What Brake Controller do You Recommend for My 2020 Toyota Highlander while Towing a 4,000 lb. Camper
Question:
Hello, I have a hideout trailer 176hb 4000 lbs. I am currently towing it with 2020 Toyota Highlander L. I am wondering if the highlanders transmission will be ruined towing the trailer. Would a transmission cooler help? Lastly, would it be worth buying a Toyota Tacoma to replace the highlander in towing? Thank You!
asked by: Gloria E
Expert Reply:
I did some research on your 2020 Toyota Highlander L, and it looks like your vehicle is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds. With this tow capacity, you will be able to safely tow without the need of a transmission cooler for your 4,000 pound trailer. As always, I recommend confirming with your owner's manual for the most accurate weight capacity rating.
However, if you wish to extend the life of your transmission, I do recommend a transmission cooler like the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II # D13501. As long as you have mounting space in the hood for 4-1/2" tall by either 5-1/2" wide or 6-3/4" wide, you will be able to mount the cooler kit. This kit will prevent overheating and improves overall transmission performance.
Here at etrailer, we generally cannot offer advice about with vehicle purchases. However, I did discover that a 2020 Toyota Tacoma, for example, has a tow rating of about 3,500 - 6,800 pounds. With this weight capacity, it doesn't seem worth purchasing an entirely new vehicle to tow (especially if you get a Tacoma that falls under the 4,000 pound capacity).
With that being said, with your 2020 Highlander, I strongly recommend a brake controller while towing a 4,000 pound trailer. To start, you will need a 4-pole wiring harness like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # TK99FR if your vehicle does not have one installed already. After that is installed, you will need a 7-way, the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector # TK57VR. Both of these components may already be installed on your vehicle, so I recommend checking for this wiring before purchasing these harnesses.
As far as the brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 or the Curt Echo # C51180. Both of these controllers are proportional controllers which means that the controller activates the trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action. The Voyager is more of a traditional-style controller than requires mounting into the dashboard of your vehicle near the steering wheel. On the other hand, the Curt Echo allows you to control the settings of your controller with the ease of your Smart device.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Manual Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class II - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Small SUV
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 5-3/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
more information >
Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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