Recommended Hitch and Wiring for Towing a Travel Trailer with a 2013 Toyota Highlander

Question:

I am Helping out a friend who has a 2013 Toyota Highlander and is looking to add a hitch to it with a 7 pin Trailer Hook up. as she will be looking to tow a 3500lb travel trailer that has breaks. Looking for a wiring kit or what I would need to get this project done. Would also be looking for a recommendation of a break controller. Thank you,

asked by: Jeron

Expert Reply:

Good news! I can help you equip the 2013 Toyota Highlander with the parts needed to tow that 3,500lbs travel trailer.

First thing you will need is a hitch. For this I recommend the Draw-Tite # 75726, because it has a tongue weight of 750lbs and a towing weight of 5,000lbs. It also won't require you to use a stabilization strap like the Curt hitch often does. I have linked a video of this hitch being installed for you to check out.

Next for the wiring, since you have the Highlander without the tow package you will need wiring harness # 118449. I have linked a video of this installation as well. To adapt your 4-way to a 7-way you will want to install the # ETBC7. This kit will come with everything that you will need to install the 7-way, we also have a video of this being installed on the Highlander for you to check out.

To control the brakes on the trailer you will need a brake controller on the vehicle. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is a great proportional brake controller. A proportional brake controller means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. This is the best selling controller on the market because of how easy it is to setup and use, and how well it works. The P3 # 90195 is like the P2's big brother; it has all the same great features but it also comes with a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The brake controller (P2 or P3) will include a universal wiring harness that will connect to all the connections needed, so you will not need another adapter.

It's important to note that you will be rated by your lowest capacity, which may end up being the vehicle. I recommend looking at the placard on the inside of the driver's door to see what your vehicle's towing capacities are. Another thing to keep in mind is that if the trailers weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of the vehicles weight (GVWR) you may want to also install a weight distribution system. I have linked an article about this for you to check out as well.

If you don't need a weight distribution system, then you will need a ball mount and ball to round out your towing setup. To best determine this you will need to refer to the trailer and hitch height (13-3/4 inches for the recommended Draw-Tite hitch), which we know because we've installed this hitch on this vehicle. I have linked another Help Article on this to help you best determine what you will need.

I have linked all the above mentioned products to this page for your viewing and purchasing convenience.