CONTINUOUSWAVE

Dutchman - noticed you have a first generation Toyota Highlander tow vehicle for your Boston Whaler . Same here. Best vehicle we've ever owned. 336,000 miles and still going strong.

Frontier I hope to get 200,000--another 50,000---out of her and great to hear you can get [more than 300,000] out of them. As with our Whalers, maintenance is all [important]. I had 555,000 on a Volvo [before] somebody hit me and the insurance company totaled it.

Besides the boat I also haul a camper--twice the boat's weight-- but with the brake controller the Highlander works fine. Thinking about a newer one but can't justify the expense when the current Highlander runs fine.

Anyone out there have a newer (2008 to present) Toyota Highlander with high miles that could report on durability and suitability as a Boston Whaler tow vehicle?

I have a 2013 Highlander SE AWD. The last model year of the 2nd generation. It is not very old and only has 52k.

The 3rd generation is from 2014 to present.

Phil you tow your Whaler(s) with your HL SE?

Yep. My Outrage 17 from Danville VA to here.

I did tow Adlert's 1974 Outrage 19 from here to the new owner in NH. (900 miles) last year.

Thanks Phil, yea they are great and comfy. Mileage drops to 11mpg when pulling the 3,200 lbs camper though.

In the 1st generation Toyota Highlander (2001 thru 2007) the V6 engine has a timing belt. Later models have a timing chain. A family member has the timing chain version, which is noticeably noisier. I just wonder if that will affect the longevity. Which engine will last longer - the belt, changed every 100,000 miles or so, or the chain, which is never changed?

frontier wrote:In the 1st generation Toyota Highlander (2001 thru 2007) the V6 engine has a timing belt. Later models have a timing chain. A family member has the timing chain version, which is noticeably noisier. I just wonder if that will affect the longevity. Which engine will last longer - the belt, changed every 100,000 miles or so, or the chain, which is never changed?

Good point. Chains are louder but I think my belt one is loud also. Yes I did change the timing belt at 101K and it looked brand new. I do have the Hybrid version though, but the engines are the same 6 cylinder.

Looked at a Highlander the last time around. Went with the 4Runner. Load limit of 5 grand [5,000-lbs perhaps], easily pulls my 15, and is a comfortable ride, especially for long hauls.--Craig in sultry Missouri