Towing a 19 with a Highlander?

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by KirkB

This might be a good time to ask if any drivers have added readouts to check the transmission temperature or extra transmission coolers? Unless there is a readout on the TFT display, it looks the the Highlander just has an 'idiot' light for the ATF temp.

The Sienna and Highlander have similar drivetrains (in some years and models, the same engine and transmission). There has been quite a bit of discussion of transmission temperature monitoring in the SiennaChat.com forum, resulting in two different monitoring methods:

1. add a sensor to the fluid line leading to the cooler, and add a gauge to read it, or
2. program a ScanGauge or similar device to read the temperature (measured by a sensor which is built into the transmission) from the diagnostics network (OBD II port).

ScanGauge programming is specific to that device, but refers to OBD codes. The codes are specific to Toyota, not published by Toyota or the maker of the ScanGauge, and vary by year and model... but some owners have found and shared them. The situation is similar for all manufacturers, but codes for Toyota are much less well known than those for some GM and Ford vehicles (although Toyota codes are still perhaps better known than many other manufacturers).

[gharper]

Picture of our 19 and Highlander using an Anderson WDH (Mt Terry Fox in the background near Blue River, BC).

[Jrn56]

Originally Posted by gharper

Picture of our 19 and Highlander using an Anderson WDH (Mt Terry Fox in the background near Blue River, BC).

How many threads did you go on the Andersen hitch? I am pretty happy with the Andersen hitch on our Highlander and 19 except for some squeaking.

[gbaglo]

I still don't understand what makes the Andersen hitch worth $200 more than another WDH.
I've no plans to replace the one I have. Just curious.

[cpaharley2008]

gharper,
from the picture your unit looks a little low in the front, is the trailer level?

[cpaharley2008]

glenn,
The interesting thing about the Andersen is it's ability to stop sway and give you some w/d benefits, whereas the conventional w/d just performs the one function.

[gharper]

The ground we were parked on in the picture was not level - slight incline. When on level ground the trailer is level (Escape set it up). I have 7-8 threads showing on the hitch. Our hitch is squeaking quite a bit now with about 3,000 kms on it. Anyone contact them to see what can be done to reduce the squeaking?

[fudge_brownie]

The squeaks are included.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I still don't understand what makes the Andersen hitch worth $200 more than another WDH.
I've no plans to replace the one I have. Just curious.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I still don't understand what makes the Andersen hitch worth $200 more than another WDH.
I've no plans to replace the one I have. Just curious.

It looks WAY cooler. Factors like that cost, you know.

I believe it is a bit lighter all in all, and though I have not set up the other type, this looks easier, but as we know looks can be deceiving. :P

[Jrn56]

Originally Posted by gharper

The ground we were parked on in the picture was not level - slight incline. When on level ground the trailer is level (Escape set it up). I have 7-8 threads showing on the hitch. Our hitch is squeaking quite a bit now with about 3,000 kms on it. Anyone contact them to see what can be done to reduce the squeaking?

I am going to email them when we get back at the end of the week. Jim Bennett has contacted them but I don't know if he has had a response. Other than the squeaking it works really well with our Highlander.