Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2017 Toyota Highlander

Question:

Clark, I am trying to identity all the parts I will eventually need to order to 1) attach a hitch to a Toyota Highlander, 2) attach a cargo carrier, and 3) attach a 2500 LB trailer. Please review the list and let me know if I have something on it that I don't need and something missing. Also, the list has to carriers, the: 1. GearDeck 17 Enclosed Cargo Carrier for 2" H00604 and the 2. Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier Y62VR. Will either of these work for the configuration I am trying to put together? If yes is one of these better than the other? Thanks. 63201 75896 mt70066 63845 d-28

asked by: Rick D

Expert Reply:

For your 2017 Toyota Highlander the best hitch option is the Draw Tite # DT65MR as it has the best capacity and has a great price.

Hitch installs are pretty basic for qualified mechanics. The best advice I can give would be to find a local mechanic to you with a good reputation and let them install it. I attached an install video as well for you to check out to see if you might be able to tackle it yourself.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Rick

9/14/2017

Thank you. I have never had a vehicle with a hitch. The site you sent me also mentioned a part PC3. What part or parts will I also need to use the hitch?

Jameson C.

9/14/2017

If you wanted to do some towing you might be interested in 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. The # PC3 is just the pin to hold the ball mount which is included with the # 989900. For trailer wiring you then would want the part # 118449 which is a confirmed fit. This will allow your Highlander to control the lights of your trailer.

Rick

9/20/2017

Jameson C.

9/20/2017

You are on the right track! The hitch we talked about is the right choice so that's a good start. The longer ball mount part # D-28 would be a great choice as well and the 2 inch hitch ball part # 63845 would fit and work well. The part # MT70066 would be great for if you were wanting to carry one of the carriers you mentioned and tow a trailer so that's a good choice as well. Now between the carriers I really like the Yakima EXO Swing Away Enclosed Cargo Carrier # Y62VR as it can swing away from the vehicle and give you access to your vehicle. The Gear Deck # H00604 is very nice, but I don't care for the way the enclosed portion opens when compared to the Yakima EXO.