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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 4, 5:34*pm, 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?- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Of course not. Drive train maintenence recommendations would come from their respective manufacturers, not the boat manufacturer. |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - It's SO cute to see Harry so jealous of someone's abilities! This from the guy who posted a picture that he stole from a pro. Just another of his many many lies. |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 5, 9:01*am, 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.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - It's SO cute to see Harry so jealous of someone's abilities! This from the guy who posted a picture that he stole from a pro. Just another of his many many lies.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I don't see what all the fuss is about. Wafa won't take any bet, he is not a stand up kind of guy. We have seen he photography, it's about as thought out as the first tie we gave the Mouse a camera to play with at age 4, and of course, he never tells the truth about anything.. time to pass him by.. |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 5, 9:12*am, wrote:
On Aug 5, 9:01*am, 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.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - It's SO cute to see Harry so jealous of someone's abilities! This from the guy who posted a picture that he stole from a pro. Just another of his many many lies.- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - I don't see what all the fuss is about. Wafa won't take any bet, he is not a stand up kind of guy. We have seen he photography, it's about as thought out as the first tie we gave the Mouse a camera to play with at age 4, and of course, he never tells the truth about anything.. time to pass him by..- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - He'll make a bet, he just won't live up to it because he's a low life weasel. |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 4, 4:10*pm, 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 If you are hoping for someone here to tell you to ignore the manufacturers reccomendations, you have probably come to the wrong place;) *If they say tow at 45, and you can't tow at 45, it's the wrong tool for the job, period..- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Thanks for the straight talk. I was hoping that adding an anti-sway- bar into a Highlander will allow me to drive more than 45 MPH when towing. You are right. If the anti-sway-bar was a solution, Toyota could have stated it in their owner manual. There is no point of doing thing against the manufacturer's recommendation. I am a bit disappointed. On the other hand, I am actually also feeling a bit happy about this turn of event because I have been trying to talk myself out of the Highlander because my wife told me that the 2008 model has the same engine as a "Lady Lexus SUV RX-350" that rich housewives love :) I have crossed Highlander off from the top of my list. Now, I only consider either PathFinder (mid size SUV) or Titan (full size pickup) or GMC Sierra (full size pickup). Jay Chan |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 4, 6:27*pm, 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. Toyota offers a towing-prep option for their Highlander. But that doesn't seem to affect the 45 MPH towing speed limit based on how I read their owner manual. Toyota Tundra is a really lovely pickup truck. I have sit in one of their Crew Cab model in a show room, and the leg room in its rear seat is HUGE -- as big as the leg room in the front row seat of many cars. It can carry at most 6 persons with enough leg room for every one (on the other hand, the third row in Highlander is kind of tight, and we need to have our knees at my chest to sit on the third row in a 4Runner). Therefore, I was very interested. But its fuel economy is the worst among the 3 of the full size pickups that I have reviewed (may be it is heavier than others (not sure)), and its cash rebate is either low or none (I don't remember) as comparing to other offers. I figure that it is probably overkill for towing my boat. Thanks for the suggestion though. As mentioned in another reply, I have decided to drop Highlander from the list. I will consider Nissan Titan, Nissan PathFinder, or GMC Sierra, and in this order. Jay Chan |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 4, 8:28*pm, Larry wrote:
" 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.... Not surprising. Toyota is not very aggressive in offering cash rebate like other car companies. They are only offering $1,000 rebate for Highlander when Nissan is offereing $2,500 for PathFinder, and $5,000 for Titan. GMC also offers $5,000 for their Sierra. But when I went to their dealership to look for Sierra, they had sold out all of their pickup trucks. This means despite the economy condition, some people are still buying; but they only buy from companies that offer large cash rebate. For the record, Toyota is also offering $2,500 for their aging 4Runner SUV; I don't consider it because its third row seat is painfully tight. Jay Chan |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
On Aug 6, 12:28*pm, "
wrote: On Aug 4, 4:10*pm, 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 If you are hoping for someone here to tell you to ignore the manufacturers reccomendations, you have probably come to the wrong place;) *If they say tow at 45, and you can't tow at 45, it's the wrong tool for the job, period..- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Thanks for the straight talk. *I was hoping that adding an anti-sway- bar into a Highlander will allow me to drive more than 45 MPH when towing. *You are right. *If the anti-sway-bar was a solution, Toyota could have stated it in their owner manual. *There is no point of doing thing against the manufacturer's recommendation. I am a bit disappointed. *On the other hand, I am actually also feeling a bit happy about this turn of event because I have been trying to talk myself out of the Highlander because my wife told me that the 2008 model has the same engine as a "Lady Lexus SUV RX-350" that rich housewives love :) I have crossed Highlander off from the top of my list. *Now, I only consider either PathFinder (mid size SUV) or Titan (full size pickup) or GMC Sierra (full size pickup). Jay Chan- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Well, I was really working on what we had for info.. I would however note that Wayne, Dick (Eisboch), and Shortwave among others have waaaay more experience towing and with trucks.. I would defer to the likes of them in a heartbeat, no matter what I say.... I have not towed large loads with trucks, they have... I am just a tool guy..;) |
Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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 I have changed my mind. I believe that the Highlander 45 mph limit for towing is just "lawyer talk" to limit any potential liability. I have found PDF versions of the owner manual of Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. They all say to limit to 45 mph while towing (saying this has something to do with avoiding swaying). This just doesn't make sense considering the fact that Toyota Tundra is a heavy full size pick up truck; I just cannot imagine people will drive at 45 mph or lower in highway while using a Tundra to towing a boat. This surely sounds like Toyota is just trying to limit their legal liability. I didn't notice this when I was looking for the reference of 45 mph in an interactive owner manual for Tundra (called iGuide). I only find this when I read the PDF version. With this said, I put Highlander back to the top of my list. Jay Chan |
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