Hey everyone, I’m looking to buy a small travel trailer, roughly 20 ft and less than 4K gvwr. I’ve looked at forest river, Winnebago, and Jayco and I really like the Winnie micro 1700bh. My question is would anyone know if I could tow it with a 2017 Toyota Highlander SE? The manufacturer has given it a 5k max and from what I’ve heard I don’t want to go anywhere near the max. Also if anyone has a good recommendation on a trailer for my car that would be very helpful. Thank you all!!Sean

I would not attempt it. Weight is only one thing you need to be aware of. Think of towing a TT like trying to tow a giant brick down the road.For your SUV unless it has a trans cooler your likely limited to maybe 3500 pounds towing capacity. Start looking at a small to medium sized tent trailer or possibly an ALiner or teardrop style. I think you would be much happier with the towing experience.

You need to really understand weights. Do some reading on the forums, as there is a ton out there. On a quick overview, your 5,000 tow rating (if that is a real number), also has to account for your family, pets, and all gear in the SUV. So, a 3,800 pound trailer and 700 pounds of family and gear would put you at 4,500 against your 5,000 rating - and potentially near your payload (there's a sticker on the driver door jam to give you that number). You wouldn't necessarily be over, but you'd be getting close.There also may be a frontal area limit on your SUV, the manual will give you that. Your tow capacities are based on a max frontal area of the trailer - on many SUV's that area is much less than what a travel trailer has.All in all, it is possible, but you would likely be VERY near your numbers. If you are camping mostly locally and have the option of upgrading your truck if you find that it doesn't work, it might be worth a try. If that is the case, run the numbers to make sure tehre are no red flags and go for it. If you are planning on long distance hauling, mountain driving, or will be stuck with this matchup once you pull the trigger, I would not try it.

I will also be worried about the low wheel-base of the Highlander. Meaning, all the weight of the TT will be resting and leaning on that ball of the hitch.Toyota should be able to give you a good advice on your towing vehicle's capabilities.

Mickeyfan0805 wrote:You need to really understand weights. Do some reading on the forums, as there is a ton out there. On a quick overview, your 5,000 tow rating (if that is a real number), also has to account for your family, pets, and all gear in the SUV. So, a 3,800 pound trailer and 700 pounds of family and gear would put you at 4,500 against your 5,000 rating - and potentially near your payload (there's a sticker on the driver door jam to give you that number). You wouldn't necessarily be over, but you'd be getting close.There also may be a frontal area limit on your SUV, the manual will give you that. Your tow capacities are based on a max frontal area of the trailer - on many SUV's that area is much less than what a travel trailer has.All in all, it is possible, but you would likely be VERY near your numbers. If you are camping mostly locally and have the option of upgrading your truck if you find that it doesn't work, it might be worth a try. If that is the case, run the numbers to make sure tehre are no red flags and go for it. If you are planning on long distance hauling, mountain driving, or will be stuck with this matchup once you pull the trigger, I would not try it.Thank you for the info...Here is pulle from the manual and as it reads it is seperate weights : Model code *2Vehicle capacity weight (Occupant + luggage)Trailer Weight Rating (Trailer weight + cargo weight)ASU50L-ARTNKA 1460 lb. (660 kg) 1500 lb. (680 kg) GSU50L-ARZNHA 1370 lb. (620 kg)5000 lb. (2200 kg)GSU50L-ARZMHA1300 lb. (590 kg)*3 1370 lb. (620 kg)*4GSU50L-ARZGHA1300 lb. (590 kg)*3 1370 lb. (620 kg)*4 GSU55L-ARZNHA 1370 lb. (620 kg)GSU55L-ARZMHA1300 lb. (590 kg)*3 1340 lb. (610 kg)*4 GSU55L-ARZGHA 1280 lb. (580 kg

Yosemite Sam1 wrote:I will also be worried about the low wheel-base of the Highlander. Meaning, all the weight of the TT will be resting and leaning on that ball of the hitch.Toyota should be able to give you a good advice on your towing vehicle's capabilities.They are aweful....I spoke to 3 different people and none of them could give me an answer...They just said refer to the manual and the specs.

Questions about buying a travel trailer | Good Sam Community

valhalla360
Navigator
Oct 18, 2018
old guy wrote:
if you get too close to the towing weight you may tear up the transmission and it just isn't cost effective to do that.

Total bull.

Go into the local Toyota dealer and ask for the ratings on your exact vehicle.

As long as you are in the ratings and you don't abuse it, no reason to expect death and destruction.
Community Alumni
Oct 18, 2018
Bumpyroad wrote:
I towed my 17 ft, 3500 lb TT behind my Highlander with tow package rated for 5,000 lbs. and it was adequate. I don't think you need a F-550 like some folks here.

Not so, some folks around here will say you need a F-650. :B

I towed a TT thousands of miles with my 6-cyl. Jeep Grand Cherokee with no problems. As others stated, keep an eye on the combined payload and don't be afraid to go to the maximum weight if you need to. I do recommend using a weight distribution system. Good luck!
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 17, 2018
Adequate? That’s legalese!
old_guy
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018
if you get too close to the towing weight you may tear up the transmission and it just isn't cost effective to do that.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018
2012Coleman wrote:
Bumpyroad wrote:
I towed my 17 ft, 3500 lb TT behind my Highlander with tow package rated for 5,000 lbs. and it was adequate. I don't think you need a F-550 like some folks here.
bumpy
Come on Bumpy - My 2003 Tundra was "adequate" to tow my 25 ft Coleman, but I hated every minute of it.

the OP is talking about a 20 fter. and I certainly don't "hate every minute" that I use it. but I think it will work for the OP if he does't challenge the Delaware mountains too often.
bumpy
toedtoes
Explorer III
Oct 17, 2018
You need to look at several numbers.

First the towing capacity of the SUV versus the GVWR of the trailer.

Second, the payload of the SUV versus the passengers, cargo in the SUV and 10-15% of the trailer GVWR for the tongue weight, and the hitch weight.

Third, the GCVWR of the SUV versus the trailer GVWR and the SUV actual loaded weight (including the calculated tongue weight of the trailer).

If all those are within the limits, then technically you can tow it. At that point, it becomes more about your comfort zone - some people don't like towing closer than 80% of the ratings, others will go right to the edge.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Oct 17, 2018
Bumpyroad wrote:
I towed my 17 ft, 3500 lb TT behind my Highlander with tow package rated for 5,000 lbs. and it was adequate. I don't think you need a F-550 like some folks here.
bumpy
Come on Bumpy - My 2003 Tundra was "adequate" to tow my 25 ft Coleman, but I hated every minute of it.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018
No dealer with any common sense will "certify" the adequacy of a tow vehicle. In fact, when I bought my TT a form was presented for me to sign attesting that I would obtain/use an adequate TV, and the onus was on me.
bumpy
Yosemite_Sam1
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018
Several times the words "tow prep" or "tow capable" were mentioned here. In layman's term:

If a Highlander is 4wd, usually it has a stiff all steel chassis where sturdy hitch can be mounted and can tow the heavy travel trailers.

Other cross-overs have a car-platform and would have lower towing capabilities, like U Haul trailers.

If you go to the TT model's website, some dealers can have you click on the type of vehicles you have and list the models it can tow. Or vice versa.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Oct 17, 2018
I towed my 17 ft, 3500 lb TT behind my Highlander with tow package rated for 5,000 lbs. and it was adequate. I don't think you need a F-550 like some folks here.
bumpy