Towing with a VX

[Riff Raff]

I haven't towed any boats/trailers with the VX, and I don't plan to because it is AWD and the added strain on the TOD system might cause TOD flucuations/issues.

My primary tow vehicle has always been my 1978 FJ-40. I've previously owned a 19' Bayliner Cuddy Cabin which had a single-axle trailer, and it was squirrelly as heck with massive sway (very scary). My current boat is a 19' MasterCraft ProStar 190 Tournament Ski Boat with a tandem axle and it tracks smooth as silk behind my FJ-40 with no issues and zero sway.

My advice-- No, I wouldn't tow anything behind the VX simply because of the tempermental TOD system. In addition; I would highly recommend a tandem axle boat trailer if available for your boat, as dual axle boat trailers track straight and true without any sway.

In my opinion, a trailer tow hitch should only be installed on a VX to serve as a primary mounting point for a "Rear Step Bumper" that fits into the square box receiver hitch (to protect the vunerable rear cladding). Examples of Rear Step Bumper's using square box trailer hitches can be viewed on the photo gallery's of MARLIN and MR. LARRY'S

[vt_maverick]

In my opinion, a trailer tow hitch should only be installed on a VX to serve as a primary mounting point for a "Rear Step Bumper" that fits into the square box receiver hitch (to protect the vunerable rear cladding). Examples of Rear Step Bumper's using square box trailer hitches can be viewed on the photo gallery's of MARLIN and MR. LARRY'S

Or this...

[Riff Raff]

Or this...

Yes, now that's different. I'd just be really worried about the "heat" possibly scorching/melting the plastic rear cladding. It would be the same as parking your VX really close to a open camp fire (not very wise). How 'bout you try it out first near your plastic rear cladding, then give us a product review (or an insurance incident report).

[vt_maverick]

Yes, now that's different. I'd just be really worried about the "heat" possibly scorching/melting the plastic rear cladding. It would be the same as parking your VX really close to a open camp fire (not very wise). How 'bout you try it out first near your plastic rear cladding, then give us a product review (or an insurance incident report).

Don't worry, I'm not that dumb, I had exactly the same thought when I first saw it. Apparently you can buy an accessory that extends the arm backwards another couple feet for safety. I guess the idea is that you haul it close to your vehicle then extend it out for cooking and cool-down.

[etlsport]

trying to decide if it would be ok to tow a trailer from philly to pittsburgh.. its about a 4hr drive some of it is a highway mountain pass.. not sure of weight.. it would be a 4x8 uhaul trailer with a dorm room worth of stuff

never towed anything before so any tips or input is appreciated

[tom4bren]

Eric,

I've towed a 6x8 trailer that's boxed in (fully loaded with junk). I'm not sure of the weight either but it did the job well. The mountain pass will be slow going - the power mode will be your friend there - just pick a speed that the VX can maintain even if it's slow & don't keep shifting up & down just to keep the speed up. See if you can find a trailer with surge brakes - that'll help on the back side of the mountain pass.

The only other thing I'd mention is to keep both hands on the wheel. Side winds can be quite entertaining if you're not prepared.

[etlsport]

thanks tom.. my plan is tomorrow or wednesday to go rent the trailer and drive it around town a bit to get used to it, its only 20 bucks a day so thats no biggie.. wish me luck! lol