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Towing with the Highlander

71 messages,  Last post on Feb 08, 2013 at 4:02 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, SUV

Messages Page 8 of 8

#62 of 71 Re: Towing with 2012 V^ Highlander [roadrunner70] by oomar43

Sep 09, 2012 (10:28 am)

Replying to: roadrunner70 (Sep 09, 2012 10:08 am)
Thanks RR70, I appreciate your help and advise!

#63 of 71 Re: Towing with 2012 V^ Highlander [oomar43] by jjpetlovr

Sep 09, 2012 (12:49 pm)

Replying to: oomar43 (Sep 09, 2012 8:46 am)
We have a 2010 V6 Highlander with the tow package. 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling and supplemental transmission oil cooler.
We tow a 3900lb Coleman Niagara Tent Trailer. We had to add a break controller for the electric brakes on the trailer. We also added a WDH with sway control. It just didn't feel like a solid tow until we added the WDH. Now, it is great. Good control, very little sway with wind. (we are medium profile) Gas consumption takes a decent hit. We average 14. Less on steep pulls. Overall though, I think the Highlander does a great job.

#64 of 71 Thanks jjpetlovr for teh great information! by oomar43

Sep 09, 2012 (5:02 pm)

#65 of 71 Re: Towing with 2012 V^ Highlander [jjpetlovr] by oomar43

Sep 10, 2012 (2:39 pm)

Replying to: jjpetlovr (Sep 09, 2012 12:49 pm)
Hello jjpetlovr ,
 
I contacted Toyota dealer here in Houston and was informed I don't need heavy-duty radiator, engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling or supplemental transmission oil cooler. They said the 2012 is already equipped to tow 5000lbs. Did you buy those after purchasing the vehicle? and how strongly do you recommend them.
 
Thank you for your help!

#66 of 71 Strongly is a strong word... :-) by jjpetlovr

Sep 17, 2012 (6:41 pm)

Well... I tend to be overly cautious. On our 2010, the "tow package" was an option that we opted for because IMHO, you can never be too prepared. Can you tow without those options? Probably.... Do you have a little bit more piece of mind with those options??? I sure do. When I am pulling a steep grade, I love the fact that my temp gauge never goes up at all. I think that the Highlander does a fine job. But, towing does put a heavy load on all the components. I want it to be as easy on my tow vehicle as possible.
Now, if the 2012 comes with those items Standard on the Highlander then that may be something to find out. If so, then you are set.
Not really sure I answered your question, but I know after reading a LOT of posts here, I think a lot of people agree.
Good luck!!!

#67 of 71 Re: Strongly is a strong word... :-) [jjpetlovr] by oomar43

Sep 17, 2012 (8:02 pm)

Replying to: jjpetlovr (Sep 17, 2012 6:41 pm)
Thank you again for the great information. I believe I will have to try as we go and add the upgrades if required. I appreciate your help knowing which ones I have to go for.
 
Be safe and thank you again!

#69 of 71 2012 highlander electrical issue by hks3

Jan 01, 2013 (5:40 am)

This is just a "heads up" for anyone who has or is planning to install a trailer hitch from u haul. Mine was installed in dec 2011. Three weeks ago my check engine light came on. Went to the dealer and the computer read out indicated a faulty neutral safety switch. The replaced the switch but it did not solve the problem. They had to contact Toyota technical support and get back to me. In the meantime 3 days ago I went to use my highlander. Put the key in -- nothing. Lights were working, etc but essentially it was dead. Finally was able to start it with the remote starter. Called a tow truck and brought to the dealer. Several warning lights were on. The dealer finally tracked the problem to the wiring harness installed by U haul which was short circuiting the electrical system and shutting things down. They removed the wiring harness and it is ok now. If you have a hitch installed by anyone make sure they use an isolation module with it. I never would have tied the problems I was having to a trailer hitch.

#70 of 71 Re: 2012 highlander electrical issue [hks3] by grahampeters

Jan 02, 2013 (12:32 am)

Replying to: hks3 (Jan 01, 2013 5:40 am)
G'day
 
Oddly, this is a recurrent theme over many years for after market wiring for trailer electrics. Auto-electricians usually look at non standard wiring as their first point of tracing problems; the manufacturer's wiring loom is pretty fool-proof so you search for what is different about the vehicle.
 
Cheers
 
Graham

#71 of 71 Re: Strongly is a strong word... :-) [jjpetlovr] by wgrafer

Feb 08, 2013 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: jjpetlovr (Sep 17, 2012 6:41 pm)
On my 2012 HL there was an optional 'tow package' that was, as I recall, under $200 and well worthwhile for the heavy duty radiator, battery, etc. Small cost for a little extra margin of safety and reliability.

Messages Page 8 of 8

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