Highlander Hybrid towing

[pdx]

So I hope this question isn’t redundant, but does anyone have any experience towing with their Highlander Hybrid? I know they are rated for 3500lbs (with the proper tow package), but has anyone actually done this and if so, how well do they perform?

Secondly, according to Toyota, the “towing prep package” is required to two and includes the wiring, transmission cooler etc. The sales people at my local dealer can’t seem to determine if the hybrids come standard with this or not. Does anyone know?

Thanks!!!!

[Iceman91]

Yes but you have to buy 3 things. Trailer hitch, tow harness, & some tow haness filter. Instructions are all inclueded in the harness filter on how to install everything. Over in reality it is a big pain in the azz, but it can tow, I am pull'n 2 Sea Doo RXP's with no probs.

[chuckotaco]

Originally Posted by pdx

So I hope this question isn’t redundant, but does anyone have any experience towing with their Highlander Hybrid? I know they are rated for 3500lbs (with the proper tow package), but has anyone actually done this and if so, how well do they perform?

Secondly, according to Toyota, the “towing prep package” is required to two and includes the wiring, transmission cooler etc. The sales people at my local dealer can’t seem to determine if the hybrids come standard with this or not. Does anyone know?

Thanks!!!!

Here are the parts that you need for towing with your HiHy (along with the Toyota part numbers):

PT228-69045 Toyota Highlander 2" Receiver Hitch (Class II - 3500 lbs)
08921-48861 Trailer wiring harness converter (hybrid specific)

On the Toyota website and in the Highlander brochure that I have the towing capacity of the Highlander Hybrid is listed at 3500lbs. The "Tow Prep Package" is included according to this document:

http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...erhybrid_f.pdf

The tow prep package is also mentioned in this thread:

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Price Announcement

[jackdaddy]

I believe that all hybrids come pre-wired for towing.

I tow with my Hybrid Highlander -- have two trailers, a 12 ft that tows 5,000 lbs.
and a 10 ft that tows 3,500 lbs.

It does much better with the ten foot trailer.

I've towed my kubota 6100 tractor and my Grizzly 600cc ATV and it does this well.

However.... It's problematic on hills -- steep grade hills... especially if they are wet or have a bit of snow.... last winter there was 1/2" of snow and the Highlander crapped out on me and wouldn't go the last 100 ft of the hill. All wheel drive was USELESS and it took 1.25 hours for me to get that last 100 ft.

Quite truthfully if you tow a lot - as I do - you are better off with a real SUV.
The 6 cyl Trailblazer tows sooo much better.... I'm going back to one soon, or the other 6 cyl GM's.

You have to choose... gas milage or real towing capability.

[hihyho]

With regard to the tow bar set-up: Is there any particular brand that you've liked?

For the '06 HiHy I see several brands out there, to include the Toyota one. I may just buy the $200 tow bar and install it myself.

Anyone comment on the feasibility of doing this?