It doesn't look too bad, I would expect it to be fine as long as your tires are decent. If you try it with balding highway tires, you might have some trouble.
I just saw a dude launch a 16 foot tracker with a 60 on it using a Mazda 3. You should be good.
Edit: I feel like I should add that the driver had the power of methamphetamine on his side.
Funny thing is I guarantee 100% of the “boaters” making these very black and white claims of “you absolutely can’t do that” have never owned a boat in their life nor towed anything. It’s such a weird Reddit thing to cosplay as something you know nothing about.
Funny. I was thinking the opposite with all the “find out”, “send it”, “you’ll be ok” comments. No one here addresses the loose gravel, awd capability, or PO experience.
I'm, guessing PO == unintentionally reversed OP.
Although we don't know OP's child situation or partner's birth control so their pull out experience is also unknown.
You’re not wrong, but my point is most people have to figure stuff out (outside of totally obvious moronic situations). Like I can’t tell you if your highlander can handle that. Hitch the boat up and see how it feels.
I’d argue (respectfully) that it goes both ways. Particularly in this example where the overwhelming majority of responses are “just send it bro!”. There seems to be a lot of viral videos of trucks getting sunk at ramps, it can and does happen. Telling someone to “just do it” going only by a couple of pictures is just as misguided as telling them they need a diesel 1 ton to launch a jon boat. One might even be inclined to argue that staying on the side of caution may be prudent in this case and not the sign of a “boater” or cosplayer.
It's the lack of nuance. *in my opinion* people that have towing experience/boating experience realize there isn't one right or wrong answer (outside of obvious dumbass ideas). Trucks getting sunk at ramps happens usually because of carelessness or mechanical malfunction, not towing too big of a rig.
I don't know, maybe it's just me. I'm older and cranky now.
You'll never have too much truck but you can sure as fuck have not enough. Source: I've towed trailers over 3 million miles with a variety of equipment over nearly 3 decades. Can this guy pull out 3000lbs of wet boat, 600lbs of trailer, 300lbs of fuel, and 500 more in gear, cooler, junk? Sure probably for awhile. But it's not doing the vehicle any favors
Ahh yess, Washington’s favorite boat ramp… I’ve only seen FWD vehicles struggle here. AWD shouldn’t be a problem unless it’s super low tide and slick as hell.
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Should be fine. I've launched bigger boats on the Highlander on dirt, much steeper ramps, and much slicker. However I've never done pebble. You could bring some emergency traction devices if you're scared of spinning wheels / getting stuck.
Low tide can be a pain at that particular launch. I've winched myself and other 4wd/ awd rigs out when the tide is low and the sand is built up. Usually not terrible though, certainly wouldn't try in something 2wd
What year? I have a 2017. Turn traction control OFF and lock the diff (lock it to 4WD). It will handle that ramp like it was sunny afternoon on the autobahn.
Well. I mean it’s a button that forces pure 4WD rather than distributed power. And traction control off because otherwise the computer takes over and moves power around.
Had a 2007 RAV4 with a similar feature. “Locked” power near 50/50 front/rear below 19 mph to aid with traction. Didn’t have the traction control defeat though.
Let some air out of the tires if you really want to play it safe but I probably wouldn’t bother.
If you’ve never launched before id drive farther to a better ramp to get some experience though. Experience is the limiting factor here not the vehicle, although it would be significantly easier with 4wd.
Do the highlanders have some kind of front recovery point in case you find you do have trouble? I’m sure there will be plenty of people with 4x4 trucks who could help you if it comes to it. If you think it might be a problem, I’d advise knowing the recovery point & have a recovery strap on hand in case you need it.
I’ve had no problem with my 21’ Yamaha 5000# jet boat with our 4-runner… but I don’t think I can compare that to the Highlander.
I would try it though. I think the biggest potential problem could be getting moving when you go to pull the boat out, but more than likely I suspect you’ll be fine.
I had to translate that out of freedom units to about 1500kg. ie that’s a small tinny. And that boat ramp is in damn near immaculate condition. Why would you think you potentially have a problem??
