Can 2015 Toyota Highlander Tow 4000 lb Travel Trailer
Question:
I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE. Max Tow =5000 I am looking at purchasing the Flagstaff E PRO 19FBS. I would like to know if my vehicle will be able to tow with no problem. Will definitely be going in mountains of California. UVW=3290. Tongue Weight=474. Also which would be my best option for WDH ?
asked by: Alisha H
Expert Reply:
Your Highlander can pull a trailer of that size, but it could be pretty hard on the vehicle.
If you were towing on flat ground it wouldn't' be a big deal, but because you'll be going through the mountains, you'll be pushing your Highlander fairly near its limits. If your travel trailer is loaded all the way up to the GVWR, it could weigh as much as 4400 lbs which is pretty close to the towing capacity of the vehicle.
If it were me, I'd look at a lighter camper option or if that camper is used, make it a point to travel light and watch every pound placed in the travel trailer to keep it as light as possible.
According to my research, the 2015 Highlander had a 6 speed transmission, not a CVT so you can use a transmission cooler which I would highly recommend. You'll want to install the cooler directly behind the grille, in front of the radiator, and get the largest cooler that will fit in the available space. I'd recommend either part # D13503 which measures 11 x 8-3/4 inches or the # D13502 which measures 11 x 7 inches.
I've linked to a product video for one of the coolers I recommended, as well as to some help articles about transmission coolers.
For a weight distribution system, I'd recommend a system that provides an integrated sway control system, since campers with taller sides are pretty susceptible to trailer sway. I'd go with the Fastway e2 system, part # FA92-00-0800 which is designed for trailers with tongue weighs ranging from 400-800 lbs which would be perfect for your Flagstaff travel trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 8-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Fastway
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Strait-Line Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Search Results: brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Weight Distribution System Recommendation For A 2016 Nissan Frontier
- Q&A: Economical Weight Distribution Hitch for 2002 Toyota Tundra Towing 3,500 Pound Camper
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Search Results: 4 way to 7 way adapter
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Q&A: How to Install a 7-way and Brake Controller on a 2022 Toyota Highlander
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: How to Install a Weight Distribution Hitch (With Pictures & Video)
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control - No Shank - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW
- Shop: Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW
- Shop: Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 4,500 lbs GTW, 450 lbs TW
- Shop: Transmission Cooler
- Video: Ultimate Overview of the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
on Weight Distribution Hitch
