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Land Cruiser as tow vehicles
I have owned a 1985 (248,000 miles), two 1994's (178,000 & 125,000 miles), a 2000 (78,000 miles) and now a 2008 LC. The 1985 had a cracked head at 185,000 miles that I repaired and the others had no mechanical problems to mention.)
The inline six is a big 300 cubic inch+ engine, lots of torque but not much horsepower for such a heavy vehicle. The fuel injected inline six in the 1994's provided more horsepower, but probably only enough for flat lander towing (no mountain grades) for 23 foot or shorter trailers. The suspension probably could handle it, but you would have to accept the lack in horsepower. The first of the newer styles (1990, I believe) was a DOG for power, so avoid that first model of body style change! I test drove it new at the dealership and passed until the 1994's were out with much better power. The 1991 was much improved as a second year production.
The 2000 LC had the 4.7L V8 and might have pulled our 23 foot Safari, but I felt it was underpowered for the combined weight of trailer and vehicle and did not attempt to make a trial run. The wife kept the 2000LC for local driving and I bought a 2006 Tundra 4x4 which had the power and torque to pull a 23 foot AS with much to spare.
We bit the bullet this year and bought a 2008 Tundra 5.7L and a 2008 Land Cruiser 5.7L, both with six speed automatics. The Tundra pulls the 23 foot AS easily in the mountains. The 2008 LC was intended for towing east of the Rockies, but I have decided to make the Tundra our workhorse. Both vehicles have power not experienced with the 2000 LC or 2006 Tundra! The 2008 LC probably would tow better than the Tundra, if I considered only the power of the vehicle... A Land Cruiser is a 200,000 mile vehicle. Those with experience with the FJ's as well, would call them "Land Crushers". There are few used LC's ever for sale and they sell quickly. I do not like paying the premium price, but I need something that will go any where, any time and keep on going.
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