highlander 2015 awd towing jayco hybrid w/ stabilizer hitch

camp-n-family wrote:
One thing to keep in mind is the vehicle construction if you need to use a WD hitch, which you probably will.

We towed a 20' HTT with our 4Runner and didn't need a WDH. We used a friction anti-sway bar. Be aware that the WDH distributes more weight onto the tongue/hitch. With a dry hitch weight of 340#, you're already right at the limit of a class II (3500#) hitch.

In a nutshell....It's not an ideal setup, but it's doable, and if that's the combo you're set on going with, go ahead with it. Your biggest challenge will be wind resistance with a full-height trailer. Weight, length, etc should be ok.

My gut feeling is that you should likely be looking at a 4-Runner, 8cyl.

The latest generation 4Runner is no longer available with a V8.

Surprisingly, the 4Runner and Highlander are very similar when it comes to ratings and capacities. The big difference is one(the Highlander) is based on a unibody car frame, the 4Runner is a body on frame based on the Tacoma. They both have the same 5k tow rating and similar payloads depending on trim levels. They both have 270hp V6's but the 4.0l in the 4Runner pulls harder with 278ft/lbs of torque vs 248 in the 3.5l Highlander.

Either vehicle will do the job but you will be at the limits with the full family on board. The Highlander is a more comfortable car-like driver, the 4Runner more truck-like but still comfortable.

One thing to keep in mind is the vehicle construction if you need to use a WD hitch, which you probably will. Unibody vehicles, like the Highlander, don't usually recommend using a WD hitch as they are not designed to handle the added stress. The 4Runner is one of the few mid-size SUVs to still use body on frame, although you will need to get a custom frame mounted hitch. The stock 4Runner hitch is cross member mounted and is also not recommended to be used with a WD hitch.

kfx216 wrote:

PAThwacker wrote:
5000lb rated minivans without slider doors should stick to 3500lb gvw popups. Passengers, gear, dogs, and toys ride in the van.

Which minivans do you recommend? I'm also buying a car by the end of the year. Don't have a trailer yet, but it will be light (approx 2000#). Leaning toward another Odyssey but also liked the drive of the Arcadia. Thanks!

Never mind. Just "got it" :)

PAThwacker wrote:
5000lb rated minivans without slider doors should stick to 3500lb gvw popups. Passengers, gear, dogs, and toys ride in the van.

Which minivans do you recommend? I'm also buying a car by the end of the year. Don't have a trailer yet, but it will be light (approx 2000#). Leaning toward another Odyssey but also liked the drive of the Arcadia. Thanks!

5000lb rated minivans without slider doors should stick to 3500lb gvw popups. Passengers, gear, dogs, and toys ride in the van.

Check your manual - or if not available talk to your Highlander dealer - for specifics on the frontal area of the Highlander. Over the years, Highlanders have not been known to be sensational tow vehicles. Having one of the smaller HTT is a benefit, but not to say that you are good to tow it....yet. Need more info.

You say mostly towing in AR....the flatlands or the hills? Big difference.

Our old camping buddies had a 6cyl 4-Runner and a Shamrock 19...they were less than thrilled and made a change to the 8cyl. Much better. My gut feeling is that you should likely be looking at a 4-Runner, 8cyl. A bit more $ to begin with, but if you find you have too much trailer and not enough tow vehicle, you'll be out more $$ in the long run. Riding in both of their 4-Runners, we didn't feel that the ride was uncomfortable at all.

Thanks for info. Our hybrid is an X17Z jay feather ultra lite,96" width,118"high, 2,900 lbs., gvw 3,500, cargo carrying 600 lbs., total passenger weight with all of family 750lbs., otherwise 410 for 2 passengers.

Test drove 2015 4Runner and Highlander, and of course the Highlander drove like a dream, but I understand the 4Runner has truck chassis. Because of the price, we're looking for a 2012, 2013 or 2014.

We'll probably be camping mostly in AR, maybe LA.

Wow you best me to it! 5,000 is highest ever for the always has been a unibody Highlander. Perhaps it is being confused with the 4Runner?

camp-n-family wrote:

The newer Highlander is not the capable tow vehicle, that the previous years were.
Now unibody and with only a towing capacity of 5000lbs., it is limited to only smaller hybrids now.

Huh?? Can you explain the above?

The highlander has always been a unibody design, based on the Camry, and 5,000lbs is the highest tow rating available, ever. The larger overall size of the current model and the highest output in engines since it's inception makes the current Highlander the most capable of any.

I will agree that it is still limited to only smaller hybrids.

x2 HUH?
except I guess I will have to stop towing my Ascend TT with mine if you insist it is only for smaller hybrids.

bumpy