I am seriously considering a Lance 1475 TT, dry wt 2495, gross 3700. I want to tow with a SUV, and have a fondness for Toyotas. (Ford Explorer is also in the running.) A Highlander, 4Runner, or Explorer equipped with tow package has a tow rating of 5000 lb & hitch rating of 500. I probably would never load a trailer to the max as I travel pretty light. My biggest concern with any of these vehicles is the weight distribution. The Highlander is on a uni-body type frame, the 4Runner is on a truck-type frame, and I'm not sure about the Explorer. There is a lot of skepticism out there regarding the use of a weight distribution system with the uni-body frame.I did see several small trailers being towed with Highlanders on the Natchez Trace Parkway back in the spring. However, that's not exactly a demanding drive. My travels are more likely to be in East Tennessee, which has some steep climbs and long grades. I will probably go with an Andersen hitch for WD & sway control.Just wondering if anyone has any experience towing with any of these vehicles and what input you might have.

Unless the owners manual specifically forbids the use of a WDH, so long as you are not exceeding your rated capacities, there is no reason not to use one. Check the weight sticker inside the driver door for your max payload. Tongue weight and the weight of the WDH needs to be subtracted from that payload number. What's left is for the weight of your passengers, dog, stuff, etc. You should not exceed the payload rating. With a GVWR of 3700# I don't see any issues with what you want to do. Have fun!

I have a 2016 Explorer Sport with the tow package. I got it to upgrade from an Edge, specifically to pull an enclosed 7x14 utility trailer with a RZR side by side in it, around 3,400lbs total. It does just fine without a WDH, although we might consider one for longer trips (I just got the Explorer in July). Now, our trailer is not as long or as tall as the trailer you're looking at, so keep that in mind, you might have some issues with wind, etc, but I think you'd be OK.

Also for the record, my best friend bought a 4Runner, and she absolutely hated it. She lives in the mountains and said it was a total dog going up the inclines...and that's without towing anything. So much so that she traded it back in a couple months later for a new model of her previous vehicle, a Lexus. I'd imagine a Highlander would be even worse.ETA: The in laws tow a 22'ish ft travel trailer and a boat (not together) with a Sequoia and are happy with it.

Campfire Time wrote:Unless the owners manual specifically forbids the use of a WDH, so long as you are not exceeding your rated capacities, there is no reason not to use one. Check the weight sticker inside the driver door for your max payload. Tongue weight and the weight of the WDH needs to be subtracted from that payload number. What's left is for the weight of your passengers, dog, stuff, etc. You should not exceed the payload rating. With a GVWR of 3700# I don't see any issues with what you want to do. Have fun!Yep I know to watch for payload. I haven't checked the numbers in detail, but these vehicles are intended to haul 5 people plus their stuff, so the payloads are respectable. Will figure out the exact numbers I need and make sure they work.

The 4Runner is a great vehicle, I've had two. The 4.0l is a bulletproof engine and will tow that weight well. The short wheelbase is a downside, as with most SUVs, but a quality hitch with built in sway should help.The stock hitch on the T4R is only bolted to the crossmember and is not rated for use with a WD hitch. It can be done but you risk damage. You'll want to consider upgrading to a frame mounted one. Not sure what's out there for the newer generation T4Rs.

Towing with an Explorer, Highlander or 4Runner-experiences?

camp-n-family
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
The 4Runner is a great vehicle, I've had two. The 4.0l is a bulletproof engine and will tow that weight well. The short wheelbase is a downside, as with most SUVs, but a quality hitch with built in sway should help.

The stock hitch on the T4R is only bolted to the crossmember and is not rated for use with a WD hitch. It can be done but you risk damage. You'll want to consider upgrading to a frame mounted one. Not sure what's out there for the newer generation T4Rs.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Sep 14, 2016
Campfire Time wrote:
Unless the owners manual specifically forbids the use of a WDH, so long as you are not exceeding your rated capacities, there is no reason not to use one.

Check the weight sticker inside the driver door for your max payload. Tongue weight and the weight of the WDH needs to be subtracted from that payload number. What's left is for the weight of your passengers, dog, stuff, etc. You should not exceed the payload rating.

With a GVWR of 3700# I don't see any issues with what you want to do.

Have fun!

Yep I know to watch for payload. I haven't checked the numbers in detail, but these vehicles are intended to haul 5 people plus their stuff, so the payloads are respectable. Will figure out the exact numbers I need and make sure they work.
JAC1982
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
Also for the record, my best friend bought a 4Runner, and she absolutely hated it. She lives in the mountains and said it was a total dog going up the inclines...and that's without towing anything. So much so that she traded it back in a couple months later for a new model of her previous vehicle, a Lexus. I'd imagine a Highlander would be even worse.

ETA: The in laws tow a 22'ish ft travel trailer and a boat (not together) with a Sequoia and are happy with it.
JAC1982
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
I have a 2016 Explorer Sport with the tow package. I got it to upgrade from an Edge, specifically to pull an enclosed 7x14 utility trailer with a RZR side by side in it, around 3,400lbs total. It does just fine without a WDH, although we might consider one for longer trips (I just got the Explorer in July). Now, our trailer is not as long or as tall as the trailer you're looking at, so keep that in mind, you might have some issues with wind, etc, but I think you'd be OK.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Sep 14, 2016
Unless the owners manual specifically forbids the use of a WDH, so long as you are not exceeding your rated capacities, there is no reason not to use one.

Check the weight sticker inside the driver door for your max payload. Tongue weight and the weight of the WDH needs to be subtracted from that payload number. What's left is for the weight of your passengers, dog, stuff, etc. You should not exceed the payload rating.

With a GVWR of 3700# I don't see any issues with what you want to do.

Have fun!

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