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If you own a Toyota FJ Cruiser and plan on towing any load, large or small, something that you need to be aware of is the towing capacity of this vehicle.
This is a crucial piece of information to know before you attempt to tow anything using this vehicle in order to ensure the safety and security of both your trailer and vehicle!
In this article, we’ll be going over all the information that you need to know about the towing capacity and regulations for an FJ Cruiser.
We’ll cover everything from calculating your own towing capacity to cooling system requirements.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the towing capacity of your FJ Cruiser, then stick around!
We’ll be taking a look at:
Let’s go ahead and jump right into it!
A standard Toyota FJ Cruiser can tow up to 2,250kg with trailer brakes. This applies to FJ Cruisers that are of the 2010 – 2013 model. The 2014 model of the FJ Cruiser can tow slightly less, with a towing capacity of 2,100 kg.
It is important to note that if you are planning to tow a load that exceeds 750kg, you will need to use trailer brakes.
This is essential to ensure that your trailer can stop effectively without overpowering your vehicle’s own brakes.
If you want to calculate the towing capacity of your vehicle on your own, there is a relatively simple way to go about this.
All you need to do is subtract your vehicle’s curb weight from its Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating!
The Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating of your vehicle refers to the maximum combined weight of your loaded vehicle and the attached trailer.
That being said, information regarding towing capacity will also be included in your owner’s manual, so be sure to consult this before towing. Most vehicle owner’s manuals can be found online in PDF formats.
Another factor that is important to consider is the weight of your trailer. If you have a heavier trailer, this is included in your towing capacity – so be sure to take that into account when calculating the total weight of your load!
While it can often be tempting to push the limits and tow a bit more than your maximum towing capacity allows, this is never a good idea.
There are a wide range of issues that can come about when towing loads that are too heavy for your vehicle – and some of the consequences can be extremely dangerous.
There are several factors that can affect the towing capacity of your FJ Cruiser that it is important to be aware of.
Before loading up your trailer, it is crucial to make sure that you have checked all of the key factors relating to the towing capacity of your vehicle.
Let’s go ahead and take a look at some of the most common factors that can impact FJ Cruiser towing capacity.
One of the most important things to consider before towing something is the torque and engine power of your vehicle.
Your vehicle needs to be able to start moving from a stationary state while carrying a heavy load, meaning that engine power and torque play a huge impact when towing.
Before attempting to tow a heavy load, you want to be familiar with the torque and engine power of your vehicle.
This is going to ensure that your vehicle is not only capable of towing your trailer and load but is able to tow it safely.
Generally, vehicles with higher torque outputs are going to do a better job when it comes to towing heavy loads.
Information about your vehicle’s engine power and torque output can be found in the owner’s manual, so be sure to check this before attempting to tow a load of any kind!
Another factor that can impact the towing capabilities of your vehicle is the transmission type.
There are positive and negative factors that come along with both automatic and manual transmissions when it comes to towing.
Vehicles with an automatic transmission are often better for towing compared to vehicles with a manual transmission.
This is due to the fact that towing heavy loads using a vehicle with a manual transmission can often damage the clutch due to the process of shifting gears while towing!
That being said, towing using a vehicle with an automatic transmission can generate a large amount of heat, meaning a hefty cooling system is often required.
If you are towing heavy loads in a vehicle that uses an automatic transmission, it is a good idea to install a transmission fluid temperature warning so you are aware if your transmission is overheating while towing.
The weight and type of trailer that you are using are also going to have an effect on your towing capacity.
Some heavier trailers are going to put a strain on your vehicle, meaning the additional weight that you can tow is significantly lighter after taking the trailer weight into consideration.
Certain types of trailers also have a lower towing capacity, which is why it is always a good idea to thoroughly research the weight, type, and capabilities of your trailer before you use it!
Trailer compatibility is another factor that you want to consider before towing.
You want to make sure that the trailer you plan to use is a good match for your vehicle.
Ensuring that the size and weight of your trailer are a good fit for your vehicle is essential to make sure that you don’t put your vehicle under excess strain.
One other factor to consider is the suspension of your vehicle; you want to ensure that your suspension can handle the weight of the load that you want to carry!
Along with this, it is extremely important to take your braking system into consideration.
Towing a trailer with an added load means that your vehicle now has to halt both itself and the attached trailer. Often, a bit of extra braking help is needed – especially if you are carrying a heavier load.
For loads over 750kg, you need to have functioning trailer brakes. This will ensure that your trailer can stop quickly and safely without overpowering the brakes of your vehicle.
Towing any amount of weight (but particularly heavy loads) can put your vehicle under a large amount of stress and strain.
This in turn can affect the engine, meaning you want to ensure that you have a high-quality cooling system operating.
If you want to tow heavier loads, it is a good idea to invest in a bigger radiator in order to improve your vehicle’s cooling system.
As mentioned, when towing with a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you want to be particularly cautious about the effectiveness of your cooling system.
If you are looking for some tips that will help you when it comes to towing with your FJ Cruiser, then you’ve come to the right place.
Here are a few key tips to help you out when preparing to tow loads of any weight with your vehicle:
Before you tow a load of any size, you want to check the towing capacity of your vehicle.
This can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or can be calculated by subtracting your vehicle’s curb weight from its Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating.
When it comes time to load your trailer, always ensure that the load is evenly distributed. Loading a trailer with uneven distribution can lead to the trailer fishtailing or jackknifing.
There are many ways to distribute your load effectively, such as loading heavier items near the front and ensuring one side is not significantly heavier than the other.
Depending on the type and weight of the trailer you intend to tow, the Trailer Hitch that is best for your vehicle will differ.
The hitches that are most commonly used for heavier trailers are class 3, class 4, or class 5.
However, factors such as the size of your vehicle, the weight of your load, and the trailer you use can impact this.
Your brake system is an extremely important factor to consider when it comes to towing heavy loads.
Any load over 750kgs will require the use of trailer brakes. This ensures that your trailer is able to stop safely when needed.
Towing heavy loads can put a strain on your engine, causing it to rapidly overhead. This is something that is a particular issue when it comes to vehicles with an automatic transmission!
Always monitor the temperature of your engine and ensure you have a quality, functioning cooling system operating at all times.