Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

[timmyjoebob]

In an earlier post, I figured -- with your help -- the weight of my NEW rig, which I'm picking up in NC in a couple of weeks: about 2600lbs total.

I'm towing with an '04 Highlander, normally a 3500lb capacity with a V6. However, it doesn't have a towing package. I'd be adding the tow bar, lighting, etc. In reading posts here, it got me thinking, maybe there's more to it than just a tow bar (duh). There is: a radiator on steroids and a transmission oil cooler.

Now what? Do I still tow the boat or now do I trade vehicles, too.

Explaining a new boat to the wife is one thing. But now the ditch got a bit deeper.

 

[BeaufortTJustice]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

If I was in your shoes, I would evaluate how far and often, on average, would I be towing it? Your right at or below the 75% of tow capacity that most experts recommend, which is good.

As far as oil and trans fluid cooler...I wouldn't worry about them unless you are regularly towing long distances or in unusually hilly terrain. BTW, does the trailer have any brakes? That would factor in as well.

Bottom line: If it was me and I would only be towing it 10-20 miles at a time on weekends, I would be fine with your set-up. If I was going to be towing it 50-100 miles or more each time, then I would be looking to upgrade the tow vehicle.

All of this depends on how it rides...hook it up and see how it handles - in an empty parking lot at first. My greatest worry would be the breaking ability. That is really the only questionable variable.

 

[jeeperman]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

At the least install a tranny temp gauge. Then if it climbs higher than regular too much on your first trip you can pull into a parking lot and let it cool down before continuing home.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

I was in the same boat as you recently (until I bought a truck that would tow instead of our Equinox). I had brakes installed on the trailer (or rather had them order me a trailer with brakes).

Recently I was at a tranny shop getting some women's clothes...wait...wrong shop...getting a flush done on my other car, and I asked the guy about towing and external coolers, etc. He basically said to take it easy...don't be flooring it everywhere, don't expect it to last if I'm towing up large hills, and to just take it easy in general, and he thought I'd be totally fine.

So...not sure if that helps, and I never actually towed with that car, even though I put the hitch on it (who knew? )

 

[Bronc Rider]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Get the transmission fluid cooler. Thats the only piece of equipment that will extend the life of the transmission. They are cheap and very easy to install.

 

[767Captain]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Get the transmission fluid cooler. Thats the only piece of equipment that will extend the life of the transmission. They are cheap and very easy to install.

X2 Definitely install a trans cooler. Everything else should be fine.

 

[109jb]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Many times the manufacturer lists two different towing capacities. One for the vehicle with a towing package and a different number for the same vehicle without a towing package. Obviously the capacity without the towing package will be lower. This info should be contained in your owner's manual for the vehicle. You can also find out from a dealer by giving them the VIN to check. The towing packages are different depending on the vehicle and generally at least include the hitch and a trans cooler. Sometimes though the towing package also includes a bigger radiator, bigger cooling fan, bigger alternator, beefed up suspension. The dealer should be able to tell you what the tow package includes.

If you are over the manufacturer's listed weight for how your car is equipped, don't tow the boat. If you are under, then go ahead. That simple. Remember though to read what equipment is required for that towing capacity as many smaller cars require trailer brakes even for relatively light trailers.

 

[EddiePetty]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

.............
I'm towing with an '04 Highlander, normally a 3500lb capacity with a V6. However, it doesn't have a towing package...........

just another thought in addition to preceeding advise:

Assuming the Highlander is Auto-Overdrive and air conditioned:
You will not be able to tow in OD....way too hard on the transmission and a guaranteed heat builder.
You probably will not be able to tow in mid-summer with the AC going, especially in stop 'n go traffic.
Just keep an eye on the temperature guage and react accordingly.

FWIW....Ed in 'ol Virginny

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

What routes are you taking?
I know if you are coming into NC on I-77 you will have some really hard pulls when you go back north.
Fancy Gap is a constant 7% grade to pull for about 12 miles going north.
If you are coming down hwy 220 it has all kinds of hills.

I-85 and I-95 is the flattest route but i think you are much farther west.

