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SUVs Toyota Highlander Towing with the Highlander
41 messages, Last post on Oct 11, 2009 at 10:56 AM
You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
Does any of you Highlander owners use your rig for towing? If so, how much is the vehicle really able to handle.
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I am in process to get a hitch for my 2006 Highlander V6 AWD. Currently, I am looking at the following three hitchs, and hope some you can help me out to pick a good one. 1. Hidden Hitch #87778 2. Hidden Hitch #70778 3. DrawTite #75153 They are about the same price, so I am having hard time to choose one. According to the seller, they are all class 3 hitchs, and can be install by myself in 40 minutes, all easy to install, and no welding needed. So, anyone has install one of these hitch can help me out that will be great, thank you all. For reference, check out this site: http://www.hidden-hitch.com/products.asp?category=hitch&year=2006&t1=&make=Toyot- a&model=HIGHLANDER
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G'day I have a v6 AWD Kluger (Highlander) and have found it excellent for towing. Rated maximum tow weight here in Australia is 700kg (about 3/4 ton) unbraked and 1500kg (about 1 1/2 ton) for braked trailers. These weights are pretty right. As a general rule, I would aim to keep the totoal braked tow weight below the weight of the vehicle. Load on drawbar should not exceed 150KG and ideally should be better balanced. Ideally, you are after about 50kg download. Actual towing behaviour is very good. The short distance between rear wheels and towbar means that tracking is very true with little tendency to sway or jack-knife. Braking is good. If towing anything but a small trailer, use the Overdrive lockout and watch your speed. Never seen any transmaiission overheating whilst towing but you should baby the car a bit when doing so. Cheers Graham
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We are having a hard time finding a lightweight travel trailer that works with the V6 4WD Highlander. Either the trailer is too heavy or the tongue weight is too much. We are looking at the Trail Sport TT, any other suggestions? What have you had success with? The hitch is for the 3500 lb limit with a 350 tongue wt...that seems to be the max. None use weight distribution bars. The one trailer we really like has a 351 tongue weight...too much? I'd love some advice and to hear some of your experiences that would help us out in this frustrating and confusing quest to go camping! Any TT suggestions?
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Replying to: sqrlmom (Jun 22, 2006 6:21 am) |
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Replying to: grahampeters (May 17, 2006 6:03 pm) Am interested in the Kluger (Highlander) which you found to be excellent for towing, but you did not confirm what size van you tow. Our van weighs 1200kg unladen and I am concerned that with stated tow capacity of 1500kg the Kluger will struggle.I note also that in US they offer tow kit option which is not offered in Aust, ( spoke to Toyota they say not required). Do you think Kluger will be ok for towing this size van or should I look at Terracan, Jeep or other option.
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Replying to: austraveller (Jul 22, 2006 4:15 pm) My impression is that the 1500kg rating is a little conservative, if the trailer is fitted with brakes. The old rule of thumb was that a car could tow up to its own mass. A Kluger is about 1765kg to 1875kg depending on model. It is fitted with a powerful but understressed 3.5l engine and a quite robust transmission with a cooler already fitted (This is usually the "Tow Pak" specified in other countries but routinely fitted here). The Toyota tow bar is usually a Hayman Reece with a removable hitch. The one problem I have had is that this can shake a little in the reciever, and may need to be packed a little with a soft wedge to prevent juddering. As always with towing, you need to adjust your driving to accelerate more slowly, allow plenty of braking distance and remember you are not driving a sports car. You should also remember that this is not a full heavy duty 4wd. Nor are the other vehicles you suggested. I have driven the Jeep and am not impressed. My own perception is that the Kluger probably offers the best compromise as a tow vehicle amongst these three. However, you may try the simple approach of going to a nearby boat ramp sometime soon on a good fishing day. You should find owners of each of the relevant vehicles who will be towing fairly large loads and should give a good idea of their capacity. Cheers Graham |
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Replying to: moboroto (May 17, 2006 3:45 pm) Regards, |
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I have a 2004 Highlander 4 cyl. with towing capacity of 3000 lb. Am looking at a Viking popup camper with unloaded weight of 1385 lb., cargo capacity 705 lb., hitch weight of 230 and GVWR 2320 lb. Can I safely tow this trailer in the mountains up to 10,000-11,000 ft.elevation or do I need special eqipment? bill
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Replying to: bmath (Oct 23, 2006 7:04 am) Thanks, John |
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