Quote:
Originally Posted by Medisher10
I have been searching online for Highlander owners who pull a Kodiak Cub 175 BH and I came across your comment. We have a 2011 Highlander Limited with tow package and just put a deposit on a 2021 Kodiak Cub 175 BH but I am starting to get nervous if a Highlander can handle it or not. How has your Highlander handled it? Have you had any trouble with tongue load? Did you have to have a 7 pin connector and brake controller installed in your Highlander?
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I don't have a Highlander. I do know you need a 7 pin break connector and an electric break controller. All this requires an addition to the OEM wiring harness and includes at least one self resetting automotive circuit breaker. I recommend at least 8 gauge wire for the 12 volt lead and the 7 pin to ground lead. 10 gauge is typically used, but is not fully adequate.
Also you will need a weight distribution hitch.
Safe loading requires attention to tongue weight as well as weight of the TT. There is a sticker in the Highlander door frame that details the maximum load limits. It probably shows a maximum for each axle and a maximum gross weight for the vehicle. It may also show maximum cargo weight. If not, subtract dry weight from maximum gross weight. That would be cargo weight.
Start with the cargo weight. Subtract everything that has been added to the vehicle since it left the factory. All after market accessories like trailer hitch. Everything includes all passengers and luggage. Driver's weight in excess of 150# must also be subtracted.
What is left is available for tongue weight. Is there enough?
Actual weights are what matter. Don't rely on published weights. My Cub tongue weight was 800 pounds dry and 950 pounds fully loaded for travel. Published tongue weight was less than 500 pounds. I had to change the balance of the TT. I moved the battery off the tongue and put it under the dinette at the very back of my TT. Along with a few other changes. I got the tongue weight down to 700 pound fully loaded and 500 pounds dry.
You can weigh your Highlander at a local commercial scale for about $15. Load it up with everything you will take when you tow. Get the vehicle weighed. Calculate remaining cargo weight. Ask the dealer to measure the tongue weight. He will most likely refuse. He will cite the fictional published tongue weight. He knows that if you got the actual weight you might not buy it. He will not risk that.
You can get the maximum gross vehicle weight from a sticker on the left front side of the Cub. You will probably have to go get it for yourself. Dealer usually refuse to walk out on the lot to get it. I would not trust him if he did.
Most tow vehicle / travel trailer rigs work best at about 80% of rated towing capacity. Maximum towing capacity may be on your Highlander capacity sticker. Use the Maximum Gross Weight from the travel trailer sticker. Do not use the Dry or Unloaded weight from the travel trailer sticker.
If you need more advice, please ask. Asking the dealer to tell you if the Highlander is ok to tow the Cub is the same as asking him to take a pay cut. Salesmen are usually on commission. He will never choose the pay cut. He will always find a reason that you should buy his TT.
I wish you good luck and happy trials ahead!