2008 Toyota Highlander - Towing question

[311Hemi]

So we are looking at a used Highlander and 99% of the used ones in our price range do not have the tow package (trans cooler, oil cooler, heavy duty radiator/fans, and 150 amp alternator).

The tow capacity without the tow package is 2000 lbs, with the package is 5000 lbs.

Any I am curious if I would up the tow capacity much by just installing a trans cooler myself, and maybe the heavy duty radiator? My boat is a little over 3000 lbs best I can calculate (02' HSO-Classifieds Sportfish 1850), so I would be well under the 5000 lbs max with the tow package installed.

How big of deal is the oil cooler?

If not...not a big deal, I will just tow with the truck as needed.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Would you tow that boat with a Toyota Camry?

[311Hemi]

Would a tow package on the Camry give it a tow rating at 5000 lbs?

Are you saying you would not tow that boat with an awd Highlander even with the tow package installed?

At this point we are not planning on getting the tow package a do not plan on towing with it anyways.....I was more or less interested on if the tranny cooler would with the tow rating some. Obviously there is no specs for just adding certain components.

[CJH]

The Highlander is basically a jacked up Camry. I wouldn't tow without the two package, and its iffy if I would do it with it. It will cause extra wear and tear on everything. Plus you are going to have to plan ahead if you need to stop with any speed......

[Jeremy airjer W]

That's what I was getting at. Many don't realize that many SUV's are just jacked up versions of there 4 door sedan counterparts. If you wouldn't tow it with a Camry than why would you tow it with a Highlander? (Not you specifically 311, just a question to whomever)

I have no doubt it will pull 5k pounds when equipped properly. For how long, in what heat, how fast, and what kind of topograghy are the variables. IMO the highlanders brakes are not sufficient for that kind of load. I have no doubt it will stop it its just that a proper tow vehicle would do it a lot better!

Adding a tranny cooler to either will help increase there tow ability by keeping the transmission cooler. If you plan on towing get the Towing package. Even if you don't plan on towing get the towing package. The extra cooler and knowing everything is there if you need it would be worth it?! Having them installed from the factory is a lot neater, a lot easier, and probably a lot better at cooling than an aftermarket would be.