Towing 3800lb TT- Highlander-Pathfinder?

[Deano77]

I am looking at buying a Pop up tent (Rockwood) that has gross weight capacity of 3800 lbs. (dry weight 3000 lbs). I am thinking of a Pathfinder or Highlander, which both list 5,000 lbs capacity. Does anyone have any comment on either one or something that might be better? Pathfinder comes in FWD or 4WD and Highlander comes in FWD or AWD. I was thinking the Highlander with AWD would be better, but is either enough If I fully load the Trailer to 3800? Its just my wife and I so not that worried about the GWVR.

[Deano77]

Popupcamping....yes, saw your note. I have 2 garages at home...a two car and single. The 277 will fit in the single, but the 296 is too long. I don't want to pay to store it and we are not allowed to leave in driveway. So 276 or 277 it is.

[scrubjaysnest]

Deano77 wrote:
. Will TW be higher than 359 because of propane tanks?

Full propane tanks will increase TW; two tanks full will add about 40# to the pup GVW

[popupcamping]

Deano77, did you see my post about considering the bigger tandem HW?

[dcfan99]

I have FWD on mine. I have the Sport package and control the transmission myself when I am towing.

[Deano77]

Thanks DCfan....perfect information...yes Flaggstaff and Rockwood models are the same. There are two that are the same size, but the 276 had a tongue weight about 100 lbs less. I really like the one with the outdoor burners and sink (277), but if the weight is an issue, I can always go to the 276. I found the Pathfinder has a little bit longer wheelbase, so am thinking it might be a bit better. That is pretty good mileage you are getting!! Do you have AWD or FWD on the highlander?

[dcfan99]

Deano77 wrote:
Thanks everyone. DCFan...is your HW about the same weight as what I am looking at? Total of 3800? . Rockwood/Flaggstaff is the only HW I know of, but maybe there is something I am missing.

I believe it's essentially the same camper, only the finish is different between the two (I have a Flagstaff HW).

Also I wanted to clarify I do have the tow package on mine so my weights are 5000/500. I am within my limits but pushing it. I would not tow with this car without the weight distribution hitch, but with it I have absolutely no problem, no sway, no issues stopping, tow level.

I get about 17-18 MPG on the highway at around 70 towing my camper. It sits slightly above the top of my highlander, mostly the A/C but a bit of the camper. It is definitely big and I definitely know it's back there.

Good luck to ya.

[patperry2766]

I don't know if it really matters, but the Nissan has a CV transmission where as the Toyota has a 6 speed transmission.

I have a Flagstaff HW that we pulled home with our Ford Escape. Dry weight and tongue weight were just within weight specs(3400/350)....however, this is something that I WOULD NOT want to use as a exclusive tow vehicle. The Highlander/Pathfinder aren't significantly bigger than what I have...and with the weights you're talking about, they would both be questionable. I think that anything smaller than 1/2 ton truck/SUV will be underkill.

Even though my camper was empty, by the time I load it up with everything needed for a trip plus the family, then you will be pushing the weight capabilities of either vehicle that you've listed. I'm looking to get a new vehicle this fall and it will be at least a full size truck/SUV.

[Deano77]

I agree on the Deisel cost vs gas, but think about 500 miles on a tank of diesel vs 250 on the Highlander/Pathfinder! That is pretty awesome. And it looks for the most part, if you want to go up in towing capacity, you are looking at an 8 cylinder....so the mpg drops pretty significantly with that. Bottom line is if I can get away with the Highlander/Pathfinder idea, I don't think the extra $15,000 for the Audi will be worth it for 2-4 trips a year. AND as the cost of this venture goes up, my wife's motivation goes down!

[SilverEscape]

I like the looks of that Q7! I need some more towing capacity so I think I will take a good look at it myself. 😉

[popupcamping]

You could likely get a Tahoe cheaper than that Audi and the difference might makeup for any fuel costs. And you would know that you had one of the best SUV's to tow.

I have to say I have a thing for Tahoe's 😉 especially in black

[bondebond]

SilverEscape, thanks for the update on the Pathfinder. I had not looked at the current redesign.

Deano77, without any more information, that Audi sounds like a quite capable TV. It has about 20 HP more and 11 ft/lbs. less torque but a 3.70 final drive ratio so it looks really good. It has a cross-over SUV styling so it will have a shorter than optimal wheel base, which affects towing and maneuvering but anything in this class will. Trucks are great for this, but not always the practical answer for the rest of our driving times.

Of course, if money were no object, I might run out and get one myself. However, the price of diesel right now, balanced with the mileage you'd get with it (without doing actual math) seems to favor gasoline engines for the foreseeable future.

[popupcamping]

Deano77 wrote:
The other TV I ran across was an Audi Q7 diesel. This has a package that takes tow rating to 6600lbs with TW of 660lbs. Still Gets good mpg unlike a V8 and has a 26 gal gas tank, which makes it really interesting. Of course, it's a lot more money! Any thoughts on this TV pulling the 3800 lb PUP?

Should work perfectly. But it must be super expensive????

[popupcamping]

Another trailer I personally would consider if I was shopping highwalls is a HW296.

The weight is only 180 lbs more for a 16' box according to FR website. The weight will not be a concern for either the Toyota or Nissan but the thing I personally like is the dual axle vs the single axle.

Far more stability with the dual axle.

Not saying I agree with Forest rivers numbers though but maybe something to checkout. Hard to believe the dry weight is only 176lbs difference for a trailer 2 feet longer and with an extra axle,tires,rims and brakes.

Price likely is greatly different between the 2 as well but maybe something to consider.

Good luck

[Deano77]

The other TV I ran across was an Audi Q7 diesel. This has a package that takes tow rating to 6600lbs with TW of 660lbs. Still Gets good mpg unlike a V8 and has a 26 gal gas tank, which makes it really interesting. Of course, it's a lot more money! Any thoughts on this TV pulling the 3800 lb PUP?