trailer hitch?

[fanatic1]

I've heard that adding a hitch to the FJ may affect/screw up the rear parking sonar......anyone know anything about this? Any suggestions?

[petitbois]

Actually, it's the opposite.
The first time I tried backing up to my boat, I was new to the truck, and definitely frustrated by the restricted rear vision. I listened to the sensor, and when it was pulsing quickly, got out to find I was a foot or less from the ball- far better than hooking up with no one there to guide me on my previous trucks.

To my further surprise, I found there was still enough room to swing and lock open the rear door without hitting the winch mechanism.
With the door open, and by lowering the rear seat, it was then the easiest hookup I could have hitching up by myself: I could actually see the ball and the hitch, and backed it perfectly into place, first try. Just have to shut the sensor off once connected, obviously. This success was repeated numerous times this fall with boats and trailers.

The sensor is not affected at all by having having a trailer hitch. I'm using a straight bar for my 21' boat, and it protrudes about 8 inches from the hitch. Though I don't want it to get rusted in there over the winter, I thought it might be good protection from someone sliding into me in bad weather: the ball and hitch would take on the offender's front bumper, and lessen the chance of the spare tire making first contact- (that would certainly mean a new rear door and lots of $$$.)

The other night I backed into the garage with my 85 year old mother in the truck: she asked what the beeping was. I had her stand (nervously) behind the FJ as I backed up. I couldn't see her at all and stopped a foot from her using only the sensor. A great feature.
Mom agrees!

[ggourley]

Read your post re towing. I am currently towing my 18ft boat with a '99 4Runner. On steep grades I have some definite difficulty.

Are you pulling any substantial grades with your FJ and 21 footer? Are you driving an auto or a manual?

My FJ should be in the next week or two and given the difficulty with towing grades with the 4Runner I was a little concerned with using the FJ to tow.

I guess I'm just looking for your overall experience towing with the FJ.

Thanks

[Mung]

I pull a 16" bateau/25hp outboard with my FJ, but it's pretty light. The winch is so close to the door that once on I can't fully open the rear door, so the back up sensor has to be turned off or it beeps incessantly. Overall, the FJ tows the boat very easily. Now considering the visual difficulty backing, it's a bit harder to put the boat into the launch spot.

[petitbois]

As I noted below, it's very convenient to have that warning when backing up to your trailer- once you get used to the change in warning's speed/intensity, you can stop very close to the trailer, useful when hooking up alone. The reduced visibility is a pain though- I can back up easily if I can turn and look back at the trailer. This is the worst vehicle I've had for rear visibility and backing up a trailer. I do compensate though, if the path is fairly straight, by again locking the rear door open, only a risk if the trailer must turn towards the door.

I've already commented on the visual advantage, for me, in seeing the ball as I back up with the door open.
Both of my boat trailers are EZ Loaders, and with no adjustment, the door swings past the winch when hooked up. However, both trailers do allow for movement/repositioning of the vertical winch post, by loosening off the u-bolts. Last week I slid the post back on the 21' trailer, about 6 inches, just to lessen my tongue weight.

Another surprise I found recently when putting in my dock: I usually drag each 10' section into the lake, unhook, and float each heavy section into place. The FJ goes in an arc, and the extra clearance lets me go in further into the water than with any of my previous 4x4's. But the surprise was that I didn't need to use 4 wheel.

Even this past Tuesday morning before leaving the cottage: my FJ was loaded, literally, to the roof with my dj equipment, (had a wedding in cottage country) which I didn't want to unload just to pull out the boat. I backed in, hooked on and pulled it out on the sand in 2 wheel. No spin. No fuss. Guess those big tires help.

Fortunately, I don't have to pull my boat much, though this summer's plans involve some longer hauls to other marinas. My Fj is automatic, and I try to use 4th gear, flipping into overdrive only on downhill grades or flats, just to be safe. To date I haven't noticed any increase in engine temperature when hauling. I have also been surprised that when put into OD, it will shift into fifth very easily on its own. Lots of torque there!

[HOGWILD]

You can get hitch extenders that should work good for giving a little more room to open door if ya have clarence issues. I am looking hard at getting wife an FJ and we tow a Tracker 17.5 Bass Boat and only weighs around 1500 Lbs and that would be only towing done with it, anyone thought about camera install for this? probably not since open door and lower seats is much less $$!! OT: Anyone know about Sirius Radio in FJ i saw that as an option but how much does it cost to get hooked up to a service and is it worth the fuss? does tranny use WS ATF and do they have Temp gages? PS i have seen a lotta FJ's on used car lots and even a few Tundras and Tacos and they are new ones?