Hey everyone i know are xb2 is not designed for towing but i have been looking into starting a mobile auto detailing business.
I have been considering if my xb2 could handle towing about 1200 lbs + 5x8 trailer.
I planned to upgrade to the TRD big brake kit for the stopping power.
My question is can our 2.4L could handle that load?
I have been wanting the Descendent Turbo kit for a while and been thinking this could be a reason to get it. haha But idk if would still make too much strain on the engine.
I know people just figure spend money on a truck but for me rather keep xb2 so don't have to worry about another car payment and insurance for now then when start making money maybe get a truck.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

I don't see any reason you couldn't do it, but I would look in to either getting some custom higher rate springs for the rear or Air Lift 1000 load springs. I use them on my Odyssey for hauling heavy loads and they make the back end handle much better under load and not bottom out.

 

Yea was thinking about suspension too,
Forgt to add business would be local like no freeway or longdistance hauling.
Thanks for your input

 

I'm no expert on the subject, but here's my thoughts. It isn't that the engine or the suspension couldn't handle it so much as the transmission I would think. Especially if you have an auto as there would be issues with cooling and whatnot. That's why vehicles made for towing offer a towing package to upgrade these things.

I forget what the xB is rated for hauling; I THINK its like 800 lbs or something and I'm sure there some safety factor built into it, but the xB just isn't build for those types of shock loads to the drive train.

I'm sure the xB could haul it, but you would wear down a lot of the cars components prematurely and just isn't worth it in my opinion IF there's other options. If there's no other option then it's just your call I guess...

 

i have a 5speed manual
would upgrading the clutch and adding TRD LSD help?

 

Like I said I'm not really an expert at this stuff, but you have to look at where your weakest point is in the drive system. Lets say your in the xB and you floor it from a stop...it's usually your wheels that slip given too much power. Ok...so you put an LSD to help with wheel slippage; well now you've increased the stress your clutch/transmissions sees when you accelerate. Ok...so you upgrade your clutch...now the transmission sees even more stress because the clutch grabs harder and the wheels don't slip.

It's all a give and take thing and as I said earlier the xB should be able to haul the trailer, but you have to consider how much more stress than normal is put on everything. Taking it easy when accelerating/decelerating will help a lot in mitigating the effects of hauling a trailer, but the effects are still there. That's just my two cents and I would wait for more opinions from people who have actually worked on upping the xB in the performance area to chime in before making any decisions. I just do suspension/audio stuff to mine so I'm not sure where the performance limits of the xB are. Sorry I can't be more help and give you a definite answer.

 

dont worry i understand, just like to hear what ppl have to say

looking at weight
trailer 350
gear 500
tank 720 if completely full but prob keep around 2/3 so about 500
so roughly 1300-1600 lbs

 

Your best bet is to get a 1500 series truck. I am the parts guy for a repair shop. I'm telling you the truth, the B is not made for that. It will cost you in the long run as you over work the B. Get a truck.

On the other hand, we have a guy that details on site for us and he doesn't carry a tank. He uses the water on site. Carries a hose reel with him and the customers supply the water. Ever thought about that? Works for him and he has been doing it for about 3 or 4 years now.

Either way, good luck. A business is tough work. I hope the best for you.

 

yea the more i think about it i dont want to hurt my baby (xb) or have to make such changes, just though would attract the attention for business since so many people stair at my B already.
but right now leaning towards a used xrunner, have always loved the look

now just have to figure out the money part to get one haha
and got to make room in 2 car garage cuz got a 64 mustang on way soon too

and thank you for support and input everyone

 

A 64' mustang huh?.../jealous

 

I used to drive an xB for a company I worked for until a year ago. It was our delivery vehicle. I frequently hauled heavy equipment & had no problems. I think you could pull off mobile detail from a xB.

 

I looked into mobile detailing as well when I was unemployed. Some cities are ticketing for letting runoff water go into the drains so if your city is the same, you'll need a vacuum mat to park cars on while you wash. Another thing to consider is trying a waterless cleaner; one that I considered using was from ecotouch.net and it worked quite well. You basically spray the product on the car and wipe it off with a microfiber towel. Going waterless helps because you can advertise your company as eco-friendly, it's more manageable to carry in your xB, and isn't too expensive to use. So basically, I'd recommend looking into waterless car wash products

 

@ Creedan-- Did I mention free 64 mustang? Girlfriends dad bought 18 years ago for her brother to project with him but never went through, so its been sleeping in his garage for 18 years. I said sounds like a fun project so she asked him if I could have it. Guess you know the answer haha
Thats why need another job to many projects 1. XB2 2. gf XA 3. mustang 4. Xrunner soon (got to make work truck look nice right?) haha

@ jillsxa-- I think my xb2 could manage somewhat, but I just don't feel like risking it now. Plus sitting low with hotchkis drop and 5axis kit and love it, so don't want to have to change anything.

@ roundbox-- Yea I have read about those runoff regulations. Thats why Im planning to get a CA designed starter kit called CA Gold Detailing Pro package has a 15 or 30 gallon vacuum reclaim tank. A little more money but rather spend that little more on necessary equipment and not on tickets.

thanks for input ppl

 

well not that i dont make enough but since still have xb2 auto loan my bank wouldnt approve me for $19k xrunner loan, so i guess going to use xb2 for my auto detail business. going to upgrade brakes and talk to eibach for some custome highrated springs and already have Curt Hitch just need to motify 5axis kit to put on..
will keep you guys updated on how xb2 handels when i get everything and start hauling about 1000lbs. i think xb2 will do fine

 

Check these guys out. http://www.coilsprings.com/ A lot of people on the Odyssey board have used them for higher rate rear springs for towing or extra load handling.

 

yea thanks
but plan to go talk to Eibach they only 30 mins from me and they do custom order springs

 

just looked at the 08 4cyl Rav4 specs
weights 3300 lbs says tow rating is 1500lbs

08 xb
weights 3086 lbs but no official info on tow rating

Was thinking since they have the same engine, the Xb2 should be able to handle my 1000-1200 lbs I plan to be towing.

Just installed Curt hitch today but no pics, post some tomorrow.

 

I'm a bit late on the issue, but Scion states in the owner's manual that the xB is not designed for towing anything. It may not be just a drive train, transmission or suspension issue: the body may not be designed to handle towing stresses. You'll have a lot of energy from the trailer entering into the body at points that are not built for it.