How strong is a Toyota highlander SUV? I have a water tank on a country lot. I need to move the tank . The tank is about 6 ft long and 2 1/2 ft in diameter. It is empty, I can roll it a little so its not too heavy, but it has a foundation piece that keeps it from being rolled over and over. Ends are round and I need to move it about 100ft over flat dirt. It has attachment points on it, would a Highlander drag it or would I risk ruining the xsmission
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4wd, low.
once you get moving keep moving until you get where you are going.
I've pulled more then that with my Forrester.
But you didn't include the details like how far, what terrain etc.
For a bit more ensurance, roll the tank half on an old car hood. Hook up your chain to both the hood and the tank, using the hood as a sled. As said, 4WD, low.
I moved many a stone (loads of stone) that way.
In vehicle recovery class in the Army they taught us that a vehicle can pull roughly its own weight.(If the wheels all have traction) It's only a rule of thumb, but it's reasonably accurate IMHO.
If you can hook it close so the chain or strap is being pulled UP by the pulling vehicle you can pull more.
Take your time and I doubt you would hurt the transmission.
I moved the exact same thing.
Old boiler tank, though, so it had very very thick walls.
2-1/2' by 6'. Used for a water tank. (Total is around 333 gallons.)
I pulled it up a very steep hill, and around a few trees. Total about 100 feet.
Used an s15 jimmy, in 4WD. No pulleys or other rigging. Just one cable/chain.
Pulled it like there was no load at all...
Go for it.
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If your SUV can't do it, maybe I could talk my wife into letting you borrow her minivan.
Biggest problem will be finding a suitable anchor point on the Highlander since it's a unibody vehicle - no steel frame. I'd be looking for tow hooks that were factory installed or having a receiver hitch installed and then using a shackle and bracket that plugs into the receiver something like this:
http://www.4wheelparts.com
Edited 12/10/2008 1:44 am by boiler7904
Be sure to tape it in case something goes crazy. You may be a winner on Americas Funniest Home videos.
If you don't have to use much throttle to pull the tank, I don't see any problem with damaging the mechanicals, but the afore mentioned problem of attachment could be a problem. Also I would probably use a stout rope to pull with rather than a chain so there is some spring in case the tank suddenly jams up.
I have a sturdy bolted on(into factory frame sockets) hitch - that should work