Towing With Highlander

[TLMILLER]

We Are Considering Buying A 19 Ft. Trailer. Does Anyone Know If A Hybrid HIGHLANDER 6Cyl. Is Capable Of Pulling This Trailer?

[BillTex]

This is a troll-right???

There is no such vehicle.

From yota.com:

Engine
2.4-liter double overhead cam (DOHC)
16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder 155 hp @ 5700 rpm,
162 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm Standard NA NA
3.3-liter double overhead cam (DOHC)
24-valve VVT-i V6 215 hp @ 5600 rpm,
222 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm Available Standard Standard
Ignition system Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)
Transmission
4-cylinder models 4-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and Snow Mode
V6 models 5-speed electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) and Snow Mode
Body construction Reinforced unitized body
Drivetrain Front engine front-wheel drive (2WD) or full-time 4-wheel drive (4WD)
Suspension 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars (sport-tuned suspension on
Sport 4WD models)
Steering Rack-and-pinion with power-assist
Turning circle diameter curb to curb (ft.) 37.4
Brakes Power-assisted ventilated front/solid rear disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force
Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist

1

Coefficient of drag (Cd) 0.34 (2WD and 4WD)

HIGHLANDER HIGHLANDER SPORT HIGHLANDER LIMITED

Gas Mechanical/Performance

07 HIGHLANDER SPECIFICATIONS

Interior Dimensions

front/middle/rear (in.)

Head room 40.0/39.8/32.3 40.0/39.8/32.3 40.1/38.7/36.3
with moonroof 38.6/38.9/32.3 38.6/38.9/32.3 38.6/37.8/36.3 38.6/37.8/36.3
Shoulder room 57.9/57.0/53.2 57.9/57.0/53.2 57.9/57.1/53.3 57.9/57.1/53.3
Hip room 55.1/54.9/39.8 55.1/54.9/39.8 55.2/54.6/39.9 55.2/54.6/39.9
Leg room 40.7/36.4/30.2 40.7/36.4/30.2 42.9/34.6/30.2 42.9/34.6/30.2
Seating capacity (with third row) 5 (7) 5 (7) 5 (7) 5 (7)

HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND HIGHLANDER HYBRID LIMITED

3.3-liter double overhead cam (DOHC)
24-valve VVT-i V6 208 hp (155 kW) @ 5600 rpm,
212 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm Standard Standard
Drivetrain Front engine front-wheel drive (2WD) or 4-wheel drive with intelligence (4WD-i)
Ignition system Electronic, with Toyota Direct Ignition (TDI)
Emission rating Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV)

2

Evaporative emission certification Zero evaporation

Electric Motor

Function Drive front wheels, regeneration during braking
Motor type Permanent magnet motor
Power output 165 hp (123 kw) @ 4500 rpm
Maximum torque 247 lb.-ft. @ 0-1500 rpm
Maximum voltage AC 650V

Rear Electric Motor (4WD-i models)

Function Drive rear wheels, regeneration during braking
Motor type Permanent magnet motor
Power output 67 hp (50 kW) @ 4610-5120 rpm
Maximum torque 96 lb.-ft. @ 0-610 rpm
Maximum voltage AC 650V

Traction Battery

Type Sealed Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Maximum power output 45 kW
Voltage 288V

Hybrid System Net Power

268 hp (200 kW)

Performance (2WD/4WD-i)

0-60 mph

3 8.0 seconds/7.4 seconds
Top track speed3 (electronically limited) 112 mph

Mechanical

Transmission Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
Suspension 4-wheel independent MacPherson strut suspension with front and rear stabilizer bars
Steering Electric power steering (EPS) — rack-and-pinion with power-assist
Turning circle diameter curb to curb (ft.) 37.4
Brakes Electronically Controlled Braking System (ECB) with regenerative control and incorporating Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic
Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist,

1 and Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM)4

Body construction Reinforced unitized body
Overall length/width/unloaded height
with roof rack 184.6/71.9/67.9 184.6/71.9/68.3 185.6/71.9/68.3 185.6/71.9/68.7
Wheelbase 106.9 106.9 106.9 106.9
Track (front/rear) 62.2/61.6 62.0/61.2 62.0/61.6 62.0/61.2

