Towing with a New Land Cruiser, Truly Irritating

[eljefino]

And I'm irritated that the HVAC settings revert to how Toyota wants them every key cycle. No rear seat/ recirc reactivated. It's my car, I set it how I want. Miss the days of physical switches that stayed put.

Jeremy Clarkson has several tirades over how much effort it takes to turn off traction control in various sports cars as well.

 

[CKN]

Meh, different class of chassis. Tundra class vs Tacoma class. I don't think they have a whole lot in common. One is built around turbo 4cl, the other around turbo V6. Different GVWR classes for frames, too.

Fair-enough-it was still like 80 grand.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

I know a 5th gen 4Runner can't tow more than 5k, but if you don't want the nanny-state of features, grab yourself one of those.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

LOL all that Technology how did we live without it?
How did I ever manage towing my 38' DRV fifth wheel without this?

Probably why you see old Landcruisers with 250k miles for $20k

 

[edyvw]

Probably why you see old Landcruisers with 250k miles for $20k

It could really be resolved easily. Others have the same nannies, but no complaints about it. This is generally the area where Toyota owners, regardless of model, complain the most.

 

[dogememe]

The ONLY thing good about Toyota is their reliability. Otherwise, I can’t stand them.

My aunts new Prius is excellent. I recommended it for great fuel economy and reliability.

The infotainment system and user interfaces are comically bad though.

Fine for her because she literally just puts on FM radio and drives the car but I would hate it.

 

[andrew_j]

Install a cut off switch to an ABS wheel sensor? Then maybe all the electronic stuff just gives up and it defaults to "driver with a brain mode"? Cover the gauge cluster with a black sheet of paper to avoid the christmas lights, put a ultra gauge in front of it, with some actual information, and have some useful alarms set, and carry on...
Or maybe now vehicles just "brick" themselves...

Typically disables AWD and traction control which might be helpful on a boat ramp. My Acura RDX with 270 HP to front wheels is terrible without those systems working, spins tires too easily.

 

[CKN]

Go back to the dealer you bought it from. Explain the problem. They may be able to "fix" it like you want it. 02

The dealer will not go in and rewrite the computer module that controls those functions-even if they knew how.

 

[02SE]

There are numerous parameters that can be adjusted to your preference, by the dealer, or by an independent mechanic, or yourself with a bidirectional scan tool, Carista App and dongle, etc.

 

[ATex7239]

Our Toyota nags too. Not a fan of all the alarms and notifications.

 

[Nick1994]

It’s not a problem with the Lexus GX550, only thing we have to turn off is the backup auto-braking but it doesn’t come back on until you turn it back on.

And yes, accessing the trailer brake light plug and taking that cover off is a nightmare.

 

[wings&wheels]

It’s not a problem with the Lexus GX550, only thing we have to turn off is the backup auto-braking but it doesn’t come back on until you turn it back on.

And yes, accessing the trailer brake light plug and taking that cover off is a nightmare.

View attachment 300986

I have to select both the tow/haul and parking assist/auto brake buttons, but they both reset...maybe a config issue. I'll see the dealer.

 

[Nick1994]

I have to select both the tow/haul and parking assist/auto brake buttons, but they both reset...maybe a config issue. I'll see the dealer.

Yes we select tow/haul too everytime. But I think that’s with every car.

 

[4WD]

eTrailer has extensions, adapters, T into harness, etc … tuck extension under the cover ?
Anyway to relocate or modify the plug in process ?

 

[burbguy82]

2024 Land Cruiser. If anyone considers this vehicle, research the process for towing and read reviews.

So as much as I enjoy the vehicle, I am seriously considering replacement with something comparable that is better for towing, as towing with this vehicle is irritating bordering on miserable. I do not tow often, but the experience so far has been awful.

The numerous safety features (auto brake, pre-collision, blind spot, etc.) all have to be turned off via buttons and multi-step menu actions. Even then, the vehicle will occasionally auto brake if it senses excessive speed in reverse. Once you get everything set up, the vehicle tows fine, brakes could be better but are adequate. However, when the vehicle is shut off, it reverts to default settings and you must go through the button and menu exercise again.... Same if the vehicle shuts itself off which it will do, unless you find that option and turn it off. To top it off, the trailer plug receptacle is adjacent to the exhaust so you either get a face full of hot gas or you shut the car off....and do the button/menu exercise again. Our Rover would default to tow mode when a trailer is plugged in and I see no reason why the Toyota doesn't allow this.

I am surprised that Toyota didn't do better here, and I should have looked into towing more before I bought one. I emailed Toyota customer support and received a somewhat canned answer that ended with "see your Dealer". I will, but probably a Rover dealer again...

Venting, but was a frustrating AM.

No offense, but what made you think the 2024 LC would be a good vehicle to tow with in the first place. The new US LC, is not an LC really. The only US made full size LC is the LX Lexus version.

 

[CKN]

I know a 5th gen 4Runner can't tow more than 5k, but if you don't want the nanny-state of features, grab yourself one of those.

At a 119.5" wheelbase-it's a terrible tow vehicle for any trailer of size.

 

[CKN]

At a 119.5" wheelbase-it's a terrible tow vehicle for any trailer of size.

I actually hit the wrong key. It's 109.8" wheelbase. The 2025 is 112".

 

[wings&wheels]

No offense, but what made you think the 2024 LC would be a good vehicle to tow with in the first place. The new US LC, is not an LC really. The only US made full size LC is the LX Lexus version.

It is an LC in that it is branded as one, not that that matters, though if I do keep it I will apply a Prado badge for some fun.

It actually tows fine once you get past the nannies. which I expected given the platform. Power is fine. I wish the brakes were better, our Range Rovers' were excellent with a trailer but the LC is more than safe, but "average" brakes seem to be par for the course with Toyota.

 

[meep]

My first “suv” was a 97 pathfinder. It boasted a 5k lb towing capacity. We were excited to purchase a 2500lb popup camper, with which I learned the pathfinder was a surprisingly dismal tow vehicle. We later had a generic minivan, which towed better hands down, night and day, in every way possible. Learned a lot with that experience. Track, wheelbase, suspension tuning, brakes, center of gravity, all play.

 

[JHZR2]

Toyota - "You will do it our way and you will like it."

3 Toyota pet peeves.
They can't and won't do something as simple as a remote start on the key fob. If you have a remote start OE fob, when you open the door, the car shuts off.
When you turn off the car and exit, you get a dash warning and chime that the car door is open. Well duh.
When you're on cruise at 30 mph, and you accelerate to 50, hit the "- set" cruise button with cruise still active, it lowers the cruise speed by 1 mph to 29 mph.
I have a 2019 Hybrid RAV4, great on gas but the rest, meh.

O th er brands have similar functionality, like it or not. I’m not the biggest Toyota fan, but these peeves aren’t unique.