Recommended Hitch, Wiring, And Weight Distribution For 2015 Toyota Highlander Towing Camper

Question:

Hi, My family is looking for a pop up camper and we are new to towing. We have a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE with the towing package but no hitch or wiring. We are looking to purchase a PUP in the 3,000 to 4,000 gross vehicle weight range. We are looking to purchase a hitch, receiver, 7 pin wiring, brake controller with wiring, and antisway kit before we purchase a PUP. I like the way the Curt hitch tucks under the bumper, but I have read that a load strap may be needed for that hitch if I wanted to use a hitch mounted bike rack. Is that true? Are there any recommendations you may have. I appreciate any guidance you can give me!! Thanks,

asked by: Cian

Expert Reply:

The trailer hitch manufactured by Curt that is designed to fit your Highlander is part # C13200. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2-inch receiver opening. This hitch does not require the use of a safety strap when using the hitch with non-trailer accessories like a bike or cargo carrier.

Since you are planning on towing I recommend the etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not include a ball mount with the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, check out the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For a 4-way trailer wiring harness I recommend part # 56042. Since you have the towing package you just need to plug this into the port on the Highlander located behind the driver's-side interior trim panel in your rear cargo area.

The brake controller I recommend is the P3, part # 90195. This is one of our most popular because it is easy to install and operate. To install the brake controller you will need a 7-way trailer connector. This is part # ETBC7. The # ETBC7 plugs into the 4-way and then you run the additional wires as shown in the attached drawing.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

We recommend weight distribution systems with sway control for trailers that weigh over 50 percent of the towing vehicle. For your trailer that can weigh up to 4000-lbs it would certainly qualify.

The best way to find a system that works for you is to know what the total tongue weight is. You would need to know the tongue weight of the trailer when it is fully loaded and ready to tow added to the weight of any cargo loaded behind the rear axle of the towing vehicle. For a trailer with a 4000-lb capacity the tongue weight could be from 400 to 600 lbs.

For a weight distribution system, it is ideal to choose a system that the total tongue weight falls near the middle of the tongue weight range of the system.

If your total tongue weight is around 600-lbs I recommend a system like the Fastway e2, part # FA94-00-0800. This system works with tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs. The system comes with a 2-Point Sway Control system and includes the adjustable shank.

No hitch ball is included with this system. For a 2-inch ball I recommend part # EQ91-00-6080, and if you need a 2-5/16 inch ball I recommend part # 63840.