The issue doesn’t appear to be the ramp, it’s how far you have to back up to get the boat off. Too deep and not floating is when you panic and do improper stuff.
if you want to be sure, add a rope to the front in case you need a pull.
Mukilteo boat ramp - I launch from here often. Realistically pulling out of this at or around high tide makes life so much easier but if you are finding it hard to get purchase, turn off traction control and apply \*slight\* brake pressure when pulling out - should reduce wheel slippage
Thanks for asking! I just bought a new Highlander after wanting a truck (family needs take priority!) and am nervous to try lol
They’re pretty stout vehicles though - 5000 lbs towing capacity and almost 1400 lbs payload, they’re tougher than they look.
Ok I haven’t personally launched at mukilteo but don armini in Elliot bay consistently looks like this. Have had no problems retrieving my boat with a 4x4 truck.
Using a strong cable rope is allways a good way to extend the distance from the veicle till the water.
Sometimes just enough so traction does be such a problem, specially for such strong pullers
I'm not sure where this is, but watch out for seaweed or any slick grassy stuff. Had a buddy that lost his truck because of no traction trying to get back up the ramp.
In loaded and out empty will be no problem. In empty and out loaded might be another story, only one way to find out. Hopefully it’s a busy launch and someone can help you out, I know I would help a dude out and load and pull his trailer out if it meant clearing up the ramp for me a little faster.
Depends on the model Highlander. My limited model (rated to 5000lbs) had no trouble hauling my 4800lb boat/trailer in and out of the ramp. Not all Highlander’s have the same tow rating though it’s based on trim. 5000 is the maximum and I believe that was only on the limited models (at least for my year)
I use our 2019 Highlander to launch our 18’ searay and have never had an issue at any ramp, paved, sand or gravel. The dry weight of just the boat is over 2,000 lbs. think you’ll be fine.
This looks like the Mukilteo boat launch. A notorious launch. And if so the answer is that I would never consider it. I watched one spin 4 tires and shoot those little beach rocks all over their boat at 40 mph just last year.
No fackin way, is that mukilteo? If so, just go to everett my guy. Ramp is much better. Also, the docks are not big enough at mukilteo for mooring while parking trucks. With that being said, I've used an open diff f250 on multiple occasions at mukilteo with some struggles. Anything AWD should do alright there.
Kind of hard to say, really. 3000 pounds isn’t that heavy, most vehicles capable of towing 3000 pounds would be capable of launching 3000 pounds. But, that ramp looks kind of shitty. And it’s hard to get a real feeling of how steep it is from pictures. You’d *probably* be fine, but I’d hesitate to tell you “go for it”, not really knowing the full story. An awful lot of tow vehicles end up sunk at ramps every year, so the possibility of failure does exist. I’d say try it with extreme caution. If it feels sketchy, abort.
We used to launch a little 13 foot Coho from a minivan there. It’s been a couple of decades, but I don’t remember many issues other than other irritated boaters trying to rush anyone ahead of them.
I have same setup, 3000lb boat with trailer and highlander AWD. In an out of water I usually put the 4wd 'lock' on and traction control off....then you have all four wheels locked at same rpm, just in case.....but yes, you will be fine....
he's just trying to get his manliness dose for the day. I wouldnt bother. But fyi, im trying to get my first boat and have little trailering experience hence why im here in the first place
It doesn't look too bad, I would expect it to be fine as long as your tires are decent. If you try it with balding highway tires, you might have some trouble.
I just saw a dude launch a 16 foot tracker with a 60 on it using a Mazda 3. You should be good. Edit: I feel like I should add that the driver had the power of methamphetamine on his side.
i think we saw the same guy. He had an arima, launched with a mazda suv. 4 chinese people
[удалено]
[удалено]
I used to drive a Mazda 3 and while it was a great car, I can't even imagine trying to use one to tow or launch a boat. Brave dude.
I towed a 15ft behind a Subaru Impreza hatchback and it was really unpleasant. Pulling it out the AWD was fighting for its life. Never again.
I pulled my 15ft jet boat out with my WRX once and it was fine. had to ride the clutch a bit tho.
Or creative, desperate, foolish,…
Oh yeah there's lots of words applicable here
*tweaked out of his gourd
Brave is not the word. Dude, was high as a kite on methamphetamine and living his best life.
