Learn me: Toyota Highlander Hybrid Tow Rig

Hey guys, 

So I'm looking at exchanging my GMC Canyon (It's a lease, almost up) for another SUV capable of towing my Miata. The car + trailer weighs in at around ~3,500 lbs wet. The towing capacity is 3,500 in the US, and 5,000 in the EU (can't find any actual difference to the vehicle). Looks like the towing package adds an oil cooler, the hitch. It would be nice to also use this as a bad weather DD so the 27 city MPG (on regular) is pretty appealing. 

Anyways, tell me what you guys think. Are they reliable etc.? 

At the time I shopped these there was some concern about some degradation of the wiring harnesses on the hybrids but when I googlefu that nothing comes up now I just remember passing at the time (we were shopping pilot, highlander and ended up with an odyssey)

Granted I just realized you are talking about a new leased vehicle and the issues I am mentioning were on very used ones anyway

You know there is a difference in how trailers are setup to account for that weight rating change right? You can't simply say its all good to tow 5klbs in Euro spec so it's fine for that in the US. 

  In Europe the  trailer axle is farther forward to reduce % of trailer weight on the tongue.  This increases the probability of trailer sway, and therefore Euro speed limits for towing are much lower. So, beware your tongue weight as you'll have much higher weight on the rear axle of the vehicle using a US spec trailer. 

Edit...at 3500lbs it probably doesn't matter much. 

I don't have concerns about the vehicle itself.  Even bad Toyotas tend to be pretty reliable.  I am concerned about cutting the capacity that close to the actual load.  Have you actually weighed your loaded trailer?  What else do you bring to the track as far as tools, tires, fuel and people are concerned? 

paging dave estey..

APEowner said:

I don't have concerns about the vehicle itself.  Even bad Toyotas tend to be pretty reliable.  I am concerned about cutting the capacity that close to the actual load.  Have you actually weighed your loaded trailer?  What else do you bring to the track as far as tools, tires, fuel and people are concerned? 

Yeah it'll be close. The Miata, corner-balanced last session weighs in at ~2,100 pounds. Trailer was advertised at ~1,350 pounds. As far as stuff, I just bring lunch, free water bottles for people at the track, a few tools like a pyrometer, 10 mm, 14mm and torque wrench. That's really it. All of that stuff loaded inside the car. 

TGMF said:

You know there is a difference in how trailers are setup to account for that weight rating change right? You can't simply say its all good to tow 5klbs in Euro spec so it's fine for that in the US. 

  In Europe the  trailer axle is farther forward to reduce % of trailer weight on the tongue.  This increases the probability of trailer sway, and therefore Euro speed limits for towing are much lower. So, beware your tongue weight as you'll have much higher weight on the rear axle of the vehicle using a US spec trailer. 

Edit...at 3500lbs it probably doesn't matter much. 

I've got a weight distribution hitch. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to justify towing over what a vehicle is rated for. Just trying to gather opinions. I suspect, with a weight distribution hitch, and in Michigan (no mountains), it would tow quite well (and safely). 

What is your goal besides towing? The new duramax canyon is a kickass little truck (my uncle has one)