Hi all:

We are considering purchasing an R-POD. We are looking at one of the heavier ones (maybe an R-180). We have a 2009 Highlander Hybrid. Does anyone have experience with pulling an R-POD with a Highlander Hybrid?

We would like to hear any/all experiences.

Bruce in Texas

The specs on the 2018 Highlander Hybrid list a towing limit of 3500 lbs. The heavier R-Pods would easily be pushing that limit. The non-hybrid models have a limit of up to 5000 lbs. I think the CVT is probably the reason for the lower limit as the drivetrain should otherwise be more than capable. I looked more and found the same 3500 lb limit for the 2009 model.

Admittedly, this is not a Toyota blog, but the information is probably appropriate.  http://www.nissantechnicianinfo.mobi/htmlversions/2015_CVT_Special/Towing.html - http://www.nissantechnicianinfo.mobi/htmlversions/2015_CVT_Special/Towing.html

I am aware of the 3500 lb manufacturer's rating. My fear is that hybrids could be a little querky shifting between gas and electric power. I am hoping someone has experience here.

Thanks for the response.

While many folks on the Toyota forums have said they tow fine with the HiHi I decided the risk just wasn't worth it. Since the HiHI is all wheel drive and has a rear electric motor, I doubt the real problem is going to be either starting torque or the transition between all electric and combined electric/ICE operation. Electric motors have plenty of torque, and the driver can manage the torgue and stress on the drivetrain by being light on the go pedal. 

I think its more likely that the limiting factor is something more mundane, like available ability to carry tongue weight. The HiHi weighs several hundred pounds more than the conventional Highlander, and much of that is going to be rearward in the battery.  That is going to come right off the tongue weight, easily taking it from the 550 lb range to the 350 lb number. 

So, if I already had a HiHi would I try it? Yes probably, but I'd be looking for a trailer with a very low tongue weight. The 179's and 180's aren't that, and don't believe the ridiculous numbers in the marketing literature. Those are taken with no water, no batteries, and no propane in the tank.  And I'd be sure to have my weight distribution hitch tensioned to bring that tongue weight as low as I reasonably could without creating too much stress elsewhere in the rig.

One more thing, don't expect to get much if any better fuel economy towing with the HiHi than you would with a conventional rig going down the highway. Your hp requirements will be essentially the same as mine, maybe even a little higher because of the extra weight of the hybrid, and you would be operating it well above its normal cruise hp demand so the ICE will be operating all the time. I get about 14 mpg (flat ground, no wind, 60-62 mph) btw. 

Yeah, what he said.