Exterior Dimensions

(in.)
HIGHLANDER/ HIGHLANDER/ HYBRID 2WD/ HYBRID 4WD-i/
HIGHLANDER SPORT/ HIGHLANDER SPORT/ HYBRID LIMITED 2WD HYBRID LIMITED 4WD-i
HIGHLANDER LIMITED 2WD HIGHLANDER LIMITED 4WD

Hybrid Mechanical/Performance
Tires

Size — Standard P225/70R16/P225/65R17 P225/70R16/P225/65R17

P225/65R17 P225/65R17

Type All-Season steel-belted All-Season steel-belted All-Season steel-belted All-Season steel-belted
radial blackwalls radial blackwalls radial blackwalls radial blackwalls
Spare Full-size Full-size Full-size Full-size

EPA Mileage Estimates

(mpg city/highway/combined)9

4-cylinder 22/28 20/25 NA NA
V6 19/25 18/24

32/27/29 31/27/29

Off-Highway

Approach/departure angle

(degrees) 28/21 29/22 NA NA
Minimum running ground clearance (in.) 6.9 7.3 6.9 7.3

Curb weight

(lb.)

4-cylinder (with third row) 3516 (3571) 3748 (NA) NA NA
V6 (with third row) 3649 (3704) NA (3935) 4070 4245
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating — GVWR

(lb.) 5360 5360 5675 5675
Towing capacity5 (lb.)

4-cylinder (standard/maximum

6) 1500/3000 1500/3000
V6 (standard/maximum6) 2000/3500 2000/3500 35007 35007

Passenger volume

(cu. ft.) (with third row) 104.7 (133.9) 104.7 (133.9) 131.8 131.8
Cargo volume (cu. ft.)8 behind front/middle/rear seats 80.6/39.7/10.5 80.6/39.7/10.5 80.6/39.7/10.5 80.6/39.7/10.5
Fuel capacity (gal.) 19.1 19.1 17.2 17.2

Weights and Capacities

HIGHLANDER/ HIGHLANDER/ HYBRID 2WD/ HYBRID 4WD-i/
HIGHLANDER SPORT/ HIGHLANDER SPORT/ HYBRID LIMITED 2WD HYBRID LIMITED 4WD-i
HIGHLANDER LIMITED 2WD HIGHLANDER LIMITED 4WD

07 HIGHLANDER SPECIFICATIONS

(continued)

1. Brake Assist is designed to help the driver take full advantage of the benefits of ABS. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Braking effectiveness also depends on proper brake-system maintenance and tire and road conditions.
2. Meets Tier 2/Bin 3 Federal emissions standard.
3. Performance figures are for comparison only and were obtained with prototype vehicles by professional drivers using special safety equipment and procedures. Do not attempt.
4. Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) is an electronic system which integrates braking, steering, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC) systems, and is designed to help the driver maintain control when there is a
loss of traction in a turn. It is not a substitute for safe driving practices. Factors including speed, road conditions and driver steering input can all affect whether VDIM will be effective in preventing a loss of control.
Please see your Owner’s Manual for further details.
5. Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual.
The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment.
6. Requires available Towing Prep Package.
7. For Highlander Hybrid and Highlander Hybrid Limited, 3500-lb. maximum standard towing capacity. Please see your Toyota vehicle Owner’s Manual for further details.
8. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution.
9. 2007 EPA-estimated rating 32 city/27 highway/29 combined for 2WD; 31 city/27 highway/29 combined for 4WD-i. Actual mileage may vary.

[AirConditioner]

Wow. I don't know about towing a 19' uphill, but with regenerative braking I bet you recharge the battery by the time you get to the bottom ! i'd be very skeptical of overall stability and performance. I tow a 27' with a 4Runner and its marginal...ok..but marginal.

[CanoeStream]

TLMILLER -- First I want to say Welcome to the Forums! I've got a very good friend with a 6-cyl Highlander and he tows a large Coleman (now Fleetwood) pop-up camper. He feels at the absolute max of the vehicle pulling that kind of load (approx 2000-2500#). He struggles to get up significant inclines and will maybe approach 60mph on level roads. He is in the market for a 20' Safari but is waiting until he upgrades to a more capable tow vehicle.

Now the details. http://www.toyota.com/images/vehicle...nder/specs.pdf has two numbers of concern to towing. For some further discussion of loading you may want to refer to Airstream FAQs.

