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#1
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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 |
#2
posted to rec.boats
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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 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.. |
#3
posted to rec.boats
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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 |
#4
posted to rec.boats
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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#5
posted to rec.boats
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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.. |
#6
posted to rec.boats
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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 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. |
#7
posted to rec.boats
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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 |
#8
posted to rec.boats
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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? |
#9
posted to rec.boats
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Use 2008 Toyota Highlander to Tow a Fiberglass Boat?
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. |
#10
posted to rec.boats
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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. 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? |
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