How to Determine the Maximum Towing Weight for a 2008 Toyota Highlander

Question:

I am looking at camper travel trailers and would like to know what I can tow with my 2008 Toyota highlander. I had the tow hitch added to vehicle which is rated at 5000 lbs but I dont have transmission coolant etc. How big of a trailer can I pull? Some of these lite trailers only weigh 3500-3800 lbs.

asked by: Kurt

Expert Reply:

You will need to check your vehicle owners manual, the drivers side door jamb, and the trailer hitch itself, to determine the maximum towing capacity for your specific vehicle.

I did some research on the internet and found that the 2008 Toyota Highlander, is rated for from 2,000 lbs towing up to 5,000 lbs towing if properly equipped for max towing. Actually checking your specific vehicle is the only safe way to determine the maximum capacity.

You should be able to select a nicely equipped travel trailer once you have the capacity of your vehicle figured out. Remember to make sure that you take into account all of the equipment you will be carrying in the truck and trailer when towing and stay withing the vehicle gross combined weight rating (GCWR).

As a general rule anytime you are towing a trailer that weighs greater than 50 percent of the vehicles total weight, trailer brakes and weight distribution are recommended.

The weight distribution system you referenced might be a bit heavy for your vehicle, which could cause a slightly stiff ride. I would recommend getting the actual tongue weight of the trailer you will be towing and selecting a weight distribution system which exceeds the fully loaded tongue weight of the trailer and anything that will be loaded behind the rear axle of your vehicle.

I added a link to a weight distribution article that should be helpful.

expert reply by: Robert G