Tow Package and Service Life

[quatin]

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether a tow package (beefier radiator, heavier fan, bigger alternator, external oil cooler, external trans oil cooler) will extend the service life of a car even without towing? When everything is maintained and the car is new, I'm sure there's no difference, but what about in the late stages with 150k+ miles. I remember reading somewhere to get the tow package if you can, but I can't find it anymore.

Reason I brought it up is because I was considering getting a 2018 Highlander with the 6 speed transmission, because I heard of problems with the 8 speed. However, I don't get the tow package with the 6 speed. This will just be for city driving family car, but I'm willing to pay to have overbuilt components if it extends the life of the car. I do like to drive the wheels off my cars. My 4runner is 18 years old.

 

[Travelin]

Then enemies of vehicle longevity are overloading, i.e. too much weight, and overheating. Tow packages typically address these issues with more capable suspension systems and more capable engine/transmission cooling.

Toyota vehicles have such remarkable longevity because they are very well designed and very well built. They have been the global leaders in Total Quality Control. Interestingly, all Toyota's (I think) have integrated engine oil cooling and integrated transmission fluid cooling. Although the hybrid radiator (engine cooling & transmission cooling) has been the subject of much criticism, I would argue that these two things contribute significantly to the longevity of Toyota vehicles.

As long as you use the car within recommended limits, it should last if well maintained. Towing beyond those limits or overloading will shorten the life of your vehicle.

 

[MSRP.]

OP, whereabouts in the USA do you live (hot climate?), and where do you frequently travel to (any hot states?), this is a minor consideration.

In short, I think you are really asking whether the 6 speed without towing package is more reliable vs the newer 8-speed with tow package. (I'm not familiar with either transmissions)

 

[quatin]

OP, whereabouts in the USA do you live (hot climate?), and where do you frequently travel to (any hot states?), this is a minor consideration.

In short, I think you are really asking whether the 6 speed without towing package is more reliable vs the newer 8-speed with tow package. (I'm not familiar with either transmissions)

I live in South Florida. It's hot, but not central Texas hot, because it rains every day in the summer. We also don't have too much grid locked in 100 degree type of traffic or else I would for certain get the tow package just for the bigger fan.

I've read that the 8 speed transmission has had issues, so reliability wise the 6 speed is better. However, I'm really asking if the tow package does anything to extend service life if I don't tow anything. It's kind of along the lines of people installing external transmission coolers & engine oil coolers with the idea that it keeps the temperatures down and therefore extends the life of the oils and perhaps the engine/tranny as well.

 

[MSRP.]

If the 2018 8-speeds are already showing issues without going into 200,000k territories, then you're probably better off with the (quoting you) reliable 6 speed and going to your local mechanic/dealer to install an aftermarket external cooler for $500.
DIY is probably $200-300.

 

[Jetboy]

I would think the 8AT would be more reliable in the long term. Mostly because IIRC it's a direct shift - so it should have much less heat buildup in normal driving. But it's hard to know between the two models.

Toyota has been using the same 8AT internal design for a long time in Lexus models. So all the issues *should* be worked out by now. It's surprising to hear of problems. Toyota transmissions are well known for being extremely durable. It's almost unheard of to ever have one rebuilt.

 

[quatin]

I would think the 8AT would be more reliable in the long term. Mostly because IIRC it's a direct shift - so it should have much less heat buildup in normal driving. But it's hard to know between the two models.

Toyota has been using the same 8AT internal design for a long time in Lexus models. So all the issues *should* be worked out by now. It's surprising to hear of problems. Toyota transmissions are well known for being extremely durable. It's almost unheard of to ever have one rebuilt.

It may not be widespread, but a google search of "toyota 8 speed transmission problems" shows up several threads about early transmission failures (5k-15k miles) and a TSB for the 2017 Highlander for the transmission. 2017 was the first year they installed it.