Towing Issues: Towing capacity, toyota highlander, gross vehicle weight


Question
I am wanting to get a 2001 Toyota Highlander 3.0L v6 with 220hp@5800 rpm and 222lb-ft @4400 rpm.  Its towing capacity is 2000std/3500max.  When compared to the 4Runner 3.4L v6 with 183hhp @4800 rpm and 217lb-ft@ 3600 rpm, it tows 5000 lbs.  How do they calculate the capacity for towing?  It seems like alot of variance for not much difference in hp and torque of the two vehicles.  Advise:  Can I safely tow 3500 lbs with Highlander and what is the 2000lb standard?  if you can't answer, just reply sorry

Answer
I'm not familiar with the configuration of the Highlander but I'm gathering that it is a larger vehicle than the 4Runner, in weight.  Manufacturers have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) maximum that they use to calculate the maximum towing or load rate.These are usually mandated by law.  GVW is the unloaded weight of the vehicle plus the weight of the load.  If GVW for a vehicle is 7500 lbs. but the unloaded or unladen weight of the vehicle is 4000 lbs. then the maximum load you can carry or tow is 3500 lbs.
My two wheel drive Dodge Durango has a maximum tow rate of 5000 lbs. but the 4 wheel version has a maximum tow rate of approx. 3800-4000 lbs.  This is because the extra weight of the 4 wheel transmission/transaxle adds to the unladen weight of the vehicle and takes away weight you can load.

Check the GVW and the unloaded weights on the two vehicles you are looking at.  Do the math.  You may find you'll be happier with the vehicle that can tow or carry more.