The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for models made from 2010 to 2013 and a 4,700-pound towing capacity for the 2014 model.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is built for any outdoor adventure with a water-resistant interior and powerful design. Pulling a small camper or trailer behind your vehicle is certainly possible—but it’s best to understand the full scope of its towing capacity before hitting the road.

No need to sweat the details, though! We have everything you need to know about the towing capabilities of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. This guide will run through how to calculate your vehicle’s towing capacity, ways to increase it, and more.

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How much can a Toyota FJ Cruiser tow?

Base towing capacity: 4,700 pounds

Maximum towing capacity: 5,000 pounds

Engines: 4.0-liter V6 (260 hp) or turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 (355 hp)

This reliable four-door SUV is known for its bulky build, ability to trek through almost any terrain, and flashy exterior colors. The FJ Cruiser is a great vehicle to take on outdoor excursions and has a fairly good towing capacity.

Models made between 2010 and 2013 have a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the 2014 model has a 4,700-pound towing capacity. There is only one trim level available for the FJ Cruiser, which means there isn’t an upgrade that will increase the towing capacity.

Trailer hitches for the Toyota FJ Cruiser

The Toyota FJ Cruiser has a variety of optional upgrades such as leather seats, a rearview camera, Bluetooth technology, and even a tow hitch. Depending on your FJ Cruiser's model year, choosing to add the tow hitch will allow you to tow up to 4,700 to 5,000 pounds.

Another option is to purchase a

Toyota trailer hitch

on your own. The

Oem Toyota FJ Cruiser Hitch and Harness Kit

is a good option and offers a wide range of functions for all your towing needs.

MORE:

How to prepare your car to be towed

How to calculate the towing capacity you need

Don’t just hook up the maximum towing weight to the back of your vehicle and take off. You’ll need to consider what the manufacturer recommends for your specific model so that you don’t cause damage to your car.

Keep in mind that your specific load weight could be different from what is listed below, but here is a general list of what the Toyota FJ Cruiser can tow:

2014 Model:

Canoe or kayak trailer (600 to 800 lbs.)

Motorcycle trailer (800 to 3,000 lbs.)

Airstream sports travel trailer (around 3,000 lbs.)

2010 to 2013 Models:

Forest River R-Pod travel trailer (2,500 to 3,500 lbs.)

Pop-up camper (2,800 to 4,300 lbs.)

Many small to mid-sized campers and trailers can easily be towed by the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Although the weight of the trailer may be well below the towing capacity, don’t forget to include the weight of everything you load into your trailer and vehicle to your total towing weight, including your cargo and passengers.

How to increase towing capacity

Increasing the towing capacity of your FJ Cruiser is possible, and here are some ways to do that:

Attach a weight-distribution hitch to keep the weight of your trailer even for sway control

Get new brake pads and rotors for a safer stop when towing heavier loads

Install a bigger radiator for a better cooling capacity

Add stronger axles to increase your car’s stability

Remember that your specific vehicle's ability to tow heavy loads will vary depending on the condition of your car. Since the Toyota FJ Cruiser was retired in 2014, yours has probably racked up a few miles over the years. Keep in mind that

wear and tear on a used car

can decrease the amount of weight it can tow. A regular

car maintenance schedule

and replacing older parts can help ensure a safer towing experience.

Although upgrades and updates do have an impact on towing capacity, remember that they can only increase your vehicle’s towing ability to a certain extent. If you’re hoping to tow something much heavier, you may want to consider an SUV that's known for its high towing capacity. Some top-rated SUVs include the

Ford Expedition

, which can tow up to 9,300 pounds, and the

Dodge Durango SRT R/T

, which has an 8,700-pound towing capacity.

MORE:

Car camping essentials

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FAQs

Is Toyota FJ Cruiser good for towing?

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a four-door SUV built for almost any outdoor terrain and has a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds for the 2010 to 2013 models and 4,700 pounds for the 2014 model.

Can you put a trailer hitch on a Toyota FJ Cruiser?

There is a trailer hitch available as an optional upgrade for the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Otherwise, you can easily purchase and install an aftermarket trailer hitch yourself, just make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle.

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