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Old 03-02-2020, 10:16 AM   #1
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Towing Car on Trailer?

Howdy!
I am converting a 2004 International CE200with a 7.3L Navistar T444e. Transmission is an Allison 2000. Overall my bus is about 34 feet long.



I also own a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser.


Does anyone here tow a car on a trailer behind their bus? I'm considering doing this for my FJC. Maybe an enclosed trailer that can also serve as a little workshop sometimes.



I may decide to live in the bus this coming year, but don't want to get rid of my FJC as I really like to drive into remote areas and camp there: places the bus would never be able to go. Even with some of the dirt roads the bus can handle, I worry about the effect on the interior with all the violent swaying, pitching, and shaking.



I've even considered scrapping the bus project, selling it, and getting an offroad trailer and living in that. However, I really like the solid build of the bus, and it would be much better suited to longer trips and extended living. In addition, the bus would avoid all the wear and tear on the FJC pulling a trailer full time.


The FJC would have a roof top tent, mini fridge, etc. for going deep in the outback. The bus would stay at a campground or some other safe place during times that I went out in the FJC.

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Old 03-02-2020, 10:32 AM   #2
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Is your FJ automatic or manual? I'd suggest looking into flat towing the vehicle on all 4 wheels, everybody says it's way easier than dealing with a car trailer.

I will be dealing with this scenario as well. I have a 2009 Tacoma auto but really don't want to be dealing with a car trailer. In order to safely flat tow I need a $1500 Remco driveline disconnect kit I may just keep an eye out for a cheap beater vehicle with manual trans.
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Old 03-02-2020, 10:43 AM   #3
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Yeah, I’d look at flat towing. If the vehicle can do it. I think a 4wd can. If you do it that way, it’s less weight. Probably about the same cost for the setup.
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Old 03-02-2020, 10:52 AM   #4
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If your FJ has a Neutral position on the transfer case you can flat tow it and that shouldn't be too much for a T444. A fully enclosed trailer big enough to tote the FJ on the other hand is a whole other situation. It doubles (or more) the towed weight as well as creates more aerodynamic drag, both of which will task the bus engine. Add to this all the stuff you'll probably inevitably pack into it and the trailer alone may max out your bus's capacity. Not saying it won't work but it'll reduce life expectancy, increase fuel and maintenance costs, and ultimately frustrate you if the bus becomes the weak link in your equation through no fault of its own. So if you're dead set on towing an SUV in a van trailer I would encourage a little stronger bus engine, either now or budget for it if/when this one succumbs.
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Old 03-02-2020, 10:54 AM   #5
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36-foot bus, T-444e engine, AT545 transmission, halfway through a 4500-mile trip

It should work fine so long as you don't overheat the transmission. Acceleration was very slow, but braking was fine. Crosswinds were sometimes a problem as gusts hit the bus and trailer differently. With an tall enclosed trailer, there is a small risk of a fishtail in high winds. My main complaints were that I lost a lot of speed on uphill and my gas mileage was reduced (10 to 7 mpg, worse in hilly terrain). Still, I'd do it again, especially for shorter trips.

4-down has an advantage because you don't need to deal with a trailer when it's not hooked up, but you can only do it on certain vehicles.
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Old 03-02-2020, 10:54 AM   #6
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My FJC is an automatic and would need a special kit to be flat-towed. However, even if it was manual (I wish) and able to be flat-towed, I still want a trailer. I don't like the idea of my vehicle or tires getting the wear and tear from being towed and, more importantly, I don't like it exposed to so many road hazards being on the street.



Seems to me that flat-towing a car is far more hassle than a trailer. I have towed my vehicles before, on a trailer, while moving in U-haul trucks etc. and it wasn't a big deal really. The one time I towed one on a dolly I felt much more worried.
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Old 03-02-2020, 11:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe45 View Post
My FJC is an automatic and would need a special kit to be flat-towed. However, even if it was manual (I wish) and able to be flat-towed, I still want a trailer. I don't like the idea of my vehicle or tires getting the wear and tear from being towed and, more importantly, I don't like it exposed to so many road hazards being on the street.



