Highlander as Tow Vehicle

A conversation among Whalers
frontier
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Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby frontier » Sat Jun 16, 2018 10:58 am

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.

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Dutchman
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Re: Cover for 2001 Montauk 17

Postby Dutchman » Tue Jun 19, 2018 10:04 am

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.
EJO
"Clumsy Cleat"look up what it means
50th edition 2008 Montauk 150, w/60HP Mercury Bigfoot

frontier
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby frontier » Sun Jul 15, 2018 9:03 pm

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?

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Phil T
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby Phil T » Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:18 am

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.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
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Dutchman
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby Dutchman » Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:28 am

Phil you tow your Whaler(s) with your HL SE?
EJO
"Clumsy Cleat"look up what it means
50th edition 2008 Montauk 150, w/60HP Mercury Bigfoot

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Phil T
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby Phil T » Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:04 pm

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.
1992 Outrage 17
2019 E-TEC 90
2018 LoadRite 18280096VT
Member since 2003

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Dutchman
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby Dutchman » Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:17 pm

Thanks Phil, yea they are great and comfy. Mileage drops to 11mpg when pulling the 3,200 lbs camper though.
EJO
"Clumsy Cleat"look up what it means
50th edition 2008 Montauk 150, w/60HP Mercury Bigfoot

frontier
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby frontier » Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:52 pm

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?

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Dutchman
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby Dutchman » Wed Jul 18, 2018 11:32 am

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.
EJO
"Clumsy Cleat"look up what it means
50th edition 2008 Montauk 150, w/60HP Mercury Bigfoot

cleep1700
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Re: Highlander as Tow Vehicle

Postby cleep1700 » Fri Aug 10, 2018 6:42 am

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