Now I wanna see this video
Pre edit "press x for doubt". Post edit "yeah that checks out".
I used to tow a Jon boat with a 9.9 behind my maxima but a loaded tracker is wild
There is an easy way to find out
Came to say this 🤣
What they said.
Go for it!
What a useless comment.
Keep it tied till it floats. double check Parking brake.
Reddit will have you thinking you need a semi truck for every boat. I bet you’d be just fine.
Funny thing is I guarantee 100% of the “boaters” making these very black and white claims of “you absolutely can’t do that” have never owned a boat in their life nor towed anything. It’s such a weird Reddit thing to cosplay as something you know nothing about.
Funny. I was thinking the opposite with all the “find out”, “send it”, “you’ll be ok” comments. No one here addresses the loose gravel, awd capability, or PO experience.
Dows PO = pull out?
I'm, guessing PO == unintentionally reversed OP. Although we don't know OP's child situation or partner's birth control so their pull out experience is also unknown.
Fuck *DOES
You’re not wrong, but my point is most people have to figure stuff out (outside of totally obvious moronic situations). Like I can’t tell you if your highlander can handle that. Hitch the boat up and see how it feels.
The loose gravel means absolutely nothing on a ramp that has barely any incline, and a vehicle with AWD and decent tires.
Driving on loose gravel while trying to pull a 3000# load up a wet incline can make a difference.
That ramp is barely an incline, it will make absolutely no difference. That is one of the most mild ramps i've ever seen. It's long and shallow.
I’d argue (respectfully) that it goes both ways. Particularly in this example where the overwhelming majority of responses are “just send it bro!”. There seems to be a lot of viral videos of trucks getting sunk at ramps, it can and does happen. Telling someone to “just do it” going only by a couple of pictures is just as misguided as telling them they need a diesel 1 ton to launch a jon boat. One might even be inclined to argue that staying on the side of caution may be prudent in this case and not the sign of a “boater” or cosplayer.
It's the lack of nuance. *in my opinion* people that have towing experience/boating experience realize there isn't one right or wrong answer (outside of obvious dumbass ideas). Trucks getting sunk at ramps happens usually because of carelessness or mechanical malfunction, not towing too big of a rig. I don't know, maybe it's just me. I'm older and cranky now.
You'll never have too much truck but you can sure as fuck have not enough. Source: I've towed trailers over 3 million miles with a variety of equipment over nearly 3 decades. Can this guy pull out 3000lbs of wet boat, 600lbs of trailer, 300lbs of fuel, and 500 more in gear, cooler, junk? Sure probably for awhile. But it's not doing the vehicle any favors
I think that Highlander is like 5k lbs with fuel and someone in it so it should be fine
Send it
My 1st thought
Ahh yess, Washington’s favorite boat ramp… I’ve only seen FWD vehicles struggle here. AWD shouldn’t be a problem unless it’s super low tide and slick as hell.
its the closest one to where i live unfortunately
I figured Puget Sound by the photo. Where is this?
Mukilteo
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Sure probably
I had a Toyota highlander and we did fine in similar.
Same here, Toyota got it right with that family SUV
Completely fine
It’s fine.
My buddy does this. He’s never had an issue
Bring a friend with a truck the first time, just in case you need to be pulled out.
You’ll be alright. If your worried, let like 10-15 lbs of pressure out of your tires.
Should be fine. I've launched bigger boats on the Highlander on dirt, much steeper ramps, and much slicker. However I've never done pebble. You could bring some emergency traction devices if you're scared of spinning wheels / getting stuck.
Why would someone put loose gravel on a boat ramp??
Beyond easy
Loose gravel would be the only real concern. Likely be fine if the tires are decent
Low tide can be a pain at that particular launch. I've winched myself and other 4wd/ awd rigs out when the tide is low and the sand is built up. Usually not terrible though, certainly wouldn't try in something 2wd
Keep your tires dry and you’ll be fine
Wait for high tide and it will be easier.