Load capacity (sometimes called payload) is the difference between the tow vehicles empty weight and GVWR -- about 1600# for 2WD and 1400# for 4WD. You must fit the weight of all passengers & luggage in the tow vehicle, hitch gear and tongue weight below this load capacity number.

The killer comes on tow capacity. The Highlander specs page says 3500# for the hybrid. Now an unloaded 19' Airstream will range from 3575# to 3685# -- empty! Put weight distribution gear on and fill the LP tanks. Even considering minimal clothing, cooking gear & food you are looking at 4000# and probably higher before getting out of the gate.

By other comparisons a Highlander would be undersized and anemic. It is not safe and probably not mechanically reliable to attempt. One always wishes for an economical town vehicle to put on a muscle suit when you hitch up. I'm afraid the Highlander in any form is not going to work.

[Minnie's Mate]

There used to be a thread with a link to a British video of a sub-compact pulling a TT uphill and smoking like a bar-b-que pit. Then when the motor blows, the video shows the car being drug by the trailer back down the hill with all the cars wheels locked.

Did you know the interlock between the hybrid engine and transmission cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $5,000 plus labor to install and is not covered by the warranty if you tow too large of a load?

Don't do it!

[Becky B.]

Hey, Airconditioner, how marginal is it to pull a 27' with a 4Runner? I'm thinking about getting a V8 4Runner, but would like to hear what marginal is?

[ljmiii]

The short answer is no.

The longer answer is that you should consider the 16' bambi. It is within the HiHy's capability...just...and quite nice if you can live with a wet bath. The 3500lb GVWR is fine but you'll have to be very careful with the tongue weight - the bambi tends to be front heavy. The HiHy's payload is 1605lbs - which is enough for the 2 adults (and maybe two small kids) that fit into the bambi plus their luggage and the tongue weight.


You'll need:

1. A 'real' class III hitch capable of weight distribution (ie not the Toyota hitch). This will get your tongue weight rating up to 400 lbs as well as make the towing much easier.

2. The cables to give the 'tow ready' HiHy a 4 pin connector. Toyota will sell you a pair of parts or you can get the Draw-Tite connector they made for the HiHy.

3. A brake controller and the wiring to convert the 4 pin to a 7 pole. This is the difficult part as Toyota didn't include a built in brake plug on the HiHy.

The good news is that the HyHi tows better than a small V8 because the electric motors deliver max torque at 0 RPM. The bad news is that the HiHy is like a small V8...not a big one.

More (and more detailed) information on setting up the HiHy to tow can be found on hihychat.com, greenhybrid.com, and other HiHy forums.

enjoy,
leo

[Bill Becket]

Toyota Highland is a front wheel drive vehicle. It's not really meant to be a tow vehicle.

[moosetags]

A front wheel drive minitruck pulling a 3000+ pound Bambi would not be a fun thing to be involved with.

[Blu_Hwy_Lady]

Canoe: The search function is almost worthless. I've never come up with a meaningful return and I do research for a living so I am VERY familiar with the proper protocol for search terms. Instead of just saying the search function works, why don't you demonstrate it.

On the topic of towing: This is the second new thread today about a midsize SUV towing a Bambi. Wonder if somebody is putting nonsense in people's heads that such a thing is possible. As a formerly naive person about such things I know how convincing a psudeo expert can sound. We used to try to pull an 18 ft Layton with a full size Bronco with a V-8 and it was not only under-powered but the wheel base was too short. First trip resulted in blown rear wheel seals and it just went down hill (pun intended) from there.

[CanoeStream]

Hello Blu -- That search function suggestion is part of my automated signature and shows up on every post I make unless I choose otherwise. Experienced travelers around ASForums have long understood the simple nature and limits of the search function. It returns many threads, most of which have nothing to do with your actual area of interest. We just come to expect it ... and 'why' is a very good question. Judging from how many new threads start up on nearly identical topics, most folks don't put up with the frustration of searching for the nuggets within the posting history of this site. I do believe anybody should feel free to start a thread -- no problem there.

I'm not sure if there is any better search compatible with Forums software. I will say you have planted a seed, so I will ask 'why not' some day in the future. Thank you!

