Forum Discussion

Still_Searchin_'s avatar
Still_Searchin_
Explorer
Aug 04, 2017

Heavier engine oil for pulling with Toyota Highlander?

We have a 2012 V6 Toyota Highlander with the tow pkg, rated to pull 5,000#. We pull a 3,200# Casita travel trailer (loaded). Manual calls for 0-20 full synthetic engine oil, but mentions heavier oil might be wise for "severe conditions" without saying which weight oil. Toyota only stocks a 5-30 weight synthetic blend oil, and service tech couldn't say if we should use that or not. I'm thinking we should?
Tow Vehicles
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    You may want to consider 0w-30. The w is "winter weight", the lower the number, the better it flows at cold temperatures. This is important for engines with tight tolerances.

    The 0w30 will perform just as well as the 5w30 when hot.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 04, 2017
    Trailer pulling is a "severe condition" in my view. Don't others make fully synthetic 5-30 oil acceptable to Toyota?
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 04, 2017
    Send a sample of your existing oil out for analysis, indicate you use the motor for towing. If the lab report flags problems related to oil failure, then it's time to upgrade. Anything else is just guesswork?

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