Seems to me that flat-towing a car is far more hassle than a trailer. I have towed my vehicles before, on a trailer, while moving in U-haul trucks etc. and it wasn't a big deal really. The one time I towed one on a dolly I felt much more worried.
Most people that flat tow mention the advantage of being able to quickly disconnect the vehicle if you have to turn around in an area that doesn't let you back up.

Its also a massive time saver when setting up camp.
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Old 03-02-2020, 12:39 PM   #8
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The bug thing for me is when you disconnect your toad you don't have to figure out what to do with a trailer.

With that said, you can't take for granted that a manual transmission or a 4x4 with transfer case is safe to flat tow. If the lubrication pump is on the input side and not the output side, you can end up destroying the transmission or transfer case. This is more common with newer vehicles.

I found Remco's online tool very handy: Store : Remco
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Old 03-02-2020, 12:47 PM   #9
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The bug thing for me is when you disconnect your toad you don't have to figure out what to do with a trailer.

With that said, you can't take for granted that a manual transmission or a 4x4 with transfer case is safe to flat tow. If the lubrication pump is on the input side and not the output side, you can end up destroying the transmission or transfer case. This is more common with newer vehicles.

I found Remco's online tool very handy: Store : Remco
$2000 for a Tacoma lube pump!!!
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Old 03-02-2020, 12:54 PM   #10
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If it's 2 wheel drive you can unbolt the driveshaft and throw it in the bed of the truck. Still easier than a trailer!
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Old 03-02-2020, 05:21 PM   #11
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With a long bus and a long overhang past the rear wheels doesn't sharp grade transitions make the trailer drag or lift the front off the ground? There was a device posted here months ago that is a lever type mechanism that counteracts that process. I've been unable to find that thing anywhere since, even call all the hitch companies. Anyone remember it and can post info?
A tow bar for flat towing would be easier on this issue than a fixed tongue trailer.
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Old 03-02-2020, 06:31 PM   #12
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5.9, 545 trans, 3:54 diff. This is at 1000ft, we tow up to 7200 often.
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Old 03-14-2020, 05:25 PM   #13
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I've towed Jeep on a car trailer along with having my International Scout II in the back of the bus. I'm running a DD 8.2L turbo with an AT545.
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Old 03-14-2020, 05:55 PM   #14
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I've towed Jeep on a car trailer along with having my International Scout II in the back of the bus. I'm running a DD 8.2L turbo with an AT545.
I would like to see a picture of that. You must have a heavy duty ramp...?

I'm thinking my Scout would flat tow pretty well behind my bus...
(one of the many other projects besides my bus...)

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Old 03-14-2020, 08:13 PM   #15
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You have a transmission that should be good for towing, the engine a bit small but should be ok. See what the HP is, it can be turned up to I believe 210hp. Check out Johnny Mullets "thunder bus" build

I do not like flat towing and for a vehicle I want to keep nice an enclosed trailer is the way to go. You may want an air ride hitch, look up "shocker hitch". The long overhang on a bus can be hard on a trailer.

Flat towing because of the way the hitch is does not transmit the vertical motion to the toad. Of course the toad gets everything thrown at it.
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Old 03-14-2020, 08:19 PM   #16
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Here is a picture of the hitch
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Old 03-14-2020, 10:04 PM   #17
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Quote:
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I would like to see a picture of that. You must have a heavy duty ramp...?

I'm thinking my Scout would flat tow pretty well behind my bus...
(one of the many other projects besides my bus...)

Attachment 42195
Tight fit so I can't gain much weight or I won't be able to fit between the Scout and the outside wall. The ramp is made out of 2x3 square tubing.
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Old 03-14-2020, 10:49 PM   #18
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Tight fit so I can't gain much weight or I won't be able to fit between the Scout and the outside wall. The ramp is made out of 2x3 square tubing.
That is tight -- thanx!
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Old 03-15-2020, 04:27 AM   #19
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5.9, 545 trans, 3:54 diff. This is at 1000ft, we tow up to 7200 often.



Aluminum trailer? what does it weigh?
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Old 03-26-2020, 05:55 AM   #20
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Flat towing is the worst idea, if you can trailer it and have a shop/garage I would do it, there is less wear and tear in your FJ and with it in a trailer it is more secure JHMO
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