique eliminates the transmission from hunting for the proper gear. The only time it's in 5th gear is on level terrain. We have towed this setup to the Sierra's, elevation 10,100 FT with no problems.
I'm sure a new Tundra with a 5.7 would be a much better tow vehicle for the CCD but the FJ and CCD always gets great comments from all the camp grounds that we visit.
FJ and 16' CCD can't go wrong with that setup, and besides the FJ is a great off-road vehicle.
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