I am considering buying aToyota Highlander to tow a 26X. Does anyone have experience with this combination? I would like to buy a Hybrid SUV to tow the boat but the highlander can tow 3000lbs which makes it marginal. Any suggestions?
Towing 26X with Highlander
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towing with highlander
I have a 2001 Highlander, V-6, 220 hp, with tow package rated at 3,500 pounds. I tow my 1971, 22', MacGregor Venture everywhere including in the mountains and only use the overdrive lock-out on very steep mountains. The vehicle has more than enough power to tow your 26x, especially if you lock out the overdrive. It also has a plus in that you can start out in second gear to pull your boat out of the water or tow on slick surfaces or roads. You don't really need the hybrid but it does have more horsepower and saves a little gas. I am getting 22 mpg on the road and 15-17 mpg while pulling my boat. Go for it. Novelman
I have a 2001 Highlander, V-6, 220 hp, with tow package rated at 3,500 pounds. I tow my 1971, 22', MacGregor Venture everywhere including in the mountains and only use the overdrive lock-out on very steep mountains. The vehicle has more than enough power to tow your 26x, especially if you lock out the overdrive. It also has a plus in that you can start out in second gear to pull your boat out of the water or tow on slick surfaces or roads. You don't really need the hybrid but it does have more horsepower and saves a little gas. I am getting 22 mpg on the road and 15-17 mpg while pulling my boat. Go for it. Novelman
torque vs HP
When towing, consider torque over HP in your decision. Usually an increase in HP means a sacrifice in torque.
When towing, consider torque over HP in your decision. Usually an increase in HP means a sacrifice in torque.
Don't do it!
I intend to buy a 26X soon. According to my research the boat with trailer and motor, + a bit of equipment, usually weighs near 3,600 lbs. I've just bought a Ford Explorer V8 rated at 6,400 lbs towing capacity (3.73 axle). I want a lot of reserve capacity because I'll be towing long distances. According to Trailer Boats magazine and all experts I've consulted, you should never tow a rig that weighs more than your capacity, you can damage the motor, transmission, or other components, and your warranty may be voided.
I intend to buy a 26X soon. According to my research the boat with trailer and motor, + a bit of equipment, usually weighs near 3,600 lbs. I've just bought a Ford Explorer V8 rated at 6,400 lbs towing capacity (3.73 axle). I want a lot of reserve capacity because I'll be towing long distances. According to Trailer Boats magazine and all experts I've consulted, you should never tow a rig that weighs more than your capacity, you can damage the motor, transmission, or other components, and your warranty may be voided.
Hybrid to TOW?
you did not mention how far you wish to tow, or how often. as other said, the highlander is marginal for towing.. no idea if the hybrid is even intended for towing... that being said, if you go slow, brake in a straight line, & never need to panic stop, you can get away with towing with a kia, or other marginal vehichle... heat and stopping being biggest issues. (you'll want to blow the balast before trying to retrieve) and a longer wheelbase make the ride much less choppy at speed.
you did not mention how far you wish to tow, or how often. as other said, the highlander is marginal for towing.. no idea if the hybrid is even intended for towing... that being said, if you go slow, brake in a straight line, & never need to panic stop, you can get away with towing with a kia, or other marginal vehichle... heat and stopping being biggest issues. (you'll want to blow the balast before trying to retrieve) and a longer wheelbase make the ride much less choppy at speed.
Tow Vehicle
Since you have not aquired the Highlander yet, don't. Do some extensive research on towing and be sure you cover everything. A 26X with trailer, a 50Hp motor, two tanks of gas, supplies, extra mods done, etc. etc. will weigh in in excess of 3500 lbs easily. You need a Class 3 hitch and tow vehicle, (up to 5000#) to be realistic and safe. Your tow vehicle should be heavier than the load you tow or else when push comes to shove the heavier load will win out. Also consider the wheel base, the longer wheel base vehicles really help in preventing the tail from wagging the dog. I originally had a little two door Chevy Blazer (Class 3)with 5000# towing capacity, 3.73 axle ratio 195HP & 190 lbs/ft torque. It had all the muscle for the job but lacked in vehicle weight and wheel base. I now use a Chevy TrailBlazer with the extended 129" wheelbase, it also has the factory tow package, 3.73 axle ratio, frame integrated hitch, built in wiring harness, 7 quart oil pan, transmission cooler, etc. etc. and it weighs in at just over 5000# a good 1000# more than the load I tow. A much more comfortable tow package and a vehicle my wife enjoys driving. If you want to own a boat you should also consider owning a good tow vehicle. Also consider legal responsibilities in your jurisdiction, you may be legally required to be within safe towing limits or face fines or insurance problems if you get in an accident and have failed to ensure your loads are matched to the vehicle. You could be held liable! Load the boat up and take it to a commercial scale and you may be suprised at how heavy a load you are pulling! The tow vehicle is not the the the piece of equipment you look to save money on, it is the piece you look for safety on. Think about it.
Since you have not aquired the Highlander yet, don't. Do some extensive research on towing and be sure you cover everything. A 26X with trailer, a 50Hp motor, two tanks of gas, supplies, extra mods done, etc. etc. will weigh in in excess of 3500 lbs easily. You need a Class 3 hitch and tow vehicle, (up to 5000#) to be realistic and safe. Your tow vehicle should be heavier than the load you tow or else when push comes to shove the heavier load will win out. Also consider the wheel base, the longer wheel base vehicles really help in preventing the tail from wagging the dog. I originally had a little two door Chevy Blazer (Class 3)with 5000# towing capacity, 3.73 axle ratio 195HP & 190 lbs/ft torque. It had all the muscle for the job but lacked in vehicle weight and wheel base. I now use a Chevy TrailBlazer with the extended 129" wheelbase, it also has the factory tow package, 3.73 axle ratio, frame integrated hitch, built in wiring harness, 7 quart oil pan, transmission cooler, etc. etc. and it weighs in at just over 5000# a good 1000# more than the load I tow. A much more comfortable tow package and a vehicle my wife enjoys driving. If you want to own a boat you should also consider owning a good tow vehicle. Also consider legal responsibilities in your jurisdiction, you may be legally required to be within safe towing limits or face fines or insurance problems if you get in an accident and have failed to ensure your loads are matched to the vehicle. You could be held liable! Load the boat up and take it to a commercial scale and you may be suprised at how heavy a load you are pulling! The tow vehicle is not the the the piece of equipment you look to save money on, it is the piece you look for safety on. Think about it.
how often
do you plan to trailer it? I only use my trailer to haul my boat in and out of the water- 2 tows per season. I could rent a truck and keep a more fuel efficient car for daily driving and save lots of money. In theory anyway.
do you plan to trailer it? I only use my trailer to haul my boat in and out of the water- 2 tows per season. I could rent a truck and keep a more fuel efficient car for daily driving and save lots of money. In theory anyway.
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