Towing a Teardrop with a 6 cyl. Toyota Highlander

[proformance]

With everything I have read, a 2006 V6 Highlander OEM Tow Rating without factory tow package is rated at 2000lbs. The addition of the OE Tow Package increases the tow rating to 3500lbs. It is unlikely a TD will exceed 3500lbs.

Regardless the weight of your TD, I suggest insuring you have either the OE Tow Package which should include a Trans Cooler, or an aftermarket Trans Cooler of equal or higher cooling capabilities. One of the most abused drive-train component on tow vehicles is the transmission. Adding a cooler is one of the most significant improvements one can make to any TV to aid in preventing pre-mature drive-train failures.

[Carol Reed]

THANK YOU for the suggestion of the Tranny Cooler!! At this point in time that should be a real easy addition while everything is disassembled.
Carol

[proformance]

Carrol,

With that many miles on the vehicle, make sure the mechanics perform a thorough flush of the primary trans cooler incorporated in the OE radiator. Small particles from the transmission (clutch debris and other small particles) tend to collect in the primary trans cooler reducing it's efficiency, and tend to clog oil passageways reducing line pressure and volume of trans fluid to the internals of the transmission. Cleaning the primary cooler -and- adding a second aftermarket cooler (so you will have a total of two transmission coolers) will significantly aid in reducing future transmission failures.

[Carol Reed]

Thanks to you, too.
Now it has been suggested that my problem is not really as intense as initially suggested. So, that being said, I will try to be a bit gentler on the towing; turn off the overdrive, slow down, and push up the replacement a bit sooner than anticipated.

Then, when upgrading, I will make sure that I get a towing package. Yes, I will probably stay with a Toyota SUV.

In the meantime, a master mechanic friend of mine has suggested that these "lighter" vehicles are not really intended for towing, on a long term basis. Yes, I did Florida, and much more... I don't know about most of you, but I really don't slow down too much; the tear just tows a bit too easy....

Safe travels to all !!