[bhayden]

I find the search tool (third button from the right near the top of the page) to be very helpful. It does take more time than just starting a new thread and the numerous threads that cover the same info make it hard to quickly locate the relevant information. Especially since most threads, like this one is doing now, morph off into something else.

Anyway, doing a search using the term "Toyota Highlander" popped up 13 threads including this one. The most promising was Toyota Highlander as a tow vehicle? . Took a quick look and no surprise it's just about the same thing as this thread. Just about all the other threads have the same concenses, a small SUV just isn't up to much more than a pop-up camper.

-Bernie

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by Blu_Hwy_Lady

The search function is almost worthless.

This is the second new thread today about a midsize SUV towing a Bambi.

hi bhl, bernie and others....

'almost' is the operative word...

i've learned to use the search as offered pretty well...

and like bernie, can usually i can find what i'm after...

what can't you find bhlady?

'highlander' will bring up several threads that are very relevant....

now billtex the first responder in this thread may have thrown folks off,

there is a hybrid highlander soon to be out...google it.

here on the forums knowing 'cross platform' related vehicles is useful...

the lexus rx400 is based on the same camry platform as the highlander and the lexus hybrid verson is already out.

searching 'lexus rx400' will pull up 4 threads...3 useful.

and one last comment on your post these aren't questions about midsize suvs...

these are questions about COMPACT CAR based suvs.

much smaller and better riding and way less capable of towing than even midsized suvs....

the highlander and lexus are camrys... i sure don't think many people here are towing with a camry!

cheers
2air'

[AlbertF]

The Highlander is mechanically related to the Sienna (which has really become a fairly large van) and the Lexus RX330. Also, I saw a Highlander (presumably a V6) towing a 16' Bambi this past summer.

I would expect that from a torque/power standpoint, the HiHy would do very well, even relative to a pickup truck with a gas V8. (It's torque to the pavement that counts, not cubic inches. Smaller diameter tires help quite a bit.) The electric motor torque would start the combined mass quite readily. My biggest reservation would be the CVT (continuously variable transmission). Minimal heat, like a manual, but not necessarily proven in heavy use. However, if the Toyota engineers have designed it to handle the torque output of the hybrid drivetrain, it may be just fine.

Hybrids are high cost drivetrains, and have only been mass-produced for a few years. If you are willing to take the risk, you might find that it performs really well . . . or you may be disappointed. But you are probably an "early-adopter" anyway.

It's difficult for me to comment on stability, but these vehicles do have a lower centre of gravity than larger SUVs like the 4Runner.

Leo has already provided relevant comments on hitch and wiring above. My neighbour's current model Sienna has a Hidden Hitch rated to 500/5000 lbs with weight distributing. A similar hitch may be available for the Highlander. Otherwise, a custom hitch would be needed.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by TLMILLER

We Are Considering Buying A 19 Ft. Trailer. Does Anyone Know If A Hybrid HIGHLANDER 6Cyl. Is Capable Of Pulling This Trailer?

If you didn't notice (the original post has since been edited-see above-and maybe because of a typo...it first said 8 CYL Highlander!) I was pretty sure there was no such vehicle.
Having clarified that, I could not recommend towing any TT with this vehicle. I am pretty sure you cannot use a WD hitch on a unibody anyway...(check with the Mfr.). There are plenty of folks on this forum, that have had white knuckle experiences, and this sounds like a recipe for one. If the poster is in search of an AS and a new TV, it would be a disservice to him/her to promote this setup. If they already own this TV, well that is their chance to take. Please post and let the rest of us know your intinerary for your first trip. I will be sure not to be on the same road...

[wkerfoot]

I usually don't reply to this type of thread since I have vintage tow vehicles and vintage trailers and "don't have a dog in this fight". However, in looking at Kelly Blue Book the tow capacity for the Highlander Hybrid is 3500 lbs and the GVW of the 19' Bambi on the Airstream site is 4500 lbs, so isn't the simple answer - no?

