Can a Highlander tow a 3124?

[Gwenne & Len]

We are wondering if anyone has experience towing a 3124 with a Highlander.....we have a 3.6 engine, towing capacity is 5000 lbs and the 3124 weights 3200.......but has anyone here done it? We have a 2720 now, and the Highlander does nicely, though we feel it 'feeling it' on hills.....I'd love a bigger unit, if our car can handle it.......

[mecicon]

In the flatlands where you reside...probably.

Once you load the 3124 that dry weight (excluding, A/C, awning, propane, any liquids, dry goods, dishes, pots, pans, food, et al) will be closer to 4,500 putting you very close to the 'margin'.

My concern would be the rear axle weight of the Toy Highlander.

[Brittany Dogs]

I agree, too close to your margin and I'd have concerns about stopping. I prefer tow vehicles that are on a frame and not on a plate as I believe the Highlander is.

[BrucePerens]

This is why I ended up with a grand cherokee instead of a highlander. About 10K less for class IV tow package and AWD, and 6500 pound tow rating for 6 cyl. I really like my Prius, 110K since 2007 and never a problem. And 150K on a Camry that had no problems in 17 years until I donated it, I doubt the Jeep will be as reliable.

[rvcycleguy]

I tow a 3124 and it's a beast at times. Lots of storage space and you end up taking a lot of gear. The extra weight will add up quite significantly to well over 4000 lbs and require more towing power. I use a 4.7 Tundra. Plenty of reserve power.

[gonzo628]

Originally Posted by BrucePerens

This is why I ended up with a grand cherokee instead of a highlander. About 10K less for class IV tow package and AWD, and 6500 pound tow rating for 6 cyl. I really like my Prius, 110K since 2007 and never a problem. And 150K on a Camry that had no problems in 17 years until I donated it, I doubt the Jeep will be as reliable.

Bruce,

If you didn't this time, and end up in another Mopar (after this one), consider a Mopar MaxCare warranty. There is a dealer in Kansas (I think) that sells them real cheap. When I purchased the D, I bought the MaxCare. $2130 (This may not sound real cheap, but the dealer I purchased my D from, did not even offer it (said most people thought it was too expensive. When I persisted, they pulled the price for it and said it was over $4k). The warranty covers most everything that's not a "maintenance/wear item" (Tires, Spark plugs, etc), has rental coverage and has no mileage / year limit. The caveat being that if any single repair exceeds the value of the vehicle, they will cut you a check for the value and terminate the contract.

[LoveToCamp]

"... I doubt the Jeep will be as reliable".

Bruce, based on what? I have had Jeeps, both Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, since 1988, and my wife has been driving them since 1997.

My first Cherokee was traded with 325k miles, when it started having some problems. Second Cherokee was traded with 225k miles when I got a trailer and wanted an 8-cyl. That 2004 8-cyl had over 150k when I traded for a 2007 diesel, which did have problems. I only put an additional 100k miles on it (total of 175k) before I got rid of it due to problems. My 2014 Grand Cherokee diesel has 93,500 miles today, and has had one "problem" - the exhaust filter needed to be cleaned.

Do normal maintenance, and your GC could last a very long time. Yes, I drive lots of miles, so my vehicles get lots of wear and tear. Jeeps have served me (and my wife) very well. Hers have been just as reliable, and have not had any problems. We love the Jeep brand.

[oldstick]

I tend to agree with the above. We cautiously tow our 3023 with a Tacoma V6 supposedly rated for 6400 lbs/600 lbs tongue wt, and after several trips, I would definitely not want to try anything bigger and heavier. Mainly because I get the feeling my rear spring loading and the actual trailer wt. are pretty near the comfort limit for the Tacoma.

[CAG1976]

I tow a 3124kb with a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser. I think its the same V6 you have in your highlander. The FJ is on a ladder frame, I think they call it. But with the weight distribution hitch set up I have no issues towing the 3124. I don't load it up full of stuff though since we usually take two vehicles. I think it tows fine for the midwest. I probably would not take it through the I-70 mountain pass of Colorado though.

But I have had driven through Missouri and into the Lake of the Ozarks which has a lot of hills and windy roads. I thought I would have issues but I have not. Other than getting 12-13 MPG.

So depending on where you are trying to you would probably be fine. If your actually getting into mountains and steep inclines I would get a v-8 Tundra.

[davlin]

Our 3124KS, loaded for camping, but no on board water, tipped the scales right at 5,000 lbs. The other weight to be careful about is tongue weight. Ours was right at 600 lbs, so would almost certainly need a WDH to tow.