[Harley0711]

We have a 2018 Highlander Limited, 2nd Highlander, 07 totaled 7/2018. Our ne Limited has the tow package. Past 18 months, getting 25+ mpg driving at 65 Modesto, CA to Prescott, AZ.
Just got an enclosed trailer, moving to Prescott plan to ( keep with tow limits ) and start filling up storage in AZ while house is being built

picked up new trailer in Fresno, CA drove back to Turlock //// pretty much Flat land drive. Started off at 60 mph / 2,000 rpm. (16,7 mpg) not bad //// after about 40 miles, noticed the rpm had jumped to about 2800?.
I know the transmission is an 8 speed.

when I noticed the rpm’s had jumped = I pulled the gearshift to the left / trans had dropped to 5th gear???

for the rest of the way home, was able to work trans to move up gears and get back to the 2000 rpm’s

so, to you tow guys / gals.

what should I do in the future?

 

[Rickvmax]

A couple of things come to mind, the enclosed trailer's profile (aerodynamic, wind drag at the rear of the trailer), head wind at the time of your trip from Fresno to Turlock (nice 80 miles drive) and there is just a slight elevation (~200') difference, If you take the same route often, I would watch if your HL is consistently running at higher RPM and down in the 5th gear on that same section/same direction of the road (if opposite in direction and running in a higher gear, there may just be on a slight long stretch of incline).

P.S. If you were using cruise control, it could have downshifted to maintain your set speed. With load, it does sometimes make the AT a bit more agile in balancing between speed and the appropriate gear to use.

 

[Harley0711]

A couple of things come to mind, the enclosed trailer's profile (aerodynamic, wind drag at the rear of the trailer), head wind at the time of your trip from Fresno to Turlock (nice 80 miles drive) and there is just a slight elevation (~200') difference, If you take the same route often, I would watch if your HL is consistently running at higher RPM and down in the 5th gear on that same section/same direction of the road (if opposite in direction and running in a higher gear, there may just be on a slight long stretch of incline).

P.S. If you were using cruise control, it could have downshifted to maintain your set speed. With load, it does sometimes make the AT a bit more agile in balancing between speed and the appropriate gear to use.

Thanks for your thoughts
I do think I had cruise on for awhile?
trailer is V-Nose, flat top

just checked elevation
Fresno = 308’
80 miles to Turlock at 106’

 

[Hedgehog11]

While pulling the trailer when it is loaded you may want to just put the transmission in "S" mode and upshift to 6th gear, as the 7th and 8th overdrive gears are not really suited for towing and the transmission will hunt up and down with even minor changes in elevation or headwind if towing with the transmission in "D".