The Toyota Landcruiser Owners Club

clive · Newbie Joined: 26 Feb 2005 Posts: 1

has anyone had problems towing with a 3.0l td. auto.lwb? my caravan weight is 1640kg loaded. are there any specs for towing with a jap import? not colarado.

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Vagabond · Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2005 14:32 Post subject:

Are there that many differences between an imported Prado and a Colorado 3.0TD as to affect the towing capacity?

Obviously there are some exterior/cosmetic and interior spec differences but aren't the drivetrains and engines basically the same?

Confused

Jim Townsend · ** Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 51 Location: Surrey

Have just fitted towbar and electrics to my Colarado 3TD auto,(not an import) next week I hope to hitch up the caravan to check tow ball hight, and electrics, and will take it for a test run to see how it pulls, my van weighs in at 750 kg I dont antisipate any problems but thought it best to try it in advance,
will let you know how I get on
I will have to experiment with gear/overdrive combination and engine braking down hills, anyone got any tips?, I am new to towing with an auto box

JIM...........

Errol Stagg · * Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Posts: 11

Towing a 1640kg caravan with your 3.0TD should be OK and definately a breeze towing a 750kg caravan!
I tow a 1500kg caravan with my 2.5TD auto. She gets a little breathless on gradients so I switch to ECT PWR in anticipation of gradients. I also have extra gearbox oil cooler to be on the safe side.
Down hill braking should not present a problem as the caravan brakes should automatically engage if you have to slow down suddenly.

Good luck

Jim Townsend · ** Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 51 Location: Surrey

Hello all, a couple of days ago I got the caraven hitched to the Land Cruiser, the electrics all worked fine so I took it for a little test run,I think this will end up being the best tow car I have had so far, it realy pulls well, I will need a notice on the dash to remind me that I am towing!! I did find that when it changed into top gear (in overdrive) it took the edge of the acceleration, but by that time I was almost at the speed limit for towing in the uk,as I suspected will probably be best to use overdrive once up to speed on motorways etc, I didnt think to try the power switch might be handy on hills? as I said the caravan only weighs about 750kg, and I dont realy push a vehicle hard when towing, just pop a couple of favorite CDs in the player and chill out,

JIM.