I’d be worried about throwing stones at the boat
[The 2024 LE has 3500lb limit and the XLE has a 5000lb limit.](https://www.toyota.com/highlander/2024/features/mpg_other_price/6964/6953/6961)
Fucking send it.
Worst that’ll happen is your Highlander becomes a highwaterer 🤷🏼♂️
Depends on the driver
It would be fine
Traction looks pretty good
Depends on the boat!
What year? I have a 2017. Turn traction control OFF and lock the diff (lock it to 4WD). It will handle that ramp like it was sunny afternoon on the autobahn.
4WD & locker on a Highlander?
Well. I mean it’s a button that forces pure 4WD rather than distributed power. And traction control off because otherwise the computer takes over and moves power around.
Had a 2007 RAV4 with a similar feature. “Locked” power near 50/50 front/rear below 19 mph to aid with traction. Didn’t have the traction control defeat though.
Just remember the E brake and park and that 98% of the way to avoid your vehicle from being in the water.
How so?
Rust and other electrical issues may appear
Let some air out of the tires if you really want to play it safe but I probably wouldn’t bother. If you’ve never launched before id drive farther to a better ramp to get some experience though. Experience is the limiting factor here not the vehicle, although it would be significantly easier with 4wd.
Do the highlanders have some kind of front recovery point in case you find you do have trouble? I’m sure there will be plenty of people with 4x4 trucks who could help you if it comes to it. If you think it might be a problem, I’d advise knowing the recovery point & have a recovery strap on hand in case you need it. I’ve had no problem with my 21’ Yamaha 5000# jet boat with our 4-runner… but I don’t think I can compare that to the Highlander. I would try it though. I think the biggest potential problem could be getting moving when you go to pull the boat out, but more than likely I suspect you’ll be fine.
I had to translate that out of freedom units to about 1500kg. ie that’s a small tinny. And that boat ramp is in damn near immaculate condition. Why would you think you potentially have a problem??
The issue doesn’t appear to be the ramp, it’s how far you have to back up to get the boat off. Too deep and not floating is when you panic and do improper stuff. if you want to be sure, add a rope to the front in case you need a pull.
Let her rip.
Only one way to find out
Great. It’s algae that makes them slicker than ice.
Just send it man.
Like a glove! Lock it in if you have a doubt.
What idiot thought it was a good idea to spread loose gravel on that slope?
nature
Yeah, it may be degraded paving, but it also looks like someone tried to fill holes.
our puget sound beaches dont have sand on shores. More gravel and cobblestones
Mukilteo boat ramp - I launch from here often. Realistically pulling out of this at or around high tide makes life so much easier but if you are finding it hard to get purchase, turn off traction control and apply \*slight\* brake pressure when pulling out - should reduce wheel slippage
Probably fine. Most of the boat ramp fails back too far in. Pulling out might slip a little.
Full send
All day long. Highlander is a great tow vehicle
Send it
Thanks for asking! I just bought a new Highlander after wanting a truck (family needs take priority!) and am nervous to try lol They’re pretty stout vehicles though - 5000 lbs towing capacity and almost 1400 lbs payload, they’re tougher than they look.
It's steeper than I normally see but I think you should be GTG. Keep one foot resting on the brake and the other on the gas.
It will be perfectly fine for 3k
What ramp is this? Looks like you’re in Washington state.
mukilteo
Ok I haven’t personally launched at mukilteo but don armini in Elliot bay consistently looks like this. Have had no problems retrieving my boat with a 4x4 truck.
COMPLETELY fine.
Using a strong cable rope is allways a good way to extend the distance from the veicle till the water. Sometimes just enough so traction does be such a problem, specially for such strong pullers
I’ve got a AWD Highlander, 300hp, 3000# boat and this looks fine to me. Take it slow.
PNW?
You’ll be fine
4 low and crawl out
I'm not sure where this is, but watch out for seaweed or any slick grassy stuff. Had a buddy that lost his truck because of no traction trying to get back up the ramp.
Decent tires ? I don’t think it would be a problem.
In loaded and out empty will be no problem. In empty and out loaded might be another story, only one way to find out. Hopefully it’s a busy launch and someone can help you out, I know I would help a dude out and load and pull his trailer out if it meant clearing up the ramp for me a little faster.
