Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

Eisboch wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..

Eisboch wrote:

The redneck crowd fights brakes on all trailers, regardless of size. I kid
you not.



I seriously doubt it has anything to do with lobbying rednecks.

Eisboch




I wouldn't discount the redneck influence on state regulations that
involve "sporting goods" and expenditures of money.


--


John McCain - Same old politics, same failed policies.

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Jim" wrote in message
...


Don't forget the brakes, you guys. It might have some bearing on Toyota's
recommendation


Something that has always been a question in my head:

Most states require brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs. Now, that, to me
is dumb to begin with. I can't think of a typical light duty truck, car,
SUV or whatever that has brakes designed to stop itself *plus* an
additional 3000 lbs in an emergency stop. That could easily be almost
twice the weight the brakes were designed for. Wouldn't brakes on *all*
trailers make sense? At least surge brakes for emergencies.

Over 3000 lbs, the trailer is supposed to have brakes designed to stop the
*trailer* weight in a specified and reasonable distance.
The tow vehicle's braking capacity really doesn't come into play in
meeting this requirement.

I am not sure how it really works with surge brakes, but I know every
trailer I've towed with electric brakes, from a 7000 lb car trailer to a
15,500 lb fifth wheel were capable of locking up all the wheels equipped
with brakes. The 7k car trailer had brakes on all four wheels. I can't
remember how many of the 6 wheels (triple axle) were equipped with brakes
on the fifth wheel, but regardless, it didn't depend on the tow vehicle's
brakes to stop it.

I *do* remember (as you probably do) towing that water logged, 27'
Century on a trailer with non-functioning surge brakes with a 2500 series
Dodge Ram. The damn boat and trailer pushed me right through a red light
and into an intersection and I was only doing about 10-15 mph, slowing
down as I approached the light.

Eisboch



I need to correct/clarify something here. Trailers with brakes (3k lbs
and up) must, by DOT regulation, have brakes that are capable of stopping
the fully loaded trailer GVW (not just the trailer, as I originally wrote)
in a specified distance.

Eisboch

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"HK" wrote in message
...
Eisboch wrote:
"hk" wrote in message
. ..

Eisboch wrote:

The redneck crowd fights brakes on all trailers, regardless of size. I
kid you not.



I seriously doubt it has anything to do with lobbying rednecks.

Eisboch


I wouldn't discount the redneck influence on state regulations that
involve "sporting goods" and expenditures of money.


My state (MA) has the typical "no brakes required" under 3000 lb. rule.

I don't know very many lobbying rednecks up here.



John McCain - Same old politics, same failed policies.

Barack Obama - He's for change .... before he changed

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Jim" wrote in message
...


Don't forget the brakes, you guys. It might have some bearing on Toyota's
recommendation


Something that has always been a question in my head:

Most states require brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs. Now, that, to me
is dumb to begin with. I can't think of a typical light duty truck, car,
SUV or whatever that has brakes designed to stop itself *plus* an
additional 3000 lbs in an emergency stop. That could easily be almost
twice the weight the brakes were designed for. Wouldn't brakes on *all*
trailers make sense? At least surge brakes for emergencies.

Over 3000 lbs, the trailer is supposed to have brakes designed to stop the
*trailer* weight in a specified and reasonable distance.
The tow vehicle's braking capacity really doesn't come into play in
meeting this requirement.

I am not sure how it really works with surge brakes, but I know every
trailer I've towed with electric brakes, from a 7000 lb car trailer to a
15,500 lb fifth wheel were capable of locking up all the wheels equipped
with brakes. The 7k car trailer had brakes on all four wheels. I can't
remember how many of the 6 wheels (triple axle) were equipped with brakes
on the fifth wheel, but regardless, it didn't depend on the tow vehicle's
brakes to stop it.

I *do* remember (as you probably do) towing that water logged, 27'
Century on a trailer with non-functioning surge brakes with a 2500 series
Dodge Ram. The damn boat and trailer pushed me right through a red light
and into an intersection and I was only doing about 10-15 mph, slowing
down as I approached the light.