Bill

[AZstreamin]

Originally Posted by 2airishuman

and one last comment on your post these aren't questions about midsize suvs...

these are questions about COMPACT CAR based suvs.

much smaller and better riding and way less capable of towing than even midsized suvs....

the highlander and lexus are camrys... i sure don't think many people here are towing with a camry!

cheers
2air'

2 air's comments are dead on....IMO part of the marketing problem with Airstream is that damn guy riding the bicycle towing an Airstream. It's cute but the reality is it does not translate into modern day equipment. (I'm being sarcastic....some what) Highway conditions and speeds in the late 50's are not the same as today. So owning a brand new Airstream and a brand new car like suv is something one should look twice at before jumping in with both feet. The second problem is new cars today have incredibly powerful engines which again IMO artificially make the towing power numbers more than what is real. When manufacturers rate tow capacity it is based upon engine performance and weight. The one element overlooked is wheelbase. You won't hear a dealer or salesmen or literature talk about how long of trailer you should be towing with that tiny SUV/Camry chassis... At the end of the day it's a short wheelbase vehicle and wind, semi-trucks, hills and sway will be the first problem noticed or if you are unlucky your last problem . The monstrous horse power that these little engine crank out does not necessarily make it a truly safe tow vehicle.
So as I have posted previously..... Here we go again....explore the attached link...
http://www.rvtowingtips.com/index.html
It ain't the bible of towing, it is not my opinion, however it is unbiased and it's hard to refute.
I've said it before so it is worth saying one more time if you are going to drop $35K+ on a new vehicle consider what and where you intend to travel. It can make the travel experience one that makes or breaks the goal....SEE MORE.. DO MORE.. LIVE MORE. The easier the trip the more likely you'll hitch up and get out.
Do the right thing search the forums read others experiences spend your hard earned cash on the right vehicle the first time..
Happy Streamin'

[moosetags]

Very well put AZstreamin. A unibody compact car in an SUV costume does not a tow vehicle make. All such a combination is good for is a photo shoot in the driveway. It might look cool, but it is not road-worthy.

The shame of all this is that after one grueling white knuckle trip, another perfectly good Airstream is relagated to a piece of yard art.

I am writing this in a campground in North Carolina on my way to a trade show in Connecticut. My combo of a 2500 Suburban and 25' Safari may not be trendy or look super cool, but it performs beautifully, and well within my comfort zone. I did 600+ miles today at 70 MPH, and I am relaxing this evening. I will do the same tomorrow. I use the heck out of my Airstream only because I am very comfortable towing it.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Very well put AZstreamin. A unibody compact car in an SUV costume does not a tow vehicle make. All such a combination is good for is a photo shoot in the driveway. It might look cool, but it is not road-worthy.

The shame of all this is that after one grueling white knuckle trip, another perfectly good Airstream is relagated to a piece of yard art.

I am writing this in a campground in North Carolina on my way to a trade show in Connecticut. My combo of a 2500 Suburban and 25' Safari may not be trendy or look super cool, but it performs beautifully, and well within my comfort zone. I did 600+ miles today at 70 MPH, and I am relaxing this evening. I will do the same tomorrow. I use the heck out of my Airstream only because I am very comfortable towing it.

AMEN BRO~

[Minnie's Mate]

You know I have said many times, not necessarily on this forum, the biggest disservice the Detroit marketing folks have done to the U.S. consumer is to coin the phrase "SUV". If it's a full-sized or even a mid-sized "SUV" it may have utility, but it is not a sports vehicle. And people see the word "sports" in the description and they try to drive it like its a Porsche and that's probably the biggest contributer to SUV rollover.

Case in point: 60 Minutes did a story on the Explorer tire issue several years back and the feature story involved a man who had a blow-out and rolled his Explorer and his brother was killed. There were five adults and an enfant in a car seat and the only passenger that didn't get any serious injuries was the enfant and all he got was a scratch on his forehead and he was strapped into a child's car seat. The brother that died was riding behind the back seat in the cargo area. None of the other passengers were wearing seat belts and the next most serious injury was a broken arm. Oh, and the driver was traveling in excess of 80 miles an hour when he had the blow-out. And, he blamed Ford and the tires! Let's recap, 25 miles over the speed limit, no one wearing seat belts, passenger in the cargo area...and he told the interviewer that he felt NO responsibility.

Now the compact SUV's and crossover SUV's...lets face it folks at best they are sudo-SUV's and in reality they are imitation SUV's that are little more than station wagons with all-wheel drive.

If it doesn't have a body-on-frame construction it shouldn't be called a utility vehicle and it shouldn't be considered as a tow vehicle!

Ok Tom, step down off of the soap box now.