GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #59 | Page 11

RV FEATURE
Surprisingly , the smaller V6 gets up and goes just as well as the LC200 ' s 4.5L V8 if not better .
If you take the maximum tow figure ( 3500kg ) you can load up the Cruiser to just 30kg shy of its payload maximum without exceeding GCM , meaning a payload of 755kg . Of course you can ’ t load up 755kg of people and gear when towing that amount though , because payload is reduced by the towball download , which becomes part of vehicle payload .
So if using the maximum allowed 350kg TBM , you are left with a vehicle payload of 405kg . While this doesn ’ t sound like a lot , it is better than the 275kg for payload in a 200 Series GX that is weighed down with the 3500kg / 350kg maximum .
HITCHING UP
Toyota recommends that the Land Cruiser 300 be driven at no more than 100km / h with a heavy trailer , and that a weight distribution hitch and , if required , a friction coupling be fitted .
A WDH was not used for our test , as it would hinder our ability to assess the Cruiser ’ s stability when towing .
We hitched up a trailer that weighed 2800kg as towed , with a measured 300kg TBM .
Reversing cameras have revolutionised hitching up a trailer by yourself . But some are better than others . The Cruiser ’ s screen provided a good , clear picture , but the centre marker guideline wasn ’ t so helpful . The centre guideline was a good 50mm off , leaving you with a towball alongside the coupling rather than under it if you relied on the centreline on your approach .
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