Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-16-2016, 08:34 AM   #1
Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 30
Roo 19 or 17

I am having information overload.

My TV is a 2015 highlander with the tow package.

We were offered a good deal on a 19, and were assured we could handle it. I am still leaning towards the 17, as I feel I could go more places (Smokies, etc).

Your thoughts?

Also, prior to buying the trailer what do I need to get? A weight distribution/sway control hitch? What about wiring? Right now the highlander only has the basic wiring integrated, which was fine for hauling a large Uhaul trailer, but would I need the bigger connector/harness? Also, what about braking modules inside the highlander? I don't see an electronic brake device inside the highlander (in the dash)?
wmutkelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 10:23 AM   #2
Member
 
ROCAMPER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 87
How attached are you to the highlander? I'm guessing you don't want to upgrade your tow vehicle. If you go with either of these campers, it will only take you a couple of times towing it to realize you need a bigger vehicle.

As for wiring, you need to purchase a brake controller and have a 7 pin plug installed.
ROCAMPER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 10:29 AM   #3
Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 30
thank you!

What are you towing? How much does it cost to have the brake controller and 7 pin plug installed?
wmutkelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 10:44 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
RamsFan1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Firestone
Posts: 109
The 19 will have you on the upper end of your Highlander's capabilities. It is doable (Toyota put a warranty behind it) but it is up to you on your comfort level.


We have the equivalent of the 17 and love it.


Yes, you will need a WDH and the 7 pin plug. I would wait on the sway to see if you need it once it is set up and you tow some.
__________________
2016 Ram 1500 5.7 Hemi
2019 Coleman Light LX 2405BH
2015 Chevy Traverse
2011 Chevy Traverse (traded 2018)
2014 Solaire 147X (traded 2019)
RamsFan1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 10:50 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 10,907
Quote:
Originally Posted by RamsFan1 View Post
The 19 will have you on the upper end of your Highlander's capabilities. It is doable (Toyota put a warranty behind it) but it is up to you on your comfort level.


We have the equivalent of the 17 and love it.


Yes, you will need a WDH and the 7 pin plug. I would wait on the sway to see if you need it once it is set up and you tow some.
I pulled my Roo 19 for ONE season with a Chevy Traverse, 5200 lb tow capacity. Wasn't a happy camper. Got a Silverado. Much happier, and even allowed me to move up to a larger TT (you will, too, most likely - boat owners call it "two-foot-itis" - 6 feet in my case!).
__________________
1988 Coleman Sequoia - popup (1987-2009) - outlasted 3 Dodge Grand Caravans!
2012 Roo19 - hybrid (2012-2015)

2016 Mini Lite 2503S - tt (2015 - ???)
2011 Traverse LT, 3.6L, FWD
2009 Silverado 1500 Ext Cab, 5.3L, 4x4, 3.73
2016 Silverado 2500HD Dbl Cab, 6.0L 4x4, 4.10
rockfordroo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 10:53 AM   #6
Member
 
ROCAMPER's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 87
I'm towing a roo 23ss with a ram 1500. When we got our first popup, the rv dealer told us that because we had a 3500lbs towing capacity on our jeep, we would be fine to tow a 3500lbs camper. I tried it and it wasn't fine. It could pull it, kinda. It could stop it, kinda. And it could bounce the front wheels off the ground, and that was a popup. It's hard to steer when the front wheels are in the air. You shouldn't have that problem when using a weight distribution hitch, but Starcraft at that time didn't recommend using one on that popup.

Pulling a popup is way different than pulling a full size trailer, no matter the length. With the full size there's a ton of wind resistance, which will be an issue with your highlander.

Don't quote me on prices, but I think I payed $100-$110 for a brake controller including installation at the rv dealer. They can add the 7pin also and it shouldn't be too much extra.
ROCAMPER is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 11:14 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 322
You will need an equalizing hitch, a brake controller and the corresponding 7 pin connector. Sway controller would be helpful. You may also need an additional transmission cooler to maintain transmission temperatures.

The Highlander tow capacity varies greatly, between 1500# and 5000# depending on engine/drive train. I assume since your Highlander has the tow package, it is rated for 5000#. If it is rated for less than 5000#, either Roo may put you over your limit.

The 17' Roo has max weight of ~4350#. The 19' Roo puts you near your max towing capacity with a max weight of ~4800#. Ultimately the decision is yours as to which trailer to purchase.
__________________
Catalina 333RETS
Keystone Outback 23RS
Silverado 2500HD
Goldwing 1800GL
Wilco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 11:37 AM   #8
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 322
Try searching the forum for "Highlander towing" to get owners impression of towing with a Highlander.
__________________
Catalina 333RETS
Keystone Outback 23RS
Silverado 2500HD
Goldwing 1800GL
Wilco is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 12:24 PM   #9
Member
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 30
Thank you! Is the blue ox better than the equalizer?
wmutkelaw is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-16-2016, 12:43 PM   #10
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 52
Quote:
Originally Posted by wmutkelaw View Post
Thank you! Is the blue ox better than the equalizer?
Better? not sure, but we went with the equalizer for your exact setup.

We bought our Roo19 with the expectation that we will tow with our Toyota Highlander on occasion. It tows easy behind my Silverado, but for the next trip, my truck will have boat towing duties, and the Highlander gets it's first test run. Shorter trip for the shake down tow, the real test will be through the Ozark Mountain ranges.
I expect it to tow just fine, but we will be running slow and easy up the hills.

Will update next month with real world experience
jehrbear is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
roo

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Forest River, Inc. or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:27 PM.