[x94cherry]

Hi everyone--I'm looking at buying a used Highlander to tow a small camper (probably between 3,000-4,000 pounds). I'm looking at a 2010 V-6 AWD base model right now, which seems to be in good shape and does have the towing package. Most of the features missing from the base model are things I don't care about--chrome inserts, leather seats, rear climate control etc.

I do see, though, that the base model has 17" wheels compared to the 19" wheels on most other models, and I'm wondering if that will affect towing in any way. I suppose I'll lose an inch or so of ground clearance, but my main concern is whether the smaller wheels will affect the final drive ratio and reduce pulling power. On the other hand, I suppose it's possible that the 19" wheels have lower profile tires, making the overall size of the wheel and tire the same on both.

Thoughts on this? Does anyone have any experience towing with a base model? Thanks in advance.

 

[sdspeed]

Taller wheels equal a higher gear, shorter equal a lower gear. The 17" would be a better fit for towing where the taller wheel is a freeway gear that might increase mpg. Taller gear also is reflected in lower engine rpm's.
In your example depending on the choice of tires and diameter of tire vs. tire instead of the rim I doubt you'd feel a noticeable difference. Don't forget towing capacity includes occupants, baggage in the vehicle, fuel, water etc.
You "might" be asking a-lot from the Highlander?

 

[soulsurvives]

Don't forget towing capacity includes occupants, baggage in the vehicle, fuel, water etc.
You "might" be asking a-lot from the Highlander?

This is incorrect. If the highlander is gas with the tow prep package it is rated to tow 5k lbs. That means the towed vehicle can weigh up to 5k lbs and has nothing to do with what's in the Highlander. I believe you're thinking about GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating which would include the Highlander, all items in the Highlander and the weight of the towed vehicle.

 

[soulsurvives]

The 17 inch wheels have no bearing on tow capacity. As you mentioned the overall diameter of the 17 and 19 inch wheels and tires are almost identical. You will easily tow a 3-4k wagon with a Highlander.

 

[sdspeed]

This is incorrect. If the highlander is gas with the tow prep package it is rated to tow 5k lbs. That means the towed vehicle can weigh up to 5k lbs and has nothing to do with what's in the Highlander. I believe you're thinking about GVWR or gross vehicle weight rating which would include the Highlander, all items in the Highlander and the weight of the towed vehicle.

My bad! You are correct!

 

[Ralph6410]

The diameter of the wheel remains constant it is the size of the rim that changes.. meaning the amount of rubber from rim to road is what changes.. and, is proportional to comfort 5" of rubber will give a smoother ride than 2".
As to pulling a ~4000 pound trailer.. the load on the hitch will severely lower the back of your Highlander. Yes Toyota rates it at 500 pounds but driving at night you will be lighting up the tops of trees.

 

[twinster2]

I tow my 19 foot Funfinder with my 2013 HL AWD with 17 inch tires. Tows just fine. Trailer weight loaded is about 3700 pounds with a hitch weight of about 400 pounds. I use a weight distribution hitch move weight to the front wheels.

 

[sdspeed]

I tow my 19 foot Funfinder with my 2013 HL AWD with 17 inch tires. Tows just fine. Trailer weight loaded is about 3700 pounds with a hitch weight of about 400 pounds. I use a weight distribution hitch move weight to the front wheels.

Nice Combo.

 

[69887]

I tow my 19 foot Funfinder with my 2013 HL AWD with 17 inch tires. Tows just fine. Trailer weight loaded is about 3700 pounds with a hitch weight of about 400 pounds. I use a weight distribution hitch move weight to the front wheels.

As mentioned above, the total diameter of the OEM 17" tires and the OEM 19" tires are virtually the same.

However, the load capacity of the tire "might" be a slight factor. For example, a 94H or 94V has a higher load capacity than a 90H. Whether that affects the towing probably depends on the weight and the balance of the trailer.

 

[x94cherry]

Thanks everyone. I went with the Highlander Base and am looking forward to some camping trips this spring.