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HighlanderGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid.
This is a discussion thread titled "08 Highlander Towing", within the Highlander forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I'm looking at the 08 and the tow rating appears to vary from 2000 to 5000 pounds - what is the max rating of the 3.5 V6 with the tow package -or is the tow package available with the 3.5?
My Sienna has a 3.3 and is rated for 3500 although I would not want to tow near that maximum.
Thanks for any info!
FYI: Tow rating has nothing to do with engine size . The rating is based solely on suspension and BRAKING. They don't care how fast you can go, but how fast you can STOP
Also based on other factors such as needing: Transmission Oil cooler, Engine Oil cooler and in some, a Power Steering cooler as operating temperatures will rise on these oils.
More so than tow rating, you should find the GCWR of the vehicle. This is the Gross Combined Weight Rating, that is the macimum weight of the tow vehicle and the weight of the trailer. A person could tow a trailer that is well within the tow rating but after the tow vehicle is filled with people, fuel, and gear it could still exceed the GCWR.
As posted in the 2 previous posts, there are many things that are taken into account to determine the tow rating. The most important thing that wasn't mentioned was liability. With the US being such a litigious nation, manuacturers tend to be conservative with tow ratings. It is not uncommon for the same vehicle overseas, to have a higher rating. I don't know if this applies o the 2gen HL.
Also based on other factors such as needing: Transmission Oil cooler, Engine Oil cooler and in some, a Power Steering cooler as operating temperatures will rise on these oils.
FYI, There is NO Power Steering Fluid Reservoir used on the EPS system found on the 08 HL's. It is electric.
FYI: Tow rating has nothing to do with engine size . The rating is based solely on suspension and BRAKING. They don't care how fast you can go, but how fast you can STOP
Actually this is not true.
For instance , the 1st Gen I-4 HL's have a lower cap. than a V6 HL of the same Gen. Toyota lables this difference on the OE hitch and accompanying Hitch manual.
Of course, susp. and braking are considered and used in the total equation as well.
I4-w/Tow prep>>3,000 pounds max. Gross weight capacity. 300lb. Tounge weight max.( the weight over the BALL/ Tounge)
Don't get confused with the max gross weight rating of the Hitch itself. It is a rating used by the Hitch Mfrs. before it is mounted on any Specific Vehicle. In this case, a Class II 2 inch sized reciever. On the 08 HL's the tow cap. is 5k and is considered a Class III 2 inch with this gross weight rating.
There are formulas used to derive these numbers.
LT
08 Highlander Towing
. The rating is based solely on suspension and BRAKING. They don't care how fast you can go, but how fast you can STOP 
Linear Mode
