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Old 05-11-2015, 09:16 PM   #1
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1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
Oakland , California
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1974 31' Sovereign & 2006 Toyota FJ?

We have a 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser rated with a towing capacity of 5,000 and have our eyes on a 1974 31' Sovereign that has the following stats:

WEIGHT: 4975
HITCH WEIGHT: 650

Would we be ill advised to tow this trailer with this vehicle?

Thank you in advance!
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Old 05-11-2015, 09:33 PM   #2
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Welcome to the forum.

You may want to check this thread to start, because I am sure many of the same opinions will be repeated to answer your question.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f463...er-127072.html
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Old 05-11-2015, 09:36 PM   #3
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1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
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Thank you! I'll start reading now. : )
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Old 05-12-2015, 04:20 AM   #4
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1975 31' Sovereign
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No

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Old 05-12-2015, 05:22 AM   #5
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Sorry, but no, you are already over when you consider passengers, fuel, cargo, etc adds to the total weight. I would look for a vehicle with a rating of around 7000 lbs or higher to tow that trailer. I think that is being prudent given the manufacturers tow ratings for the truck. I'd also look for a longer wheelbase vehicle, that will add to stability as well.

Of course there are some folks that will tell you that you can tow it with a minivan, but I'm not one of em.
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Old 05-12-2015, 06:38 AM   #6
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I have an '07 FJ Cruiser and tow a 17' Casita with it (3500#'s), but would not tow anything bigger.
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Old 05-12-2015, 10:56 AM   #7
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I used to pull my 2012 19' Flying Cloud behind my FJ Cruiser. With the short wheelbase and long-travel suspension it was initially a nightmare. But after multiple attempts to adjust the load balancing and sway-control hitch, it was eventually pretty good.
However, the mileage (9-10mpg at no more than 65mph) together with the relatively small gas tank meant I was filling up perhaps 5 times in one day. And on many occasions the warning light was on! That alone made me realize the FJ was not a good tow vehicle.
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Old 05-12-2015, 11:22 AM   #8
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1972 27' Overlander
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we have pulled our 27 foot Overlander a few times with our FJ,, all less than 100 miles in flat country,..

Dont do it.. Too short of a wheelbase, and a little short on power.. Like everyone said, your 5900lb, trailer will become up around 7000lbs. once you fill it up with propane, water, gear,, and food. Ours fully loaded is pushing 8000.. ( got rid of all the cast iron cooking gear)..

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Old 05-12-2015, 11:39 AM   #9
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1971 31' Sovereign
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FJ Toyota

Not a match; the Toyota is way under specs to pull that much weight; its not even a truck; you would need a 3/4 ton truck, like a 2500 series GMC or Ford with big v8; or diesel 6.2l; you must allow extra power and physical size to be able to climb large grades;
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Old 05-12-2015, 12:22 PM   #10
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1977 31' Sovereign
Lynnwood , Washington
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This may look OK on paper, but it's definitely not a good match.

Too much trailer. Not enough truck. In this case, the tail will definitely wag the dog. Very dangerous combination.

Tom
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Old 05-12-2015, 12:41 PM   #11
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1977 31' Sovereign
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NO NO NO The tail will definitely wag the dog on this one. You also lack braking capacity.
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Old 05-12-2015, 02:03 PM   #12
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1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
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Thank you all for your feedback, it is appreciated! When we're ready to purchase a more powerful vehicle, we will start looking at larger trailers once more. : )
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Old 05-12-2015, 02:59 PM   #13
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No. The FJ isn't wired for the 7-way RV trailer plug and electric brake actuator and doesn't have the transmission cooler. Keep the FJ because it is cool and they don't make them any more. Go get a Tundra to pull that trailer or the larger trailer you may purchase. The Tundra already has the at least 9,000# towing capacity, transmission cooler, RV trailer plug, and plug 'n' play pre-wire for the trailer brake controller.
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Old 05-12-2015, 03:23 PM   #14
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Franz
Before you get all enthused and interpret all the "no's" in the various replies as encouragement...they all actually meant "yes" if your question was read correctly. To wit: Would we be ill advised to tow this trailer with this vehicle? So what we all actually meant was YES!
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