Can 2016 Toyota Sienna Safely Pull R-Pod 178 Camper

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Question:

I just verified with my Toyota dealer in Gatineau regarding the Sienna 2016 towing capacity and they tell me that the intercooler for the trany is integrated in the system but that the towing capacity is still 3500lbs. The trailer we are looking at is 2600lbs dry weight that leaves us approx 700 lbs is it still OK to pull such a trailer R-Pod 178. Some owners on line mention that they have has problems with transmissions and we would like to make sure before we purchase the trailer that this will not happen to us. Please advise. The Sienna is a 2016 AWD.a thanks,

asked by: Yvon G

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Expert Reply:

The towing capacity for your 2016 Toyota Sienna is indeed 3,500 pounds. I also verified this by checking the online version of the vehicle's owner's manual. As long as the loaded weight of your R-Pod stays under this limit you should not have an issue towing with the Sienna. It looks like the R-Pod 178 has a GVWR of 3,768 pounds, which is the most it can weigh when fully loaded. Since the camper can handle more weight than your Sienna is capable of pulling, it will be a good idea to verify its weight with a scale after loading it for a trip to make sure you are under the vehicle's 3,500 pound capacity.

Even if your Sienna is equipped with a factory transmission cooler I do recommend adding a supplemental unit for even further protection. Supplemental coolers are often superior to the factory units and are designed to be used in addition to them.

For your Sienna I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Transmission Cooler # D13503. This is an excellent plate-fin style cooler that will use 3/4 inch wide turbulator plates for efficient cooling. This will work great to prolong the life of your Sienna's transmission while also improving its overall performance. The cooler measures 11 inches wide, 8-3/4 inches tall, and 7/8 inches deep. You will just want to make sure you have enough room between the grille and AC condenser for this to mount.

I have attached a sample installation video that you can use for reference. I have also attached an article on transmission coolers that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Chris R

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

Upgrading the rear suspension in your 2017 Toyota Sienna sounds like a solid plan considering all the weight you are carrying around inside your van. Since you're using a Sienna as a platform you are going to be limited on options for upgrades.…

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Answer 3

I want to make sure your family gets to bike wherever you desire, so I recommend starting with the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" #E98853 which has an extremely strong tongue weight rating…

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Answer 4

For your 2019 Sienna Limited Premium, I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver part #E98853 which is a custom fit so no drilling is required. It has a class III rating and comes with a 2" receiver tube opening. This hitch also has a…

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Answer 5

The RVP 8000 series AC model 8333A871 is effectively a Coleman Mach air conditioner, as RVP is the parent company and owner of the Coleman AC line of products; this means they will have the same wiring connections as a Coleman unit. To replace an…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

There are a few ways you can determine all of the specific equipment on any given vehicle, including "tow package" components. One is by having a local dealership run the vehicle's VIN which will show all of the factory-installed…

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Answer 8

Yes, the Flex-a-lite Transmission Cooler #FLX400117 does include the 3/8" hose and clamps that you see in the picture. Product Contents: 1-17 Row Plate Cooler 1-Section of 3/8" Transmission Hose 4-Hose Clamps 2-Threaded 3/8" Barbed…

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Answer 9

Yes, in fact the transmission coolers we sell are designed to be supplemental coolers, not direct factory replacements. We typically suggest installing our cooler downstream from the factory cooler. I attached a link to our transmission cooler…

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Answer 10

The Flex-a-lite Transmission Cooler #FLX400117 does come with everything needed to install. No other components would be needed.

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Answer 11

Typically, tow packages come with customized dash plug ports, a 4-way wiring harness, a 7-way wiring harness, a hitch receiver, and a transmission cooler. These are the standard tow package components that come with many models. With that being said,…

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Answer 12

In order for your Sienna to activate the electric drum brakes on your trailer it will need to have a 7-way trailer socket. This connector carries lighting signals, 12V maintenance power for the trailer's battery (or power for it's lights) as…

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Can 2016 Toyota Sienna Safely Pull R-Pod 178 Camper

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