Eisboch

It's a miracle you survived. ;-)

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

" wrote in news:73167aaf-58be-
:

2008 Toyota Highlander

Too bad you weren't at the exit door of Home Depot hardware store, today.
The local Toyota dealer had 7 people there trying to make the best of an
awful market dumping their overstock of Tundras, Highlanders and the
smaller SUV noone wanted.

I asked one when I could stop by and pick up my 3 cylinder Smart-sized
microcar. He didn't like that question....

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

JimH wrote:
On Aug 4, 5:52 pm, hk wrote:
JimH wrote:
On Aug 4, 5:30 pm, "Reginald P. Smithers III, Esq."
wrote:
JimH wrote:
On Aug 4, 4:05 pm, "
wrote:
I need to buy a new car to replace my PathFinder (it is too old). I am
considering many difference choices. The top one on my short list is
2008 Toyota Highlander. This new model can tow 5,000 pounds. More
importantly it has great fuel efficiency (17 City / 24 Hwy). However,
according to the owner manual PDF file available online, this car
should only drive no more than 45 MPH if it is towing thing. The owner
manual doesn't say if it is applicable to a certain towing weight or
above. Seem like it is across the board regardless how much towing
weight involved. This makes me worry because 45 MPH is too slow a
driving speed on a highway. I am hoping to be at least 50 or 55 MPH.
I believe this restriction may have something to do with avoiding
swaying. According to the owner manual of my old PathFinder, it
recommends to use "sway control device" if I use it to tow anything
over 2,000 pounds. The total weight of my boat and trailer is close to
3,000 pounds. I am wondering may be the same recommendation is also
applicable for Toyota Highlander: Can I drive above 45 MPH with
Highlander if I equip it with anti-sway bar? Please note that
Highlander owner manual doesn't suggest or recommend the user of sway
control device; it is sounding like "Don't go above 45 MPH when
towing, period."
Is this 45 MPH limit a definite thing? Or is it more like a lawyer
talk?
There are several posts in the net from Highlander owners saying that
they didn't have any problem towing at 60 MPH. There was trailerboat
magazine article did road test on Highlander in towing a 4,020 pounds
boat/trailer combo, and it didn't say anything about the 45 MPH limit
or any swaying problem during towing; actually the author was driving
it at 55 MPH with a boat behind it; the only negative thing that the
author expressed had to do with towing the boat up a steepest hill at
55 MPH requiring the engine to spin at 4000 rpm (the heavy 4,020
pounds may have something to do with this). The article didn't say
anything about sway control device either. Doesn't sound like negative
real world towing experience to me.
I am confused.
The other alternative is to get a new PathFinder and add the
recommended "sway control device". Then, I am not better off or worse
off than what I have now.
The other alternative is to get a full size truck such as GMC Sierra
or Nissan Titan. According to Nissan Titan owner manual, it doesn't
have this 45 MPH restriction, and the "sway control device" is an
optional "nice to have" item. But I am afraid that it is an overkill
for my 3,000 pounds boat/trailer combo, and its fuel economy will be
worse than what I have now.
Any idea about that 45 MPH limit of Highlander? Is a Nissan PathFinder
a better choice?
Thanks in advance for any suggestion.
Jay Chan
We towed our 20 footer for 2 years using our Toyota Highlander. I
traveled at posted speed limits, including 65 mph with no problem.
Just make sure you lock out the transmission overdrive.
These words of wisdom from the guy who has spent more fixing his 20'
boat than it is worth. Most of the expense were the result of not
following the mfg';er simple maintenance recommendations, and thinking
the mechanic at his marina knows more than the mfg'er.
--
This NG post is a natural product. The slight variations in spelling and
grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and in no way are to
be considered flaws or defects
Another boating related thread going down the tubes thanks to Reggie.
BTW: The impellor replacement was not based on recommendations from
Glastron. More lies from you...why am I not surprised?
Reggie is a coward; there's no need to pay any attention to him.
He claimes he wins awards in imaginary photo contests. Last time I
played monopoly, I won second prize in a beauty contest. I suspect our
awards have the same validity.

I suspect that he keeps a diary on us as he continuously brings things
up posted here up to 10 years ago.

