Almost ready to buy 2619

[Tcollie]

We r real newbies to TM, but trying to do research. We are former pup owner, then Outback Kargoroo 5200 lbs which was loved, but expensive to tow, bought a tent, but looking for a smaller camper I can tow w 2017 6 cyl Highlander with 5000 lb towing capacity for local towing to Pickwick TN, and one we can tow with Hubby 2006 Tacoma (tc 7500 lbs) to mountains of Arkansas and TN. Found a 2011 2619 TM. Any thoughts or recommendations? We are near 60s so will we be able to hang with mechanics of this folding camper?

TC in Tennessee

 

[Bill]

Over the years, towing capacity has gotten a lot of attention in this forum. I think the general consensus is that a vehicle with a 5000-pound tow rating will be fine for a 2619, especially since you plan to stay in the mountains in the east, rather than the Rockies and Sierras out west. The Tacoma at 7500 pounds, of course, is more than adequate anywhere you go. I'm assuming there are only two of you and your stuff?

And I'm assuming that the 5000-pound tow capacity you refer to is the capacity of your specific vehicle - meaning that if a factory tow package is required in order to achieve that capacity, your vehicle has that package.

As for your physical capacity to open and close the camper, no one can ensure that it is a good match, though the odds are in your favor. The best way to answer the question is to try it. The owner should be glad to let you do that. If it is hard to open or close, there are various adjustments that can help, and this forum is the place to go for specific information on how to do it.

Bill

 

[Tcollie]

Looking at 2619

Bill,
I am embarrassed to say that is only the tow rating of the 17 highlander. It did not come with a hitch like our Tacoma. I have not had the towing hitch installed as yet. We do want to take our 2 adolescent grandchildren, but hubby may always ccome...hence my decision with the Highlander and smaller camper. So I should make sure I have a reputable company to install out towing hitch? I appreciate your feedback as my research can only take me so far.
TC in TN

 

[Bill]

TC -

No embarrassment needed. A 2017 Highlander has a tow rating ranging from 1500 lbs to 5000 pounds, depending on trim level and options. Hence my query about the tow package.

For hitch installation, you could go to an RV place, or a Toyota place, but I think you will pay a lot less for the same hitch at U-Haul, which seems to do a good job. You will want a weight-distributing hitch, of course.

Bill

 

[Shane826]

Let me ask about that Kargoroo... Which model did you have? I’m eyeballing a used one, may go look at it next week. I love my 3326 but I’m really keen on the idea of being able to bring my motorcycle along.

 

[tentcamper]

You need to check if your highlander has a tow package. If you have the tow package there is no issue with the highlanger. The tow package does not include a hitch. But includes additional transmission cooler, engine oil cooler, higher rpm engine fans, larger radiator and larger alternator. I know in 2016 the highlander did not have the tow package as a option it came on certain models like the LE Plus, XLE and Limited. Check what 2017 models have tow package.

It looks like all models in 2017 have the tow package My search has?? "All 2017 Highlander V6 models come standard with a towing package that allows for a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. The package includes a heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, supplemental transmission oil cooler and 150-amp alternator."

We has a 2012 highlander. Very happy with it. Hills and mountains a little slowdown. Soft rear end. we use a 600 lb WDH to compensate. Could get by without it. We are towing a 3023 more heavy and more tongue weight then a 2619.

 

[Tcollie]

Newbie looking at TM

Art,

My 2017 Highlander is XLE and is supposed to come with HD battery and transmission cooling, but I need to call Toyota just to confirm. Hitch and wiring harness estimates: Toyota dealer $800...ha ha and U-haul around $400.

It's a 2010 2619 model we going to look at this week. It's from an individual who says everything works great, additional texted pictures look clean/good, has all the options, minor hail damage on top is of little concern unless it leaks. Unfortunately, there is like a 80-100% chance of rain and thunderstorms on the day we are going...what does a "clear rebuilt title" mean? I am concerned it may be a salvage as price seems to good to be true as nearer the low retail.

Shane, hope I answered all your 23 ft Outback Kargoroo questions in the PM.
Everyone has been so helpful in this forum and I appreciate your expertise.

TC in Tennessee

 

[tentcamper]

I think you are good. It looks like 2017 all models came with the tow package.

On my 2012 highlander. I ended up buying and installing a factory hitch. It had the most ground to hitch clearance by about 3" and it has a lot more bolts to the frame then any aftermarket. I ended up finding one on amazon for about $150 less than I could buy local. But it was still about 2.5X the aftermarket hitch price. Also, I bought the light wire adaptor (aftermarket)on amazon for about 2/3rd the the price the dealer wanted.

