I'm planning to purchase my first travel trailer and am looking for some guidance from the community about realistic towing expectations for my XLE AWD Highlander (2018).The XLE AWD Highlander has a trailer weight rating of 5000lbs and a cargo carrying capacity of 1300lbs. Using what I believe are conservative estimates with the following calculator (link below) I am thinking that a trailer with a GVWR of less than or equal to 4000lbs should be fine.http://www.towingplanner.com/Calculators/TowingPayloadEstimate/?ccc=1300&dw=170&pw=340&hw=50&tc=50&bd=200&ct=TTThere is one trailer in particular that I've been looking at, the Camplite 16bhb model (https://www.livinlite.com/products/camplite-travel-trailers/CL16BHB.html), that I'm not sure if I could tow. The dry weight is sub 3000lbs but the GVWR is 4400lbs. I don't expect to load the trailer to its GVWR so my main question is: is it reasonable for me to assume that I'd be able to comfortably tow the Camplite with the expectation that I would have it loaded at 4000lbs or less?

I believe that 5000lb tow rating is dependent on vehicle configuration. Better check that yours meets the specs for that higher rating. While the Highlander may be able to "tow" the trailer you mentioned (nice trailer by the way!) I am not sure you will be satisfied with the results. The Highlander is a SUV and primarily a people carrier and not designed to be a tow vehicle. The frontal area of the trailer will get you more than the weight.I would do a lot more research before I plunked down the amount of money they want for one of those. :)Barney

The closer you get to towing at or over your max weight, the more unpleasant your tow experience will be. Couple things you need to look at:1. Check the Highlander's owners manual. There are some SUV's that have a restriction on square inch or square feet of frontal area for high walled trailers, and some have restrictions on use of a weight distributing hitch.2. Max tow weight is reduced by weight of any aftermarket accessories, passengers and cargo. If you need to use a weight distributing hitch, it will add 80 to 100 lbs of cargo weight and trailer tongue weight is also cargo weight. 3. Check the hitch receiver, it has it's own weight ratings, with and without weight distribution. 4. That trailer could have as much as 660 lbs tongue weight. 5. This statement is from the specs on that trailer "This weight reflects the rolling average unit weight for each model. Your trailer weight will vary according to optional equipment." The trailer could gain weight (maybe an air conditioner) at the factory, and it will gain weight (at least propane and battery) before it gets off the dealer lot. You should plan on that trailer being closer to it's GVWR.

Thanks. Sounds like I should stick to a maximum trailer GVWR of 3500lbs (for example, r-pod, winnie drop, camplite 11fk).

In my view, no matter what you get (other than a low profile basic pop up), you lack the motor to comfortably cruise except on flat terrain.When it comes to towing, horsepower and displacement is still king.No point in running 'the bags off' your Toyota. Get something sized for it. That way, you can take the stuff you want to along without fear of destroying your vehicle from overloading. Your excursions will be much more enjoyable.

The Highlander is a CUVFirst gen was based on the CamerySecond and later gen is based on the Sienna Mini VanJust think of towing with a Camery if 1st Gen, and towing with a Sienna Mini Van if newerBoth monocoque/unibody, so WD Hitch system is normally no recommended (understand any OEM's 'recommendation' means no warranty if you do NOT follow their 'recommendation')As Barney said, check your configuration and note that the MTWR is *NOT* an absolute. Meaning it depends on the configuration and loading of the TV. Again, check your glove box manual...as their should be an info page on towing listing the REDUCTION in MTWR with each passenger loaded into the TV

bschmaus

Explorer

Feb 03, 2018

Expectations for Towing with Toyota Highlander XLE AWD

I'm planning to purchase my first travel trailer and am looking for some guidance from the community about realistic towing expectations for my XLE AWD Highlander (2018).

The XLE AWD Highlander has a trailer weight rating of 5000lbs and a cargo carrying capacity of 1300lbs. Using what I believe are conservative estimates with the following calculator (link below) I am thinking that a trailer with a GVWR of less than or equal to 4000lbs should be fine.

http://www.towingplanner.com/Calculators/TowingPayloadEstimate/?ccc=1300&dw=170&pw=340&hw=50&tc=50&bd=200&ct=TT

There is one trailer in particular that I've been looking at, the Camplite 16bhb model (https://www.livinlite.com/products/camplite-travel-trailers/CL16BHB.html), that I'm not sure if I could tow. The dry weight is sub 3000lbs but the GVWR is 4400lbs. I don't expect to load the trailer to its GVWR so my main question is: is it reasonable for me to assume that I'd be able to comfortably tow the Camplite with the expectation that I would have it loaded at 4000lbs or less?

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Expectations for Towing with Toyota Highlander XLE AWD

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