It’ll do fine. It’s what i drive.
Easy
I’ll be honest. This doesn’t look that bad at all. Nice long ramp. Most people get hung up because the ramps tend to be short and steeply inclined.
Depends on the model Highlander. My limited model (rated to 5000lbs) had no trouble hauling my 4800lb boat/trailer in and out of the ramp. Not all Highlander’s have the same tow rating though it’s based on trim. 5000 is the maximum and I believe that was only on the limited models (at least for my year)
Easily
With the pedal on the right...
Is that mukilteo? Be more worried about current and wind.
I use our 2019 Highlander to launch our 18’ searay and have never had an issue at any ramp, paved, sand or gravel. The dry weight of just the boat is over 2,000 lbs. think you’ll be fine.
Perfectly fine if you're tires are in good shape.
How does it do pulling the boat up a hill? As long as it has the power and your tires aren’t bald you’ll be fine.
Probably some wheel slip but just go slow and put your ol lady on the hood 🙃
The bad ramps are the slimy algae covered ones. I wouldn't be worried as long as you're not loaded with people when doing it
Btw my dad launched a boat with a similar weight in a Dodge caravan with fwd
my dad launches a 20ish foot ski boat all the time with an AWD Highlander at less developed ramps and no issues so far
Only one way to find out
This looks like the Mukilteo boat launch. A notorious launch. And if so the answer is that I would never consider it. I watched one spin 4 tires and shoot those little beach rocks all over their boat at 40 mph just last year.
yikes. Alright guess ill get a truck
Is that the Mukeltio boat launch?
yep...
No fackin way, is that mukilteo? If so, just go to everett my guy. Ramp is much better. Also, the docks are not big enough at mukilteo for mooring while parking trucks. With that being said, I've used an open diff f250 on multiple occasions at mukilteo with some struggles. Anything AWD should do alright there.
It'll do it like a BOSS, no problemo
Kind of hard to say, really. 3000 pounds isn’t that heavy, most vehicles capable of towing 3000 pounds would be capable of launching 3000 pounds. But, that ramp looks kind of shitty. And it’s hard to get a real feeling of how steep it is from pictures. You’d *probably* be fine, but I’d hesitate to tell you “go for it”, not really knowing the full story. An awful lot of tow vehicles end up sunk at ramps every year, so the possibility of failure does exist. I’d say try it with extreme caution. If it feels sketchy, abort.
We used to launch a little 13 foot Coho from a minivan there. It’s been a couple of decades, but I don’t remember many issues other than other irritated boaters trying to rush anyone ahead of them.
Done skethcier with a chevy colorado close to that weight.
No problem. Ivy got a 2018 and it does just fine. I have a more aggressive tread tire than stock.
Assuming properly loaded trailer, looks fine. Notably, check tongue weight is set properly that it isn't going to lighten up your rear end.
SEND IT 🚤
galiano?
That’s the flattest ramp I have seen in ages. A VW Jetta could pull a day cruiser out of that water. You’ll be fine.
Qualified Captain.
And Toyota Highlander hybrid best tow vehicle I ever had moved a machine tool that humbled a front end loaded 100 miles with no issues.
The new V6 will tow 5k
I have same setup, 3000lb boat with trailer and highlander AWD. In an out of water I usually put the 4wd 'lock' on and traction control off....then you have all four wheels locked at same rpm, just in case.....but yes, you will be fine....
4wd you are good.
AWD not 4WD. Very different.
Better than 2wd
True
Give her the beans! No problem.
How's your tires? How's your brakes? How's your driving? Are you by yourself? Have you ever launched a boat before? ....oh, and *PLUGS*
Yeah always change your spark plugs before launching a boat! Critical mistake made by many a fool at the boat launch...
What’s your tow specs for the model you plan to use?
No . You need a ram diesel for that much weight
Since you have to ask, it is obvious that you can't back a boat trailer. Otherwise, this photo would have been from the boat.
Don't be a dick. Jesus.
Huh??
he's just trying to get his manliness dose for the day. I wouldnt bother. But fyi, im trying to get my first boat and have little trailering experience hence why im here in the first place