Tow Vehicle Advice Needed for Novice
Hi, I'm looking at used Highlanders to tow my 17 ft Casita, both gas and a hybrid. But the two I'm looking at do not have a hitch. Is there anything special to know about getting the hitch and plug in...
Forum Discussion
if they hylander hybrid has a CVT check the tow rating. CVT transmissions aren't known for the ability to take high loads.
Also check the max TONGUE weight allowed on the hylander. Often TV mfg develop tow ratings based on 10% tongue weight but trailer mfg usually design for 15% tongue weight or more.
And in general max towing assumes driver and a full tank of gas in the tow vehicle, no luggage, not passengers, zippo else.
Now the Casita does have a few strong points for towing. they have a small frontal area compared to the typical 8ft wide tall small trailer and are reasonably light weight which helps.
If it was my choice I'd go for the non hybrid equipped with a factory tow package or upgraded to that if it is possible.
And if Casita gives a tongue weight assume loaded tongue weight will be double that. Tongue weight is w/o any batteries and with empty propane tanks, no water in the fresh tank and nothing in the trailer.
My trailer (much bigger) had a empty quoted tongue weight of 750lbs, which I verified. Once batteries installed, propane filled, water tank (40 gallons) and all the stuff loaded into the trailer tongue weight is 1450lbs!
Also check the max TONGUE weight allowed on the hylander. Often TV mfg develop tow ratings based on 10% tongue weight but trailer mfg usually design for 15% tongue weight or more.
And in general max towing assumes driver and a full tank of gas in the tow vehicle, no luggage, not passengers, zippo else.
Now the Casita does have a few strong points for towing. they have a small frontal area compared to the typical 8ft wide tall small trailer and are reasonably light weight which helps.
If it was my choice I'd go for the non hybrid equipped with a factory tow package or upgraded to that if it is possible.
And if Casita gives a tongue weight assume loaded tongue weight will be double that. Tongue weight is w/o any batteries and with empty propane tanks, no water in the fresh tank and nothing in the trailer.
My trailer (much bigger) had a empty quoted tongue weight of 750lbs, which I verified. Once batteries installed, propane filled, water tank (40 gallons) and all the stuff loaded into the trailer tongue weight is 1450lbs!
