4
REVIEW
LandCruiser to tow 4000kg trailerboats
Got a maxi trailerboat? A LandCruiser 200 Series towing upgrade is on the wayOwners of Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series wagons should soon be able to legally tow an additional 500kg with the fitment of a new, Australia-first towing upgrade kit from suspension specialists Lovells.
Due for release in the coming weeks, the 4000kg towing upgrade kit has been more than two years in development, including dynamic ‘destruction’ testing to ensure the LandCruiser’s chassis, drivetrain and other mechanical components are up to the job.
It will be available for LandCruiser 200 Series vehicles built from 2007 (as shown in lead shot above), but only if already fitted with Lovells' 3800kg GVM upgrade (up from 3300kg).
The towing upgrade kit will include a four tonne-rated height adjustable hitch tongue and a Lovells’ approved trailer ‘swivel’ coupling.
There will be two kits available: 3500-3750kg and 3750-4000kg, with the latter incorporating a weight-distribution hitch. The kit can only be fitted by an approved Lovells’ installer.
The upgrade kit is expected to cost more than $3000, on top of around $3500 for the GVM upgrade.
Once final government approval is received in the next few weeks, the 4000kg towing kit will be available nationally, a Lovells spokesperson said.
"We will be offering it on what’s called federal compliance, which is for brand new vehicles pre-registered. That way they’re recognised nationally and always will be," he said.
The certification process also included verifying test data for US-delivered LandCruiser vehicles which have a towing capacity of up to 3856kg (8500lb), compared to the 3500kg maximum in Australia.
"We’ve tested them at more than four tonne, and the vehicle is more than capable," the spokesperson for Lovells said.
The suspension experts will recommend owners also fit an upgraded transmission cooling system for extensive off-road or ‘extreme’ towing. Other four tonne-rated upgrades to the trailer or caravan including heavy-duty, drawbar safety chains will also be required.
The NSW-based company is also planning to offer towing upgrades for other vehicles that it currently supplies GVM upgrades for, including the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger dual-cab utes.
However, some outpsoken towing folk have warned that even with the upgrade a LandCruiser is still not as suitable for heavyweight towing as larger vehicles like the
Dodge Ram, primarily due to the heavier and longer-wheel base American pick-up providing better stability when towing.
However, for those with a big trailerboat that are treading close to being over-loaded with fuel and gear, it will be a relief to not have to worry about it and the legal ramifications. Our sister site caravancampingsales.com.au first ran this story.
Read the latest Boatsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the Boatsales Network's mobile site. Or download the App for smartphone and tablet.
Tags
Share this article
Written byBoatsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a boatsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Contact
Advertise with us
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the boatsales app
