2008 Toyota Highlander Trailer Brake Controller question

[CKN]

I mean, I had a 97 pathfinder which was rated for “5000” lbs. it had similar horsepower if not a little less, probably weighed less, and had a soft coil-sprung rear axle. Based on assumed higher weight and presumably longer wheelbase of the highlander, 3000 lbs would be doable. We towed a 3500 lb popup with it and it was adequate (did the job but wasn’t “great”), and that was without electric brakes. we later pulled it behind a town and country minivan with a much lower rating but it was a more sure-footed platform. But, the pathfinder did indeed do it. It was most comfortable under 60.

Based on that, if he stays within safe driving habits and doesn’t get ahead of himself, take it easy, it should be fine.

The four wires will be ground, power, out to brakes, and a tapped wire to the brake light switch.

There is probably a wiring harness available to tie the controller to a plug in the dashboard or left kick panel in the suv.

You realize the Pathfinder is body on frame and the Highlander is unibody? Can't compare the two.

 

[meep]

You realize the Pathfinder is body on frame and the Highlander is unibody? Can't compare the two.

Not the 97 we had - was unibody. It had two frame rails that ran the full length but not BOF, they were unit body and thin. I poked a hole right through the driver side rail off road over some gnarly rocks. I believe they were BOF in the previous generation.

 

[CKN]

Not the 97 we had - was unibody. It had two frame rails that ran the full length but not BOF, they were unit body and thin. I poked a hole right through the driver side rail off road over some gnarly rocks. I believe they were BOF in the previous generation.

Thanks. No rails on the Highlander.
https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/member-sub-assy-rr-suspension-512060e020

You are supposed to able to tow 5,000 pounds with that.......OK.

 

[meep]

Thanks. No rails on the Highlander.
https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/member-sub-assy-rr-suspension-512060e020

You are supposed to able to tow 5,000 pounds with that.......OK.

Well, you aren’t wrong, 5000lbs would be nuts, just as the pathfinder was rated for 5500 if memory serves, which was ludicrous. But it did handle 3500, as a softly-sprung unibody with comfort-tuned suspension. The highlander is larger and heavier, which in my mind while losing the solid rear axle, does gain something back in having more mass and presumably (I’m assuming it has) a slightly longer wheelbase.

 

[ripcord]

My vehicle already has a trans cooler. I verified the trailer I’ll be towing is 1900 lbs.

1900 pounds is totally reasonable.

 

[wsalopek]

I well aware of what the manual states. There is no way in the world you should put 5,000 pounds behind that vehicle. I own one-BTW. 3,000 pounds-in the mountains is too much. The suspension in the Highlander is not adequate for towing-much at all . The tow package includes no suspension upgrades. And there are really no after market resources. (I have checked). I did post resources for you in my previous post.
You will see what I mean the first tow out. GOOD LUCK.

As long as a person stays within tongue weight parameters, why would suspension matter? Of course I realize it's always nice to have lots of extra capacity when towing, etc., but for the occasional tow, or even daily towing, manufacturers specs can be trusted.

Also, remember these are the same manufacturers who, for the IDENTICAL vehicle in, say, Europe, state WAY more towing capacity than in the United States.

 

[ripcord]

As long as a person stays within tongue weight parameters, why would suspension matter? Of course I realize it's always nice to have lots of extra capacity when towing, etc., but for the occasional tow, or even daily towing, manufacturers specs can be trusted.

Also, remember these are the same manufacturers who, for the IDENTICAL vehicle in, say, Europe, state WAY more towing capacity than in the United States.

Distances in Europe are generally shorter, and except for the Alps, there are fewer mountain passes. Also, in most European countries, slower speed limits apply when trailers are in tow.

 

[CKN]

As long as a person stays within tongue weight parameters, why would suspension matter? Of course I realize it's always nice to have lots of extra capacity when towing, etc., but for the occasional tow, or even daily towing, manufacturers specs can be trusted.

Also, remember these are the same manufacturers who, for the IDENTICAL vehicle in, say, Europe, state WAY more towing capacity than in the United States.

You don't tow. I can tell by your reply. And your argument.