2021 Highlander for towing the Bambi 16

[JCWDCW]

We pull a 16 ft Bambi with a Ford Edge 6 cyl with no trouble
The combination has been cross continent twice and Ontario to Maritime provinces three times. Six speed transaxle works really well and gas mileage about 13 - 14 litres per 100 km.
We travel heavy but the TV is within GCVR limits
JCW

[Dcoldwell]

We tow a 2020 Bambi 20FB with a 2020 Nissan Pathfinder. It tows fine with sway bars. Mainly okay for east coast. It would be a struggle fo western mountains.

[Peter417]

Hopefully an older model when they had the body on frame.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/...athfinder.html

[Tallboyslim]

Just wanted to wrap up this thread (for now).

Thanks to everyone who responded with all the very useful info and suggestions.
We realized that we will likely not go for the Highlander for the Bambi. If we already had one, it would probably have just worked out. But since we will need to get a TV anyway, we will likely go for something that is beyond the bare minimum. This keeps open the flexibility to upgrade to a bigger trailer in the future without changing the TV.
For now, we are looking at the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, both of which claim towing capacity in excess of 7000 lbs.
The Grand Cherokee is coming out with an 3-row version, the grand Cherokee "L", and we will see how that is. If it is as nice as they claim in the intro videos we will try for it. Else, the Dodge Durango seems very capable.

Thanks everyone!

[JCWDCW]

Quote<For now, we are looking at the Dodge Durango and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, both of which claim towing capacity in excess of 7000 lbs.>
Good Choices. We looked at the Durango and the Grand Cherokee. I like the way the GC handles. Both have the same drive chain. GC is slightly higher off the road.We are pulling a 16 ft Bambi with the Pentastar 6. Both have the German 8 speed transmission. 7000 lbs says you are choosing the Hemi. The 6 is rated for 6200 lbs
Be sure to get the 20 inch wheels and the Factory tow package.
JCW

[Tallboyslim]

Thanks JCWDCW.
Yes, we will opt for the HEMI in either case (Durango or Jeep GC).
Usually, we are fuel conscious and try to balance it to our needs (primary car is a Rav4 Hy).
But, if we are going to go the route of a fuel thirsty SUV for the Bambi I figure we go all the way and get the HEMI V8. If I am giving up the fuel economy anyway, might as well feel good about the power under the hood

[Gmca]

Hard to beat Toyota Highlander in terms of reliability.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/reports/Mid-size_SUV.html

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by Gmca

Hard to beat Toyota Highlander in terms of reliability.

http://www.dashboard-light.com/repor...-size_SUV.html

My cousin had to get rid of hers, the motor wouldn't quit leaking oil, no matter who tried to get it to stop....


I loved my 4Runner, but even it left me on the side of the road once when the water-pump failed.

[Gmca]

You must be unlucky. I have been driving highlanders (two different models) for the past 8 years without any issues.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by LNBright

My cousin had to get rid of hers, the motor wouldn't quit leaking oil, no matter who tried to get it to stop....


I loved my 4Runner, but even it left me on the side of the road once when the water-pump failed.

I replace my water pump every 90k according to the manual. What's the story here?

[LNBright]

I was on the interstate, middle of August, heard a squealing, looked at the dash, the temp was rapidly climbing, pulled to the shoulder immediately. Called for a tow to take it to the dealer. The water pump had failed. They replaced the pump (using the warranty). Tow was covered, had a loaner for a week... I had to pay for the belt out of pocket, though. (No idea why they didn't have a water pump on hand or why it took a week for the dealership to get one, tho'... this was pre-covid, in 2019.)

It was about a half-year later, I decided to trade it for the Sierra, so I could have enough tow capacity.

[Big Red1]

Our 2008 Highlander has over 205,000 miles on it. Gave to daughter 4 years ago when we bought the Pathfinder. Only issue on the HL has been tires, brakes once and batteries. Great vehicle.

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by Big Red1

Take a look at the Nissan Pathfinder. 6000 pound towing. Not sure what the .payload is for the 2021. We have a 2017 Pathfinder and its payload i capacity is 1149 pounds.
Payload will be your problem. Good luck on the hunt.

I would be careful buying one of those. The have chronic reliability issues.
http://www.dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Nissan_Pathfinder.html

Personally I would have no problem towing this with a 4Runner or Tacoma. The GX is a 4runner with a v8 and it would make for a nicer tow. Cargo capacity is around 1500 pounds like the 4runner.

[LNBright]

Last 4Runner with a V8 was made, what, 2009? Since 2010, they're all 4.0 V6. It doesn't have the capacity that the V8 did.

[Peter417]

That is why I recommended the gx. It is a dolled up 4runner with a v8. Many parts are interchangeable.

[Tallboyslim]

Thanks. The GX looks like a good option. But we are thinking at that price point we can easily get 7000+ tow capacity and also boast some serious HEMI power from the Jeep GC or Durango

[jeffmc306]

Well... if you’re going for a Hemi, why not a Hellcat Durango

Just kidding... the standard Hemi will be PLENTY for your Bambi.

[GetawA-S]

Tallboyslim, I have said it on a different thread, you will want to plan around the limited tank size of the 16, especially if you are camping on public land out west. Full hookups are relatively scarce. If there is a blue boy tote in your future, those are not a welcome passenger in an SUV. Some people conserve aggressively, some lash the extra tank to the roof rack or trailer hitch or rear bumper (if so equipped)...
You’re off to a great start, by doing the TV homework up front. Happy camping, whatever you decide!

[Peter417]

Originally Posted by Tallboyslim

Thanks. The GX looks like a good option. But we are thinking at that price point we can easily get 7000+ tow capacity and also boast some serious HEMI power from the Jeep GC or Durango

I dislike being a consumer. I want the longest lasting version of what ever I buy. It is easy to find a nicely running GX with 300k miles. It is much harder to find a fiat (that's who makes the jeep and ram) with 300k miles.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Lexus_GX.html

[Tallboyslim]

Originally Posted by Peter417

I dislike being a consumer. I want the longest lasting version of what ever I buy. It is easy to find a nicely running GX with 300k miles. It is much harder to find a fiat (that's who makes the jeep and ram) with 300k miles.

http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Dodge_Durango.html
http://dashboard-light.com/vehicles/Lexus_GX.html

I agree with you. Our family hauler is a Rav4 and and my commuter car is a Civic with 270+ K miles on it.
A few points though:
1) In general I see the Toyotas and Hondas beat reliability scores. However, I am not sure these reliability scores factor in any significant towing time.
2) Looking around, I barely (if any) see any of these reliable SUVs towing anything significant. It is always a truck (or large SUV) from one of the big 3 American auto makers.
3) To me (and I could be wrong), the GX is a great large SUV that can tow. We were looking for something that is a tow vehicle and also works out as a family SUV.


Finally, I checked the links above. The data is up to 2015 and I am not sure if is is the same now. Things have changed/improved a lot in in terms of auto tech in last 5 to 7 years. Also, up to 2016 the defect ratio for GX and Durango are similar, then GX drops to zero. Is it really zero or is it because there is no data?
Anyway, I believe the GX is probably more reliable overall that will likely go farther in its lifetime than the the Durango. Whether it will do that towing 5k-7k pounds, is something I can't convince myself.
Also, thanks for your response and perspective.