If not...............I wonder if his wife hopes that his dick is as
long as his memory?

I'm gonna tell Chuck you said that!

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:27:12 -0400, Wayne.B
wrote:

On Mon, 4 Aug 2008 13:05:48 -0700 (PDT), "
wrote:

Any idea about that 45 MPH limit of Highlander? Is a Nissan PathFinder
a better choice?

Thanks in advance for any suggestion.

I think Toyota is covering their backside from possible legal issues.
Do they offer a "trailer towing package" as an option that will permit
full highway speeds? If so, that's what you want. If not, why not
consider a crew-cab Toyota Tundra with a rear cap? It's about the
same price, will carry almost as many people, a lot more
luggage/cargo, and will pull your trailer with ease at any speed you'd
care to drive.

Speaking of towing, I think I have a trailer problem.

My youngest took the Ranger out today towing behind a Dodge 2500 4X4
with tow package and he said he had a hell of a time with the trailer.

I wonder if I have some kind of brake problem - or even more to the
point, have had for a while.

I told him to take it to the local trailer shop and have it looked at.

Maybe he has the wrong drop on the ball. I understand torsion axle trailers
have to be towed level, or brake and bearing problems appear.

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Larry" wrote in message
...
" wrote in news:73167aaf-58be-
:

2008 Toyota Highlander

Too bad you weren't at the exit door of Home Depot hardware store, today.
The local Toyota dealer had 7 people there trying to make the best of an
awful market dumping their overstock of Tundras, Highlanders and the
smaller SUV noone wanted.

I asked one when I could stop by and pick up my 3 cylinder Smart-sized
microcar. He didn't like that question....


What were they asking for a 2008 Toyota RAV4 with 4cyl and auto
We're still getting ripped off up here. Even though our money is approx
par...they still want thousands more than Consumer Reports says they cost
below the border.

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Larry" wrote in message
...
" wrote in news:73167aaf-58be-
:

2008 Toyota Highlander

Too bad you weren't at the exit door of Home Depot hardware store, today.
The local Toyota dealer had 7 people there trying to make the best of an
awful market dumping their overstock of Tundras, Highlanders and the
smaller SUV noone wanted.

I asked one when I could stop by and pick up my 3 cylinder Smart-sized
microcar. He didn't like that question....



Did you say you checked out the Volkswagen Jetta with the 100 hp diesel?
My sister has a wagon version TDI and seems happy with it.

Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
 

"Eisboch" wrote in message
...

"Jim" wrote in message
...


Don't forget the brakes, you guys. It might have some bearing on
Toyota's recommendation


Something that has always been a question in my head:

Most states require brakes on trailers over 3000 lbs. Now, that, to
me is dumb to begin with. I can't think of a typical light duty truck,
car, SUV or whatever that has brakes designed to stop itself *plus* an
additional 3000 lbs in an emergency stop. That could easily be almost
twice the weight the brakes were designed for. Wouldn't brakes on
*all* trailers make sense? At least surge brakes for emergencies.

Over 3000 lbs, the trailer is supposed to have brakes designed to stop
the *trailer* weight in a specified and reasonable distance.
The tow vehicle's braking capacity really doesn't come into play in
meeting this requirement.

I am not sure how it really works with surge brakes, but I know every
trailer I've towed with electric brakes, from a 7000 lb car trailer to a
15,500 lb fifth wheel were capable of locking up all the wheels equipped
with brakes. The 7k car trailer had brakes on all four wheels. I
can't remember how many of the 6 wheels (triple axle) were equipped with
brakes on the fifth wheel, but regardless, it didn't depend on the tow
vehicle's brakes to stop it.

I *do* remember (as you probably do) towing that water logged, 27'
Century on a trailer with non-functioning surge brakes with a 2500
series Dodge Ram. The damn boat and trailer pushed me right through a
red light and into an intersection and I was only doing about 10-15 mph,
slowing down as I approached the light.

Eisboch


The weight limit allows those small utility trailers. The ones they sell at
Home Depot, etc for $800 and you assemble. Odd thing in Calif. Trailers
require brakes at 1500# except for boat trailers that require brakes at
3000#.