What exactly does 'towing capacity' mean?
 

Im looking at a Toyota FJ cruiser and the rated towing capacity is 5000lbs. A trailer and my 911 would be around 4500 lbs. Would this be an acceptable towing vehicle or would it struggle with any type of hill or grade?

Probably fine in Nebraska. Towing up Pikes Peak may be difficult.

A good dealership should let you try towing at least a short distance on a test drive.

My Xterra has the same 5000lb capacity. We tow our boat with it occaisonally (roughly 3500lbs), but usually we use our Lexus GX470. Its not bad towing, but it is definently strained quite abit. If you are going to be towing frequently, get something with a V-8, you will be much happier in the long run

Be sure to check out combined gross vehicle weight limits as well. In California, some insurance companies can lower your liability limits to the minimum if they find out you're over the limit.

Most towing capacity guidelines are based upon a vehicle driving a straight line on a level surface with ALL the towing options available for the vehicle. Keep in mind you will need an electric brake unit in your tow vehicle in most states.

I have a 3/4 tonne Ford turbo diesel with heavy duty suspension, extra leaf springs, load rated tyres, eletric brake, transmission intercooler (VERY necessary), heavy duty batteries, and heavy cooling and it is rated to tow 12,000 pounds as equipped. That is uphill and down.

When towing our trailers (horses/hay on trailers designed not to grab the wind), 12,000 pounds is nothing to the truck. When hauling my in-laws car hauler (picture a large rectangular box on wheels) 7,500 pounds is a strain my Ford. The trailer just catches all wind and slows us down so we are pulling the weight and against all air currents.

I tow with my Jeep Cherokee (GVW 3800lbs). The aluminum trailer and my heavier 911 may be a total of 3500lbs. I load as much of the heavy stuff into the Jeep as I can. The Jeep has enough power, but the weight of the thing can sometimes make it nervy when towing. Still, I haven't had any problems. Trailer weight balance/distribution can make a big difference in handling. Stay alert and make sure you know what the rig is going to do if you have to react quickly. Test the handling before you go too far. Change the balance if you need to.

I couldn't go cross country over the Rockies, but it's fine for the 800 ft above sea level average midwest terrain :)

Towing capacity? Often confused with the capacity of your wallet.. And your tolerance for 14MPG and a big monthly nut..

Maybe renting a U-haul or Ryder van a few weekends a year would be cheaper?

Eh, I dont think someone who cringes over 14mpg even belongs on the track...

There is always a big compromise one way or the other if you do not tow often. Vehicles that really tow heavy loads well must by definition have extra power and weight capacity that is not being used the rest of the time. On the other hand, towing near the capacity w/ a regular passenger vehicle can be scary and ruin the car/truck. A light, (~3500 lb.) trailer can be towed comfortably on level ground by most medium sized cars or small SUVs. The configuration of the trailer's axles and weight distribution is very important, all hitches have a "tongue weight" limit that is only a fraction of the total trailer weight.

Just a thought, but I bought an 06 Tacoma Double-Cab last spring. Towing capacity is 6500 lbs and it tows my 5000lb boat and trailer with relative ease. Get's 19-22mpg in normal (mostly freeway) driving. About 14 pulling the boat.

Towing capacity has very little to do with power.

Towing capacity is defined by gross combined vehicle weight rating (GCVWR) minus the weight of the vehicle and its cargo.

The FJ will suffice if it is occasional and you don't mind towing slowly when necessary.

Basically you never want the "Towed" weight to exceed the "tow-er"

I'd suggest towing at ~70% of your vehicle's rated maximum weight. This ensures you've got motor, suspension and brakes to cover most circumstances. I think you'll be dissatisfied with the FJ if you'll be towing with any frequency.

More FJ info here....

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/index.php

I love mine!

Cheers,

Paul.