Safe & Compatible: Highlander & Lance 1685???

bobka7914 wrote:
Contemplating purchasing a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD V-6 with factory tow package. It has a 5000 lb tow rating. Looking for a suitable TT for our small family's need... Would a Lance 1685 with a dry weight of 3405 lbs be too much for the Highlander to handle? If not, how about an Explorer, Pathfinder?

I have a 2011 highlander with TP and my TT is 3450 or so dry. It would handle the 3405 trailer OK. a heavier/beefier/TV would be better but depends on where and how you will be towing it.
but once again I disagree with those who base their decision only on GVWR of the TT. what matters is what is the ACTUAL weight loaded, not some hypothetical maximum.
bumpy

http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-trailer-news/the-new-lance-2185-travel-trailer-and-the-jeep-grand-cherokee/This probably doesn't answer your exact question but it might allow for comparison and it's a good article about an SUV and a lance trailer

http://www.trailerlife.com/rv-trailer-news/the-new-lance-2185-travel-trailer-and-the-jeep-grand-cherokee/

Agree on the frontal area....check your manual and if not there, ask your dealer to get the true info for you. Many times there have been folks asking about the Highlander and it's towing capacities. Many have said "no way" and others have said "sure, no problem". To me, the non-expert, it sounds awfully close. You haven't allowed the 1000# or 10% (or maybe it's 20%, never sure). That cushion would put you over. Suggest you look at either a smaller Lance or a beefier tow vehicle. Finding out after the fact can be dangerous and/or expensive. Lots of research needed here.

What is the frontal area limit of the Highlander? On my Pathfinder (a 2010, with a tow capacity of 6000 lb.), it's only 70 square ft. How wide is the Lance? I tow the camper in my signature with no problem, but it's only 7 ft. wide. This makes a difference, IMO. It has a dry weight of 2507 lb., and we never travel with fresh water on board. I drive 60-65 mph and get around 11 mpg on the interstate. I also have a WDH and sway bar.

Your 3405lbs dry weight will weigh in around 4500lbs ready to travel. if you pack light it will weigh less. The average family packs around 12-1500lbs of stuff in a trailer.

You`ll be just fine with your proposed setup.

Here is some info on the Explorer

Explorer Towing

If you have a fully loaded trailer that weighs more than 5,000 lbs - that's when I wouldn't risk it.

I found the info about the Pathfinder towing from this site:

Link

Personally, I would not do that. The number much more important than dry weight is GVWR. That trailer is 5400 lbs. That exceeds your tow capacity.

JMHO.

I was looking around and noticed that I saw a 2011 Nissan Pathfinder V6 towing a 1685 with no problem. Also a VW Toureg, Grand Cherokee Limited, 2006 Toyota Sequoia tows a Lance 1885, so yes, the truck you're looking at would be fine. Just make sure you have a proper transmission cooler and also an oil cooler and you'll be good to go.