Can a 2011 Toyota Highlander Tow a Forest River Surveyor

Question:

Vin is JTEDS41A482026672 - my dealer tells me this vehicle has the tow package. I would like to pull a 2011 Surveyor by Forest River travel trailer. Can you advise? I do understand that I will need a load leveler / sway bar. Does the vehicle need to be awd? How can I determine if my Highlander is front or all wheel drive? Is one better then the other for towing? Any other recommendations?

asked by: Jennifer F

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of your 2011 Toyota Highlander is 5,000 lbs if you do indeed have the factory towing package like you mentioned. According to my research, you have the 2WD model not the AWD model. In general, the AWD models are better for towing. However, the towing capacity for your Highlander will not change based on the 2WD or AWD configuration. I took a look online and there are several different 2011 Forest River Surveyors but all of them save for the M-294, M-302, M-304, and M-305 models fall within your towing capacity so you should be just fine.

As you mentioned, a weight distribution system is going to be recommended. The best one for you is going to be the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System part # EQ37100ET with the next best one being the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control part # FA92-00-0800. The main difference between them save for price is that the Equal-i-zer system has four point sway control whereas the Fastway system only has two point sway control but will still do an excellent job of reducing trailer sway.

The Equal-i-zer system comes with the hitch ball but the Fastway system does not so for this I recommend the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball part # EQ91-00-6100.

expert reply by: Conner L