Can a Toyota Highlander be towed by an RV?
Yes, you can tow a Toyota Highlander behind an RV, but not with all four wheels on the ground. For most Highlander models, flat towing (4-down) is not recommended. The usual and safer options are towing on a trailer or using a tow dolly to lift the front or rear wheels, depending on the setup. Always check your exact year and drivetrain in the owner’s manual before you travel.
Understanding the basics: flat towing vs. towing with a trailer
The Highlander’s drivetrain and automatic transmission make flat towing ( towing with all four wheels on the road) inappropriate in most modern years. Toyota’s official guidance for many Highlander trims—including front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and the hybrid—generally cautions against 4-down towing. This means RVers typically won’t mount the vehicle directly behind the rig with all four wheels on the pavement. Instead, the recommended approaches are towing on a trailer or using a tow dolly that lifts the vehicle’s driving wheels off the ground. The exact guidance can vary by year and configuration, so the owner’s manual is the authoritative source.
Why the distinction matters for Highlander owners
Attempting flat towing can risk transmission damage and drivetrain wear, especially in automatic and hybrid models. The Highlander’s transmission, transfer case (in AWD versions), and electric motors in hybrids all have specific lubrication and cooling needs that aren’t met when the vehicle is towed 4-down. RVers who depend on a towed vehicle for trips should verify the instructions for their exact year and trim, and consider alternatives like a dolly or trailer to avoid costly repairs.
Recommended towing methods for RV owners
The following methods are commonly used to tow a Highlander behind an RV. The approach you choose should align with the vehicle’s year, drivetrain, and the RV’s towing capabilities.
- Tow dolly with the Highlander’s driven wheels off the road: Use a tow dolly that lifts the vehicle’s front wheels (for most two-wheel-drive configurations) or the rear wheels (as appropriate for certain setups). This keeps the transmission from spinning while the vehicle is towed and avoids 4-down towing.
- Full trailer: Transport the Highlander on a flatbed or conventional trailer so all wheels are off the pavement. This eliminates concerns about transmission wear and is compatible with AWD and hybrid models when properly secured.
- Consult your RV and tow equipment suppliers: Some RV setups incorporate braking, lighting, and sway control compatible with towed vehicles. Ensure your setup meets both the Highlander’s requirements and local regulations.
Whichever method you choose, ensure proper braking, lighting connections, and secure attachment. Testing the rig in a safe area before hitting the road is essential to prevent accidents and ensure legal compliance.
Practical checklist before towing behind an RV
Before you tow a Highlander behind an RV, use this checklist to minimize risk and stay compliant with laws and manufacturer guidance.
- Confirm that flat towing (4-down) is not recommended for your exact year and trim in the owner’s manual.
- Decide between a tow dolly or trailer, based on your Highlander’s drivetrain and the RV’s hitch capabilities.
- Verify the combined vehicle weight, hitch rating, and braking system requirements for the towed setup (including any required supplemental braking for the towed vehicle).
- Ensure lighting, turn signals, and brake lights on the towed vehicle are wired correctly to the RV’s lighting system and pass inspection where required.
- Check tire pressures and secure the Highlander to the trailer or dolly with appropriate straps and wheel chocks.
- Review local and state towing laws regarding hitch height, brake requirements, and daylight visibility for towed vehicles.
After you complete the checklist, perform a short test drive with the RV in a safe area to verify brakes, turn signals, and sway control functions work as intended and that the vehicle tracks true behind the RV.
Hybrid considerations and model-year notes
Hybrid variants of the Toyota Highlander often have the same general guidance against flat towing, but there can be year-to-year differences in the official stance or recommended procedures. If you own a Highlander Hybrid, plan to tow on a trailer or use a dolly, and double-check the specific instructions in your vehicle’s manual. If you’re unsure, contact Toyota Customer Support or your dealership for a definitive, model-year-specific answer.
Bottom line for travelers
For most Toyota Highlander owners, the practical takeaway is clear: you can tow the Highlander behind an RV, but you should not flat-town it. A tow dolly or full trailer is the safer, manufacturer-recommended route, and the exact method depends on your year, drivetrain, and local regulations. Always consult the owner’s manual for the precise towing method and any special steps required for your Highlander model.
Summary
In short, a Toyota Highlander can be towed behind an RV, but not via 4-down flat towing in most years and configurations. The safest and most common options are tow dollies or trailers that keep the Highlander’s wheels from turning on the road. Verify instructions in the exact year’s owner manual, comply with towing regulations, and use a thorough pre-tow checklist to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
What is the easiest vehicle to tow behind a motorhome?
Best car to tow behind a motorhome
Compact and subcompact cars are the best cars for flat towing. Some examples include select years of the Chevy Sonic, Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta. A car must have a transmission disconnect, steering lockout override and other features to be able to flat tow.
Can you tow a Toyota Highlander behind a motorhome?
Please note that Model Year 2020 and newer Toyota vehicles cannot be dinghy towed.
Are any Toyota vehicles flat-towable?
Most Toyota RAV4 models cannot be flat towed, especially those with automatic or CVT transmissions. Flat towing a non-approved RAV4 can cause serious transmission damage. Always check the owner's manual for your specific year and drivetrain.
What is the lawsuit against the Toyota Highlander?
Key Takeaways. Toyota Highlanders from model lines XU20, XU40, XU50, and Highlander Hybrid MHU28 are alleged to have a defective rear power liftgate. Toyota reportedly knew about the issue since at least 2010, but never issued a public recall nor warned consumers directly.
