Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Adventure
Bill,
I concur that there is nothing magic here. What you're missing is that Toyotas are rated with a Gross Combined Weight Rating that is equal to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating plus the max tow rating, unlike the way most other manufacturers do it, where the max tow rating plus the GVWR would come out well in excess of the GCWR. In other words, a Toyota tow vehicle loaded at less than it's gross weight rating towing a trailer that's less than the maximum rated tow capacity is within spec (potentially constrained further of course by load distributions, hitch loads, etc.). These things are on the door posts, the spec sheets, and in the owners manuals.
Figuring it your way instead of Toyota's way, my old reliable Toyota Highlander has a tow rating of only 3500#. But, there are 4700# between the empty weight of my TV and the Gross Combined Weight Rating, which is plenty of room for me, my bride, and a Trailmanor. I guess I could stick a Desoto badge on it and say that I have a 4700# tow rating, but the more important point is that when Toyota says you have a 3500# tow rating, you have a full 3500 pound tow rating unless you're overloading some aspect of the tow vehicle.
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I'm not sure where you are getting this information but I have never seen that in writing. Do you have a link to an Official Toyota website or a Toyota Owner's Manual that has that statement in it. That would be valuable information and would put Toyota at the top of the industry in tow ratings. That would eliminate the apparent, "Magic here"
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Here is a copy/paste from the Toyota website on your Highlander:
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Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual.
The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment.
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Here's a note about the highlander tow hitch:
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Tow Hitch w/Ball Mount: Every Toyota tow hitch features a model-specific design that’s precisely engineered to achieve your vehicle’s safest maximum tow rating and is subject to an uncompromising design, testingand manufacturing process. Toyota tow hitches feature a dual-layer painting process for help protect against corrosion, the elements and from ultraviolet (UV) rays to maintain its longterm appearance. Disclaimer: Before towing, confirm your vehicle and trailer are compatible, hooked up and loaded properly and that you have any necessary additional equipment. Do not exceed any Weight Ratings and follow all instructions in your Owner’s Manual.
The maximum you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment.
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Addition of red lettering was added by me for emphasis......