Toyota Highlander vs. Toyota Sienna

Get Highlander and I guess it has tow package?

 

What electrical connection do they have?
If it is not a seven pin they are not serious about tow capacity.

 

When it comes to towing, "more is more". I'd much rather have twice as much as I need than just barely enough.
Plus, it's always fun to get a new car.

 

I would go with the highlander and get the camper you want. You don't want to buy a camper you don't really want and wish you had the other. Unless you really are not in the position to upgrade right now. Don't do an impulse buy and do your research. Make sure that is exactly what you want.

 

I have a Chrysler Pacifica minivan and I tow a slightly heavier popup then that without any issues. However, I have not towed it up and mountains yet. Where did you get 2300 lbs on the Sienna, its rated to 3500 lbs towing with a GCWR of 8900 (300 more then my Pacifica).

It will tow that popup just fine, but the Highlander will tow better and at altitude if that is important. It really comes down to if you need a mini van or not.

 

My pacifica does sag more then I would like and I would have already installed air bags if they were available in my van. Sadly it's too new, but it's very drivable without them. I have yet to have any issue towing.

E trailer sells airbags you could diy install.

https://www.etrailer.com/susp-2017_Toyota_Sienna.htm

 

Appears you are a Toyota fan. I don't blame you. I towed my old popup with a 2011 Sienna once before I decided it wasn't a good idea. Too much sag, not enough control...I know it is all subjective, but my wife wasn't comfortable with it. I ended up getting a Toyota Tundra (overkill, but we had a plan to get a larger camper which happened a year later). I think the Highlander will be fine for what you are looking for. You'll need someone to install a brake controller for sure, a 7 pin connector most likely, and possibly a tow hitch if the tow package doesn't include it (read the fine print on the options list to see what is included in the tow package). Good luck.

 

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander with a tow package that is rated for 5,000 lbs. It also can handle a tongue weight of 500 lbs. It should handle your trailer tongue weight without sag - if not, you may need to redistribute weight front to back in your trailer. The Highlander has served me well. They were able to add a 7 pin and brake controller at the dealership but not all dealers would be able to do so. Check with your dealer.
I have towed about 30,000 miles out of the 60,000 miles I have on it now (I got it because I knew I wanted to travel all over the states (47 so far) as well as towing in the mountains.) I get about 19 mpg towing but that is probably because my Aliner is low profile and only weighs 1850 lbs fully loaded. A small number of pictures for each park can be seen on my website: hoffsalinertravels.net. 19 US national parks, 10 Canadian national parks so far plus more.

 

Wakita46 is definitely our best go-to-person to discuss about Toyota towing. Mini-vans are not so great in towing heavy popups as I did with my Windstar. Go for Highlander for better towing and I am sure that it can carry 7 people like Sienna does.

 

You’re really basing all your hate of minivans on an ancient Windstar? Now it’s understandable why you seem to ignore all data and facts about them.

The fact is, modern minivans are way more than capable of handling up to their rated 3,500 lb tow capacity.

I think you are really overthinking this. Sag isn’t desireable, but it isn’t the end of the world. You just have to be more mindful of dips. Try independent shops and general car repair shops. You could even find a shade tree mechanic and pay him a case of beer for the work. It really is that easy.

A basic setup for towing (hitch, wiring, and labor to install) will run around the cost of 1 month of payments on a Highlander. If it was me, I’d take the risk before dropping 30-40 grand on a new car.

 

If not done correctly, it can be dangerous, but no more so than changing the oil. It sound like you’re in a great position for the Highlander. In that case, I say go for it and start camping

 

Nay, but the problem is "up to 3,500 lb tow capacity". I rather feel comfortable towing with Highlander than any mini-vans. If a mini-van can tow up to 5,000 lbs like highlander can, then I will pour out all my support for that strong minivan.