320 S or 400 with Toyota Highlander Hybrid

seanhyde

I'm in the market for my first trailer and considering the TAB 320 S or 400. I currently have a 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (stock) which I would like to use as my tow vehicle.  I believe towing the 320 S would work with the Highlander, but I'm unsure if it will appropriately pull the 400 based on tongue weight and GVWR etc.  I would appreciate feedback from this Forum to help me understand the numbers, considerations, basics about towing, and if the Highlander will pull the 400.  Thx!

trimtab

"All hybrid versions of the 2020 Highlander will be able to pull up to 3,500 pounds."
Lots of information on this forum about towing. With that capacity and the stock HP, the 320.  

VictoriaP

The tongue weight on a 400 puts it off limits for a vehicle that can only handle 350 lbs, and the overall weight when loaded would likely exceed the 3500 lb limit on the hybrid. We do actually have quite a few people here and on Facebook who routinely tow the 320 with your vehicle and love it, as well as people who tow with the standard engine Highlander.

So, if your heart is set on a 400, you’ll need to change tow vehicles to something with a minimum 5000 lb overall towing capacity (500 lb tongue weight). But the 320 is no problem.

seanhyde

Thank You @trimtab and @VictoriaP, your responses are appreciated.

GrandmasKid

I've towed our 2017 Outback (like a 320 Boondock) 23K miles in steep and windy conditions with our 2010 Toyota Highlander. We haven't had any problems though our gas mileage varies greatly with the terrain. I'm pretty sure for something heavier like the 400 you would need a tow vehicle with more capacity. On a flat towing we get 16 mpg. Pulling way up hill from the bottom of Death Valley to Sequoyah NP 11mpg. Downhill with a tailwind from Durham, NC toward Atlanta,GA, 27mpg. Yes, the mileage varies a lot.

trimtab

we are thinking of getting a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid..towing capacity of 3500...  great mpg...we have a 320-s ( Q5 is getting tired)

Denny16

The Highlander will work,with the 320, but not the TaB400.
Cheers

trimtab

Getting a 2020 non-hybrid Highlander, towing capacity 5000 lbs. Should be fine for a 400..I would think.

HellFish

We have a 2019 Toyo Highlander with tow package.  Came with the flat 4 pin connector...had to buy 7-pin harness so it would fit the 7-pin connector on out T@G.  We don't have electric brakes, so all I was concerned about was getting the connector to fit...you'll need some additional wiring if you have electric brakes.  There are youtube vids showing what you need.  

qhumberd

A good rule of thumb is to check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR for your new Highlander and consider your payload of passengers and gear in addition to the loaded 400. That all counts toward your TV capability and how it will perform. I have read many threads that indicated how folks that started out with a TV near the limit and ultimately were not happy with how it performed. That was why we went with a truck (2016 Tundra with tow package) for our 400, and we had never owned a full size truck before. It provides both myself and the DW confidence we need. All I needed was a couple of forced quick maneuvers with our 400 going 60-65 to convince me that a longer wheelbase TV is safer. The attached reference is older but the physics are still applicable. Part 5 was most helpful in my research. Best wishes.

Sharon_is_SAM

@trimtab - remember the 2019 400s are tongue heavy.

trimtab

What Qhumberd said.