Towing package and tongue weight

[WaltP]

I was looking at a RAV4 today at the dealer. The manual said the tongue weight limit was 200 lb but mentioned a factory "towing package" option for only $160 which increased the limit to 350 lb. They could not tell me anything about this package. I'd very much like to know what it entails because I'd like to increase the tongue weight capacity on my current TV. Anyone have any knowledge about it?

[Laura & Rick]

I have a Highlander with the tow package. The RVA4 tow package is similar to the Highlander’s. The tow package consists of heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler, 150 amp alternator and "pre-wire harness." Toyota does not list the tongue weight limits for the Highlander, only towing capacity. With the towing package, a Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Without the tow package, the limit drops down to 2,000 pounds. The Highlander is a '08 model earlier models had lower limits. Hope this helps.

[Donna D.]

All that for $160? That's a deal (I'd like to see it in writing before I forked over the money tho). A heavy duty radiator would cost that much in the difference. If this is all true for that price... GET IT!

[WaltP]

I have a Highlander with the tow package. The RVA4 tow package is similar to the Highlander's. The tow package consists of heavy-duty radiator with an engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler, 150 amp alternator and "pre-wire harness." Toyota does not list the tongue weight limits for the Highlander, only towing capacity. With the towing package, a Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Without the tow package, the limit drops down to 2,000 pounds. The Highlander is a '08 model earlier models had lower limits. Hope this helps.

Thanks, that helps a lot. Donna's right, well worth it.

Walt

[Pete Dumbleton]

I'd bet that $160 is the difference in price between two new vehicles!

Tongue weight is usually not specified for vehicles, except the ones with very low towing capacities, because it is part of the 'payload' or cargo weight, with the hitch equipment being part of the curb weight.