 

[mikeroche]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

just my thought after you get it remember gas, oil,coolers,tackle,ski'sthe wife's bag of extra clothes etc.... it may be little but it all adds weight i think my grady weighs2 tons now...her junk

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

just my thought after you get it remember gas, oil,coolers,tackle,ski'sthe wife's bag of extra clothes etc.... it may be little but it all adds weight i think my grady weighs2 tons now...her junk

Man,That is the truth!
At least for his long trip towing it home it should not be very heavy.
No extras and gear stowed everywhere....

 

[timmyjoebob]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

What routes are you taking?
I know if you are coming into NC on I-77 you will have some really hard pulls when you go back north.
Fancy Gap is a constant 7% grade to pull for about 12 miles going north.
If you are coming down hwy 220 it has all kinds of hills.

I-85 and I-95 is the flattest route but i think you are much farther west.

Actually, I'll be drivin' down to the Raleigh area and takin' US29 from VA and cutting diagonally across on some back roads. On the way home, however, I'll be takin' I-85, I-95 and I-64. Just have to cross Afton Mtn just before gettin' home. About 285 miles on the way home.

 

[piper_chuck]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Actually, I'll be drivin' down to the Raleigh area and takin' US29 from VA and cutting diagonally across on some back roads. On the way home, however, I'll be takin' I-85, I-95 and I-64. Just have to cross Afton Mtn just before gettin' home. About 285 miles on the way home.

No matter the route, you'll be doing your transmission a big favor by adding the cooler before you make the trip. It's not much money, won't hurt the vehicle's mileage, and will extend the life of the transmission and fluid.

 

[mike343]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Get the transmission cooler now.

 

[Josh P]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

ya i installed a rebuilt trans in my truck and that is the first and major thing my builder told me to do even if i wasn't towing,he said the factory cooler wans't enough, he told me as long as i install a cooler my trans was warrantied for life. if you drop the trans temp by 30 degrees its will last an additional 50,000 miles.

 

[timmyjoebob]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Get the transmission fluid cooler. Thats the only piece of equipment that will extend the life of the transmission. They are cheap and very easy to install.

Judging from all the comments along the same line, I'm gonna do it. Priced 'em online and they are inexpensive. I called the Toyota stealer and they want $450 FOR JUST THE PART!

Now I've got to find someone to put one in for me.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Might be a good way to learn a little easy wrenching, and a way to save a few bucks, if you do it yourself.

http://www.etrailer.com/p-D13502.htm?vehicleid=20045441

There's a link to an installation video (on a CRV, but should be relatively the same).

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

Don't go for the cheap cooler, but don't go for the Toy one at $450 either.

Best coolers out there have some flow control to them. When the fluid is cool, the second radiator is bypassed. Only when the fluid warms up does it go through the cooler. Otherwise your tranny may take longer to get to normal operating temps and that isn't good either.

Installing them is dirt easy, but if you don't feel up to it any decent tranny shop can do it. Crap, I'd even trust Aamco to do it properly, that's how simple it is.

BTW, putting one in is the right decision. I'd also go with a tranny temp gauge, but I'm pretty anal when it comes to towing.

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

I'm surprised no one has mentioned 'speed'!

Drive 60mph or less and you'll be saving more money and doing your vehicle a lot more favours than buying transmissions, cooler, ect...then working it hard at 65+mph.

There is weird thing in our human brains that we think we are loosing all kinds of time driving 60mph opposed to 70mph. That hypothetical 10 min on the hour is quickly lost as you can't decide which chocolate bar to buy at the rest area. Steady wins the race.

 

[timmyjoebob]

Re: Uh Oh... Whaddya Think?

I'm surprised no one has mentioned 'speed'!

Drive 60mph or less and you'll be saving more money and doing your vehicle a lot more favours than buying transmissions, cooler, ect...then working it hard at 65+mph.

There is weird thing in our human brains that we think we are loosing all kinds of time driving 60mph opposed to 70mph. That hypothetical 10 min on the hour is quickly lost as you can't decide which chocolate bar to buy at the rest area. Steady wins the race.

In VA & NC the towing speed limit is 55mph. I'll keep pretty close to that I suspect.

Incidentally, I'm getting the cooler put on today. Thanks for all the great advice! This site is the best! I've learned so much in so little time... and so much more to learn!

I've read elsewhere about guys (or girls, sorry) putting just tow bar on and "away they go". I'm glad I discovered there's more to it than that.