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

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..

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.

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

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?

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.

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 -

Maybe he wanted the OP to think twice before he takes your advice..
You are the one who will stand strong behind a group of doctors
working for and answering to a failed socialist system, but dismiss
the words of equally educated engineers in Detroit who are answerable
to the public and stockholders, congress, etc...... You answer based
on persoanl agenda and that is probably not the type of info this guy
needs before he takes his families and others lives into his hands..

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?

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.

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

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

Simple answer - yes, you can tow your rig with a Highlander.

Sway bars are a nice addition to any vehicle that will do any towing
at all. You have to remember that it's not so much the weight, but
the environment you are towing through. Heavy rain, wind, etc., all
affect towing and the sway bar will help control the load. Even
highways have problems with crown and pitch and the sway bar will help
in manuevering at relatively high speeds. They aren't necessary by
any means, but they are a big help.

With respect to speeds, 45 mph is a little extreme in the caution
department. I tow just under 5,000 pounds and will not go over 60 mph
under any circumstances. I stay around 2200 rpm and 60 mph with
overdrive off. Depending on terrain, those figures will change - rpm
up and mph down, but on average, 2200 and 60 seems to work just fine.

Any new rig with a tow package will work as well - I would opt for the
sway bar (as I did with the F-150) just to be that much more cautious
in varying driving conditions.

Good luck.