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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 4 of 8

#22 of 71 Re: Tow Prep Package - Necessary?? [marylandwoman] by webgood

Jun 06, 2007 (7:30 pm)

Replying to: marylandwoman (Jun 06, 2007 6:27 am)
I'm not an expert here, I can only relate my own experiences. Given that, the V6 obviously has more torque than the 4 for a better margin of power when really needed. I've never liked to gamble on lack of power. As to the AWD vs front wheel, towing something transfer considerable weight to the rear wheels, thus lightening the front ones. Personally, I would be concerned about trying to get and maintain traction with front wheel on a wet, worn concrete, sandy-strewn, alge-covered up-hill boat ramp with a 1,500 lb. sailboat and a 300 lb (at least) trailer pushing down on the rearend and lifting the front. SUV's don't float well. Regards, BGood

#23 of 71 Re: Tow Prep Package - Necessary?? [marylandwoman] by kiawah

Jun 07, 2007 (5:14 am)

Replying to: marylandwoman (Jun 06, 2007 6:27 am)
Well you aren't doing a lot of long mileage towing, so you don't need the tow package which includes extra cooling.
 
I would get the 4wd, as you never know which boat ramp you'll be on. I've been on some that are very slippery (or steep), and you'll need every bit of traction you can get. If you are in Maryland you really don't get that bad weather, but it would be nice to have anyhow for those time you do get dumped with snow.
 
Either engine would be fine. If you were doing mileage towing I'd definitely get the bigger engine, but for the minimal towing you are doing either engine will be be okay.

#24 of 71 2008 HL Tow rating? by u045777

Jun 20, 2007 (9:53 am)

Replying to: kiawah (Jun 07, 2007 5:14 am)
Does anyone know what the tow rating is on the all new 2008 HL?

#25 of 71 Highlander Hitch Sag by camptoy

Jun 27, 2007 (8:17 am)

Got a 2002 Highlander (tow package, brake controller, Class II hitch of correct height) to pull a pop-up camper that is well under the tow and tongue wt. capacity of the vehicle. There is noticeable "hitch sag" however and for long distance towing, this can't be good. Any ideas for beefing up Highlander rear end? Can't seem to find any air shocks or other devices that fit on the Highlander and don't really want to put on heavy shocks that will be harsh when not towing. Anyone have experience with light duty weight-distributing hitches? Or would this not be safe for this vehicle?
CampToy

#26 of 71 Re: Highlander Hitch Sag [camptoy] by blufz1

Jun 27, 2007 (10:37 am)

Replying to: camptoy (Jun 27, 2007 8:17 am)
Experiment w/ rear tire pressures. Try +5 then experiment from there. Just lower the pressure back to normal when you get back from your trip. Hopes this helps.

#27 of 71 Re: Towing with the Highlander (6cyl) [hville] by mazzarav

Jul 06, 2007 (8:54 am)

Replying to: hville (May 17, 2006 9:44 am)
I looking at purchasing a 2004 Highlander to tow a 3000 lb boat. I'm comparing the 2004 Highlander Limited 6cyl FWD vs the same in a 6cyl AWD. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

#28 of 71 mazzarav by camptoy

Jul 06, 2007 (12:20 pm)

Probably best to go with the AWD - more traction being better than less traction. Make sure that your hitch weight is under #350 (and the less # the better)- with a hitch weight supposedly under #300, my '02 6 cyl AWD already has quite a bit of sagging at the hitch. Keep in mind that these Highlanders are built on the Camry frame.

#29 of 71 towing eyelet by johnh9

Aug 15, 2007 (5:49 pm)

Hi all. I've just got my 07 highlander and new to this forum.
 
The manual mentioned about two towing eyelets but I found only 1 in the same place with other tools. How many eyelet do you have with your highlander?
 
I'm looking for a bike rack that can carry up to 4 bikes. Do you have any recommendation?
 
Thanks.

#31 of 71 Adding a Hitch by cdwilliams1

May 10, 2008 (7:41 am)

I've got an '04 Highlander. V6/4WD. I want to add a hitch to tow a small 600 pound boat. I don't have the tow prep package or an existing hitch. How hard is it to add something like this myself? Any idea what the cost would run at the dealer?

Messages Page 4 of 8

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