There were several youtube's on installing the wires for the 2012.

 

[Shane826]

I can’t wrap my head around having a tow package that doesn’t come with a hitch and harness. Makes no sense to me.

 

[Bill]

That was my thought as well. It isn't really a "tow package" without them. On the other hand, those two items (hitch and wire harness) can readily be added as aftermarket items, while the others, not so much.

On other vehicles that are purchased without tow package, folks here on the forum often talk about adding the others as aftermarket, but they are really not the same as factory-installed. I guess it is just a Toyota advertising gimmick that seems to let them build a car for a little less money, while making a bigger claim than is truly deserved.

Bill

 

[tentcamper]

I think it's very common on SUV's and minivans. I know the chrysler's tow package for the minivans come the same way. Now you could also order the hitch and wiring on any of them. But if you think about it. Some people just want to carry larger loads in the van or SUV. So the order the tow package.

I know my 1988 E150 van came with a factory tow package without a hitch or receiver. Which include a larger radiator, large secondary trans cooler and a different transmission. Nor sure what else.

Nisan you use to be able to order a WDH with the trucks. Don't know if you still can.

 

[Icon-KEY]

Brake Controller

T Collie, you will also want a brake controller. Tekonsha Prodigy is top-rated and easy to operate.

Many states require a brake controller over certain weights.

Good luck with your search and potential purchase.

 

[Tcollie]

Thanks everyone from newbie TC in Tennessee,

I agree with Toyota labeling it incorrectly as a Highlander tow package without a hitch or a harness...there's a country song there somewhere...LOL. For now we are just going to forego towing with the Highlander.

We did buy that 2010 2619 Trailmanor beauty in Arkansas with rebuilt title as it only had minor hail dings on the front cap. We negotiated a great price, and it was super clean, no active leaks that we witnessed in an active Arkansas downpour, roof seams looked good, and no evidence of water damage. The owner really gave it TLC and was so mournful to see it go. I had to hug him. Our 'nused' TM towed like a dream with 2006 Tacoma and hubby only used 1/2 tank to get us home....used to be an entire tank with our former Keystone Outback....and wind drag was negligible. Now we getting ready for Pickwick lake March spring break. We are feeling a little more comfortable setting up and taking down since we've been practicing like good little TM newbie students, but I cannot find a current step by step list on this site. My hubby really wants one for tech guidance, but all could find was one from 2003 for older models. Anyone have a more updated set up list for a 2010 or strong suggestions for must have camping with 2619 TM?

Also, I am trying not to over pack, but it's a challenge downsizing to a smaller camper. I guess I am going to suck it up and pay that hefty yearly fee for all you guys wonderful TM guru wisdom.

Many Thanks,
TC in Tennessee

 

[Kidkraz]

TC, welcome to the forum. Personally, I would go to YouTube and find yer self a good video and copy it to yer phone, computer or tablet. Easiest way to learn and teach others on setup and taking it down. I’ve done it lots of times and still forget stowing the door every now and then, especially when someone comes to help, that gets me out of sequence.

 

[Bill]

We are feeling a little more comfortable setting up and taking down since we've been practicing like good little TM newbie students, but I cannot find a current step by step list on this site. My hubby really wants one for tech guidance, but all could find was one from 2003 for older models. Anyone have a more updated set up list for a 2010 or strong suggestions for must have camping with 2619 TM?

I don't think that there is any difference between opening/closing a 2003 unit and opening/closing a 2010 unit. If you do find one, it will be immediately obvious, and you can pencil it into your 2003 list.

Bill

 

[Tcollie]

Newbie 2619 TM

Thanks you guys,

My husband and I both research those "youtubes", and used one as a guide for taking down when we arrived home. I imagine we may have to use it again when we start out next year also. The previous owner was a great teacher emphasized the must do's so we wouldn't have to set up the camper again when arriving home to avoid having to open the camper toilet, close windows, turn off radio & lights, switching power., etc.

I found a the 2001 set up & take down checklist by Gregg in Portland that was extremely helpful. For now we are mainly exhaustively cleaning the inside and out. Kidkraz, I can see how "someone coming to help" would break your focus. Thanks again.

TC in Tennessee

 

[tentcamper]

Great, welcome to the family of TM owners.

As mentioned during the thread. Make sure you get a brake controller if you don't have one. Most TV's require the trailer to have working brakes to tow to the rated limit of the TV tow capacity. I know my highlander is 5K tow capacity, but only like 2K without working trailer brakes.