Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer and Operate Coffee Pot or Microwave with a 2011 Toyota Highlander

Question:

Watched 4 prong install on a 2011 Toyota highlander...Nicely done. Thanks.Now my questions.I hate to redo something if I think I need extra capacity in the future....So I am inquiring how to install a 6-7 prong connector.I am told I need an extra connection for electric breaks, I want extra running lights, indoor and outdoor lights, such as both white and switch to red lights at night outside for ease of seeing at night on my eyes, and the ability to run a coffee pot or microWave.So I see a 4 prong connection install, how would I install a seven prong when the Toyota receiver is only 4 prong.Also I want to pull about a 1500 lb trailer. Can U recommend which trailer to install?Would I need a weight distribution / stabilizer for my Toyota?Thanks. I appreciate your review and response.

asked by: Dave I

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your 2011 Toyota Highlander is not equipped with the towing package. If this is the case, in order to tow a trailer with your 2011 Toyota, you will need the five following components, recommendations are listed:

1. Trailer Hitch Receiver - The Draw-Tite, # 75726, offers a bolt-on installation with no drilling or welding required.

2. Ball Mount - Curt Ball Mount, # C45010

3. Pin and Clip - Receiver Lock, # C23519

4. Hitch Ball - # 19260 for 1-7/8", # 63845 for 2"

5. Wiring Harness - # C56217 and # ETBC7, Part # C56217 provides the needed 4-way for your vehicle and the # ETBC7 includes everything needed to install a brake controller and a 7-way connector on your vehicle. I have included an article and a video which goes over the installation steps for the # ETBC7.

The 7-way wiring, as well as the battery on your vehicle, is not designed to power something that draws as much power as a coffee pot or microwave. Although using a generator for these items would probably be the best option, a separate deep cycle battery with a power inverter like the Wagan 1000 watt, # WC3720, may also work for you.

When it comes time to tow a trailer with electric brakes, you will also need to install a brake controller. I recommend taking a look at the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. This controller is very popular with our customers because it is easy to use and offers proportional braking where the brake controller activates the trailer's brakes in proportion to the braking action of the Highlander.

According to the information that I was able to obtain for the Highlander, the models without the tow package and a 2.7L 4-cyclinder engine have a towing capacity of 1500 lbs and the models without the tow package and a 3.5L V6 have a 2000 lb towing capacity. I recommend checking your owner's manual to verify your vehicle's towing capacity. You will need to make sure that this capacity is not exceeded when towing a trailer.

As for a weight distribution system, we would recommend using one if your trailer's weight exceeds 50 percent of the Highlander's gross vehicle weight. If you determine that you do indeed need a weight distribution system, we will need to know the tongue weight of your trailer in order to choose the system that is best for you. I have included an article which goes over this as well.

Last but not least, our team here at etrailer works very hard to produce these awesome videos. Thanks for the compliment!