Toyota Highlander Hybrid and a 16' International CCD?

[millvalleyca]

I've seen this item in rv catalogs...can this help in this situation? Robin Industries Trailer Toad Weight-Bearing Towing Device, Model# 30003 | Towing Accessories | Northern Tool + Equipment

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by millvalleyca

I've seen this item in rv catalogs...can this help in this situation?

Northern Tool? Eww... The quality just isn't there IMO. I'll take products from Hensley, Reese or Equal-I-Zer any day. This is an old style solution discussed here in the past. Search on slimp wheel (you'll get better returns on just the one word).

[Kajtek1]

Originally Posted by CanoeStream

I will not hijack this thread into a comprehensive discussion of antisway. Let it be said that JDBfreeheel has an auto-based midsized SUV and he will need weight distribution gear. Antisway is a common feature of modern WD gear.

Than it is whole idea about using WD that I question.
WD system transfer the weight of the front of the trailer and weight of the rear of TV to the first and last axle. That definitely works with pickups having good frame and HD hitches.
Now let's talk about light tow vehicle with 350lb rated hitch. With WD when the set will be crossing a ditch rear wheels of the TV might theoretically hang in the air. Even if they won't, can you image the stress on the hitch?
So IMHO the WD can actually do a lot of damages on the vehicle that likely doesn't need it in the first place.

[CanoeStream]

kajtek - Please start a thread in http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/.

[Kajtek1]

I already posted my technical opinions in that section.
That's why I wonder, why did you start pushing the WD idea here?

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Kajtek1

...That's why I wonder, why did you start pushing the WD idea here?

the o.p. asked a question or 2 about USING w/d with his proposed tv/trailer combo...

the responses are to that. no one is PUSHING w/d one anyone...

we're all thrilled that you can tow on the ball without any additional equipment...

and that you've got a 'theory' to support the approach.

but the original poster asked questions that are somewhat focused...

i'm having trouble finding anything in your comments here that helps with this process....

of course helpful posts aren't required but it sure is nice when they appear...

cheers
2air'

now for josh, and back on topic...

here are some other threads that may help you with the learning curve and much of this applies to 16s...

Dealer/Aftermarket Tow Equipment

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...-do-21015.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...-ii-21000.html

Bambi Weight Distribution Hitch Recommendations

also you ask about "getting close" to the towing capacity of the hihy...

many try to follow the 80% of capacity thought...

also keep in mind the towing capacity is REDUCED by putting stuff IN the tv...

many feel the towing capacity is an arbitrary (or poorly derived figure); that gcwr and gvwr (with payload) are more valuable...

don't be put off by our ramblings, keep asking. the goal for most of us is to share the experience of safe and relaxed travel.

[Andrew T]

Hi Josh

We have set up about 40 Hylander and Lexus Rx300's for towing a few of these are Hybrids. Most of our customers are towing 25' Airstreams or Lite's. Many have been towing with them for several years without a problem. One customer took his 25' on the Panama Caravan it has also been to Alaska, NewFoundland and pretty much everywhere in between.

We start with the standard bolt on hitch but then strengthen it by extending it forward on the subframe of the Hylander. I would have to do a little checking but it is likely something we could make up here and ship to you for installation there.

The hitch system I would suggest is an Eaz-Lift round bar design with 550 bars and a friction sway control. The Eaz-Lift bars have a lot of travel so they do not increase the load on the hitch as much in deep dips. As well the Eaz-Lift allows ball to be closer to the bumper than most other hitches.

Once connected properly the Hylander will easily handle the 16 or 20'. Though it has a little more rear overhang than I would like the independent suspension and relatively low centre of gravity (for an SUV) add a lot to stability of this vehicle. Power is not an issue they will easily tow it anywhere.

Andy

[JDBfreeheel]

Hi all,

OP here. An update. We decided that the 3500# towing capacity on the Highlander Hybrid was cutting it too close. We probably could have done it, but we decided we didn't want to take the gamble with the hybrid engine.

So, we just traded in our 2006 HH for a 2008 gas-powered highlander. IT has the 5000# towing capacity. Though not the 1 ton truck some have suggested as ideal, we're not ready for that committment.

Now, we're looking at either a 16 or 19 foot bambi or International CCD. Ether way, we'll couple it with a WD hitch with sway control and solid braking system.

Will report more as we get closer to AS ownership.

-Josh

[CanoeStream]

That sounds alright, Josh. Considering the size and wheelbase of the Highlander, you'll be much better off the more you can get Andy's advice (Andrew T, the preceding poster). He may advise more measures than just the type of weight distribution. Why don't you PM him?

Best wishes!