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Towing with the Highlander Hybrid

84 messages,  Last post on Sep 16, 2009 at 1:27 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Hybrid Forum. Your Host is pf_flyer

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Towing, SUV


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#5 of 84
Re: Towing Experience [jslate] by cdptrap
May 24, 2006 (9:21 am)
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Replying to: jslate (May 23, 2006 8:14 pm)

Thank you for all the specific info, what a post!!!
 
Do you have a 2-inch hitch?
 
From your very detail report, it looks like towing on freeways is a breeze. That really adds to our confidence level.
 
Thanks!
#6 of 84
Re: Towing Experience [cdptrap] by jslate
May 24, 2006 (11:46 am)
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Replying to: cdptrap (May 24, 2006 9:21 am)

Yes - it is a 2"er Class III. Nothing smaller will handle the weight I am towing. Brake controller is also a must, in my opinion (and many states agree.)
 
Jim
#7 of 84
Re: Towing Experience [jslate] by shilohlady
May 24, 2006 (12:08 pm)
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Replying to: jslate (May 24, 2006 11:46 am)

Did you have to request the brake controller? Mine came with the hitch installed but it's only a 4-flat electrical so I doubt it has the brake ocntroller. I'm not planning on towing much but would be nice to have "in case" - just wondering about the incremental cost if adding the brake controller functionality.
#8 of 84
Re: Towing Experience [shilohlady] by jslate
May 24, 2006 (1:35 pm)
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Replying to: shilohlady (May 24, 2006 12:08 pm)

Yes, I had to request it. I don't remember the cost - it was all done as a package deal by the company that installed the hitch. I'm guessing that it was around $150 - $200 installed for a better quality unit. If the trailer you are going to tow doesn't have brakes, the brake controller won't have anything to control! Also, I believe you need the 7-pin wiring to include the braking capability.
 
Jim
#9 of 84
More on Towing -- What is Standard on the Hybrid? by jsymons
May 31, 2006 (8:34 pm)
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Replying to: jslate (May 24, 2006 1:35 pm)

I just today bought a Highlander Hybrid AWD, bare bones. The dealer said that the towing hitch is not an option because the car i bought does not have the optional towing package (oil cooler, wiring, and he says larger radiator, etc). The literature seems to say that the hybrid has standard capacity to 3500 lbs. Which is right? what do I need to add to the standard hybrid to be able to tow 3500 lbs safely other than the hitch? Is it wired all the way to the rear bumper already?
 
J-
#10 of 84
Re: More on Towing -- What is Standard on the Hybrid? [jsymons] by shilohlady
Jun 01, 2006 (7:12 am)
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Replying to: jsymons (May 31, 2006 8:34 pm)

Mine came installed by the dealer - I have the non-limited HiHy but I *do* have the option package. I believe that the hybrid comes with the "towing prep" as standard, however the wiring and hitch need to be installed. There have been threads at HiHyChat.com and GreenHybrid.com regarding installing hitches as an aftermarket option.
#11 of 84
More towing experiences? by pdx35
Jul 26, 2006 (9:21 am)
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Ok... has anyone else towed with their HiHy? Any positive or negitive experieces???
#12 of 84
Trailer Towing experience by dalemed
Sep 29, 2005 (1:52 pm)
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Does anyone have any experience with towing a small travel trailer with a Highlander Hybrid? I'm interested in knowing the trailer size and weight, and how good a job the HH does - including any fuel consumption experience.
 
Most of my camping is in the midwest, but I do get into the mountains occasionally. I'd like to tow a 19-23 foot light-weight travel trailer (<3000#). Do you think I can get better than 20 mpg if I stay under 65 mph on flat ground? Should I get a 4WD model if I plan to tow? Thanks in advance for any information.
#13 of 84
Re: Trailer Towing experience [dalemed] by wwest
Sep 29, 2005 (6:47 pm)
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Replying to: dalemed (Sep 29, 2005 1:52 pm)

I've been thinking seriously about buying an RX400h and then towing a small bicycle wheel type trailer behind with a yamaha 3000 watt genset onboard to continuously recharge the hybrid batteries.
 
Running the genset exhaust through the RX exhaust system might result in keeping the catalytic converter up to temp, or at least closer too.
 
On the other hand if I were to use the Honda water cooled genset maybe I could also use the hot water to keep the climate control reheat/remix mode "happy" .
 
Any thoughts...??
#14 of 84
Re: Trailer Towing experience [wwest] by cdptrap
Sep 30, 2005 (1:05 am)
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Replying to: wwest (Sep 29, 2005 6:47 pm)

The genset trailer is interesting but it will impact performance and may even impact MPG depending on weight and drag. It all depends on what this enhancement wants to address.
 
The car is very efficient at recharging while in motion, it charges quickly when coasting and braking so charging is likely not a problem in motion.
 
The most common complaint right now is what happens whenever we turn off and turn on the engine again. The ICE comes on and promptly consumes 0.1-0.2 MPG to heat oil and the CC. If the battery is low (2 pink bars), the ICE will consume 0.3 MPG to heat the oil, the CC and charge the battery until it is 3 bars. If one takes trips around town with many full-engine-off stops, this consumption can add up real quick. It is unclear what can be done after-market because SULEV standard requires the CC to work perfectly.
 
Another complaint is why the car is not tuned to run on electric more often. I would love to have an EV switch and plug-in as well but the car is already engineered to be very responsive to driver demands. It can accelerate very fast and it can also crawl along on electric like a turtle. With patience and conservative driving techniques, one can get a lot from this vehicle as is.
 
I hope one day Toyota will offer an upgrade to add plug-in, higher capacity battery pack and a soft-EV switch. My wish is the ability to accelerate from 0-65 MPH on electric and maintain 65 MPH for 30 miles on electric.

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