Toyota FJ Oil Question

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I am not looking to get in to the Toyota oil VS Mobil 1 debate but here is my question.

I picked up a new 2012 FJ Crusier 4X4. I am being told it has 10000 mile oil change interval and that includes the so called break in period.

I am going to be towing a 5X8 enclosed trailer loaded up with 2 track motorcycles and a ton of pit gear including fuel. I am guessing 3000 pounds including the trailer. I will be towing almost every weekend all summer in the heat 90-100 F temps with the AC blasting.

What would you recommend for oil change intervals and what oil would you recommend. I have an extended warranty so I would like to stay with a certified oil that meets the Toyota requirements as to prevent any drama should something happen.

I will be using the high end TRD oil filters.

Also should so do a low mile break in oil and filter change?

I think for the diffs I will stick with Severe gear and the OEM Toyota stuff in the TC.

The most I have ever gone is 5000 on oil with my previous tow vehicles so the 10000 has me a bit nervous.

I plan to keep it for over a 100000 miles if it holds up.

Thanks for the help.
 
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How is this severe service? This sound like typical duty and driving to me. A more severe service would be something like door to door delivery or soccer mom duty. If you want to be sure that the OEM suggestion is correct do a used oil analysis after 20K this will give you a clear picture on a correct interval. It would be advisable to do 5K OCI's for the first 20K IMHO due to break in. After that do OCI's based on the manufacture recommendation or by the data gathered on your used oil analysis whatever is less. Enjoy your new FJ.
 
In the maintenance schedule for my 2008 Tacoma, it lists towing as severe service. I imagine it's the same with your vehicle. I believe we share an engine and transmission. 5,000 mile changes would be a good start. I wouldn't go more than that while towing without an analysis. The motor and transmission in your vehicle are not heavy duty by any means; it's not meant to be a towing rig so you have to put some extra effort into maintaining it if you're going to use it as such.

Don't forget to tend to the transmission, transfer case, and differentials under the severe service schedule as well.
 
There is no Toyota oil vs Mobil 1 debate, both oils are made by XOM. If its brand new you have Toyota Care which entitles you to 25k service by the book. What it really means is 2 oil changes. You can use them at the regular 10k interval, or the 5k severe service interval.

After that, then you can use Mobil 1 0w20 If you dont feel like buying Toyota oil. Toyota 0w20 is very thin, maybe the thinnest oil out there. So Mobil 1 0w20 would be thicker. The engines were designed to run on 0w20. Would not play games thickening the oil on them. My dads 2012 v6 Camry, all the recent Toyota's I've owned 7k is the synthetic sweet spot.
 
Since you are towing, just run a 5K OCI with whatever respectablr name brand quality synthetic in 0W-20 or 5W-20 you can find.

Regardless if you change it at 5K the first time, take advantage of the Toyota Care plan. It will give you five dealer visits on record with at least 2 oil changes on their dime.

Your FJ will easily go 100K and then some. These are built by HINO heavy truck division owned by Toyota and are considered one of the best Toyota products in overall build quality.
 
I'd change the factory fill after 1000 miles, then go 5000 with a good synthetic.
 
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Originally Posted By: Highline9
What is a high end trd filter?


Basically a over built cartridge filter. I think K&N makes them. IMHO, it is overkill as the regular OEM cartridge filter is a quality unit that will do 10K easily.

ptr43-00079.jpg
 
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Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
i think toyota's 10k OCI recommendation is careless and irresponsible.


Me too. They thought their sludge issues were behind them. Wait until they see what happens now.
 
I'd frankly use the Toyota oil for the 1st 60K miles (powertrain warranty) particularly if I was going to follow the 10K OCI. Afterwards, I'd use Mobil 1...but then I am a confirmed Mobil 1 consumer. Like the previous 2 posters, 10K intervals are a bit much for my comfort. But, 7,500 on a proven synthetic is great.
 
Follow the maintenance schedual for severe conditions in the owner's manual. If you do that, you have nothing to worry about.
Originally Posted By: rraiderr
I am not looking to get in to the Toyota oil VS Mobil 1 debate but here is my question.

I picked up a new 2012 FJ Crusier 4X4. I am being told it has 10000 mile oil change interval and that includes the so called break in period.

I am going to be towing a 5X8 enclosed trailer loaded up with 2 track motorcycles and a ton of pit gear including fuel. I am guessing 3000 pounds including the trailer. I will be towing almost every weekend all summer in the heat 90-100 F temps with the AC blasting.

What would you recommend for oil change intervals and what oil would you recommend. I have an extended warranty so I would like to stay with a certified oil that meets the Toyota requirements as to prevent any drama should something happen.

I will be using the high end TRD oil filters.

Also should so do a low mile break in oil and filter change?

I think for the diffs I will stick with Severe gear and the OEM Toyota stuff in the TC.

The most I have ever gone is 5000 on oil with my previous tow vehicles so the 10000 has me a bit nervous.

I plan to keep it for over a 100000 miles if it holds up.

Thanks for the help.
 
"Follow the maintenance schedual for severe conditions in the owner's manual. If you do that, you have nothing to worry about. "


^^ this is the best advice. listen to Mr. T and your FJ will treat you well for a long time.
 
Originally Posted By: Hootbro
Originally Posted By: Highline9
What is a high end trd filter?


Basically a over built cartridge filter. I think K&N makes them. IMHO, it is overkill as the regular OEM cartridge filter is a quality unit that will do 10K easily.

ptr43-00079.jpg



nice looking filter, what he said 5k then uoa and go from there. Any micron spec on filter?
 
Originally Posted By: Highline9

nice looking filter, what he said 5k then uoa and go from there. Any micron spec on filter?


I do not know off hand. Probably can google it if you really want to know.

I suspect since it is a "performance" type filter, that it prefers flow rate at the expense of smaller particulate filtration.

If the OP goes to a 5K OCI, he really is wasting his money on these filters as the regular OEM one will be fine with better filtration and cheaper to boot.
 
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