Hauling without tow-prep - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Yazon · 01-28-2010, 05:58 PM

Hey guys
I would like to haul my friend's Mazda Miata to a track for a day of fun. It weights in at around 2100lbs. My 08 highlander is a 3.5L 2WD without towprep package. It will be around 8 hour drive each way with a patch of hills on the way.

Any issues with towing this thing?

Caterpillar 60 · 01-28-2010, 08:26 PM

Towing capacities via the toyota docs-max values in pounds:

4x2 4-cyl: 2000 w/o tow-prep, 3500 w/ tow-prep (brochure)
4x2 4-cyl: 1500 w/o tow-prep, 3500 w/ tow-prep (manual-I believe this one is correct)

4x2 6-cyl: 2000 w/o tow-prep, 5000 w/ tow-prep
4x4 6-cyl: 2000 w/o tow-prep, 5000 w/ tow-prep
Hybrids: 3500
The SE has tow-prep built in, so it is 5000 by default.

Tongue load-max values in pounds:

4-cylinder: 150 w/o tow-prep, 350 w/ tow-prep
6-cylinder: 200 w/o tow-prep, 500 w/ tow-prep

The owner's manual will have some additional info on weight and setup.

So, you are over by at least 100 pounds, more if you didn't include the trailer weight. Keep in mind that your braking distance will be much longer and you will have a lot of weight pushing you down hill. If the trailer has brakes, make sure your electrical connection supports them.

Yazon · 01-28-2010, 09:18 PM

I just checked the weight of the trailer - and it's the weights more than the car we want to haul, so the plan goes out of the window.
Thanks!

htwo · 02-21-2010, 08:18 AM

Trailers can be a big problem. if the car is 2100lbs, you might luck out and find a single axle car hauler, but finding one in 14-16' length is unlikely.

Just to mention that tongue weight is always the same for all models. The only thing that ultimately changes is the rear suspension tuning. If you hve a 4cyl and can tow 3500lbs, the tongue load can still carry 500lbs. Manufacturers only advertise it to the lower number to save their own rear ends. If the hitch itself can handle up to 5K, then 500lb is the tongue limit, if the hitch can handle 3500lbs then the tongue load limit is 350lbs, however if the hitch is a 5K rating and the vehicle can only tow 3500, the hitch can still hold 500lbs legally.