I am very interested in getting a 2004 and pulling a 98 westlake popup at around 3200lbs,but I was just on their website and they list only 2000lbs.is this correct?I sure hope not,it does have a factory tow package and has the 3.3 v6 in it.Thanks a lot.I need to know before I make a big mistake.sj
sjones wrote: I am very interested in getting a 2004 and pulling a 98 westlake popup at around 3200lbs,but I was just on their website and they list only 2000lbs.is this correct?I sure hope not,it does have a factory tow package and has the 3.3 v6 in it.Thanks a lot.I need to know before I make a big mistake.sj
Yes, it will pull that popup. A buddy has an '04 Highlander, and we looked at them a few years ago. They're nice, but not built for much towing. With the tow package they rate it at about 3,500 lbs. The most honest answer I can give you is stick to something about 2,000 fully loaded and you'll be satisfied. Max it out to 3,500 lbs and you'll do OK on the flats but hills will be slow. The V6 will help. They're basically an SUV version of a Camry.
I pull a 2006 Roo model 17 HTT (dry weight 2,900 lbs) with a 2005 Highlander (V6 3.3 w/tow package). We use Premium gas (only when towing) and take it slow. It does OK but struggles on long climbs.
I towed a pop-up with a 2002 Highlander V-6 and it did very well. I now tow a small hybrid right at the limit. It does OK with brake controller, sway control and WDH. It does have to work when going uphill or in stiff winds, but not overly so. Since you're towing a pop-up, those issues will not apply to you since air resistance is not such a problem with the pop-up.
My highway MPG was pretty good towing the pop-up (over 17 if I remeber correctly), but drops dramatically when towing the hybrid (between 10 to 13 depending on conditions).
I would recommend a good brake controller and a light-weight WDH, since it seems that's a pretty heavy pop-up. Keeping the car level makes a difference. Otherwise, you will not be disappointed unless you expect 0-60 in 6 seconds.
Dennis
2008 Trail Cruiser C21RBH
2002 Toyota Highlander
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