Towing Capacity?

[Regulator75]

Does anyone tow with a Toyota or another smaller type truck that has a similar towing capacity? The Highlander states it can tow 3500 lbs.

Would I have any issues hauling a small travel trailer that's fully loaded up?

Some of the smaller travel trailers I have been looking at range between 2,337 (empty) – 3329 lbs (full).

Thanks!

[pylon]

I am in the car business and all I can suggest is this. If you plan to tow anything near the capacity limit of one of these light duty crossover style suv's, it is imaparative you have the right cooling equipment on the vehicle (Oil cooler/tranny cooler) since the transmissions in these things are not designed to tow like a tranny in a 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton. That being said, I suggest to my customers that the cost of renting a full size truck for the week or two you need to tow something big usually outweighs the wear and tear it causes on you vehicle if you tow at or near capacity. Knowing what I know, I wouldn't tow more than 2000 lbs with a highlander because the transmission in that it is essentially the same as what you get in a Camry.

[automaton 3]

^^That is great advice Pylon.

In my experience you don't want to be anywhere near the stated max towing capacity for any vehicle. You might also want to do some checking into how Toyota calculates that 3500 pound max, it might be without any passengers, cargo or fuel in the vehicle.

Bottom line is that it might tow that weight ok on level ground, with no wind, no cargo or passengers at sea level...but as you know heading off to the mountains (assuming that's where you're headed) is a different story all together.

The tongue weight of the trailer and the braking capability of your vehicle should also be considered.

Whatever you decide, good luck and happy camping.