JAC1982 wrote:
coolmom42 wrote:
rexlion wrote:
I put 140,000 miles of towing (for work and play) on my '08 Highlander. I sold it with 185K total on the odometer. By that time the transmission temp light would come on sometimes when climbing long grades at higher elevation (Rockies). I was happy with it up until then. Good power in most situations, although climbing while in a strong headwind would cause me to slow down to 38-40 mph and use a lower gear. I did have a 16'L x 7'W x 99"H KZ travel trailer for about 3 years, 2700 lbs total and about 375 lbs (loaded) on the hitch. And I used the Andersen hitch, mainly to reduce the humping over the expansion joints and to smooth out the ride; it was pretty nice to use compared to my old Equal-i-zer.
Now I have a '08 Lexus GX470 with 4.7L V8. The thing I like best about it is the air suspension, which stiffens the rear and keeps it level even with trailer attached.
The newer Explorers have the 3.5 L Ecoboost, which is a great towing engine.
Only the Sport or Platinum models have the 3.5L Ecoboost. The Limiteds and XLTs just have the regular 3.5, which has significantly less HP and torque (tow rating is the same as long as you have the tow package). You can also get the Limited or XLT with the Ecoboost 4 cylinder but that's not a good towing engine. That's the #1 reason I got a Sport vs the cheaper models.
Thanks for this info. I did not realize that the Limited was not available with the 3.5 L Ecoboost. But you are absolutely correct. That engine is only on the Platinum and the Sport. This puts the price point up with a F-150, which might just happen!
