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FJ CruiserGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota FJ Cruiser.
This is a discussion thread titled "Towing Issues", within the FJ Cruiser forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I have an FJ Cruiser and I just bought a new toy that I am towing behind my FJ. I knew my FJ has insane blind spots, but I've learned to deal with it during regular driving. Now that I'm towing, it's even worse. I can't see ANYTHING when I'm backing up. I have no idea where the trailer is going (it's a small, single pwc trailer). I know I can have a spotter outside guiding me, but it's even hard to see a spotter. Has anybody else had this problem? Does anybody know where to get FJ towing side view mirror extentions or anything? Any suggestions are appreciated.
The solution I've seen, not just for FJs, but any boat trailer that can be hard to see, even over the bed of a pickup, is to put tall PVC guide poles on the sides. Some folks stick them in/on the bar that holds up the brake/turn lights.
I tow a 21' boat and though it's a very wide trailer, viewing it as I back up is a pain with the FJ. When I can see, I can back the trailer into some very tight spots, and having a spotter isn't always possible.
My solution? Since my trailer has a bolt-on post for the winch, and since the tongue weight was pretty heavy anyhow, I moved the post back 6 inches on the tongue.
As a result, the tongue weight is more reasonable, but more importantly, when I lock the back door in its open position, I can see quite well. The door misses the winch post and unless I turn the trailer to a sharp angle the tip of the bow is not a problem with the open door. Straight-on, the door can be closed or opened without interference.
In a related thread last year I commented on how easy it is to hook up to my trailer: I jack up the front seat to the highest position, and tip the driver's side passenger seatback forward. With the rear door locked open, I can see the ball and place it exactly under the hitch on one try everytime. A shorter person might not have the same angle of viewing: I'm 6 feet.
However, with the other boat, the winch post has not been moved (yet) and backing up with the door open is an invitation to crush it on the boat itself.
I do plan to install posts on the trailer frame for better sighting when backing up.
I recently borrowed an 8 foot bed trailer, and backing up such a short invisible trailer made me feel like a complete novice.