What Towing Package Is Available For 2008 Toyota Highlander
Question:
We own a 2008 Toyota Highlander. It does not have a towing package. What is the best towing package to buy and what would the towing capacity be?
asked by: harold m
Expert Reply:
You will want to check your owners manual or with the Toyota dealer for the gross towing weight capacity of your 2008 Toyota Highlander to make sure the towing capacity is not exceeded. Even if the hitch will have a higher weight capacity than your vehicles gross towing weight capacity the towing capacity is determined by the lowest weight capacity in your whole towing setup.
The Draw-Tite Class III 2 Inch Hitch, # 75726 that you have referenced is a good choice for your 2008 Toyota Highlander. It is a 2 inch hitch with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. and a tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. It is an easy bolt on application.
The Curt Class III 2 Inch Hitch, # 13534, is another popular hitch for your vehicle. It has the same capacities and installation as the Hidden Hitch. The difference in the two hitches is cosmetic. However, if you'll be using the hitch for non-trailer loads like a bike rack or cargo carrying tray you'll want to go with the Draw-Tite model. The Curt hitch warranty states that a stabilizing strap like # 18050 must be used for all non-trailer loads. Going with the Draw-Tite hitch would spare you that extra expense and aggrivation.
All of the hitches for your vehicle will require you to remove the tow hooks and the two appearance panels underneath the vehicle.
For towing you will also need the Curt Ball Mount, # C45010, and the Pin And Clip, # PC3. The recommended hitch ball would be the Tow Ready 2 Inch Hitch Ball, # 19247.
The wiring harness you will need is the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, # 118449. I am sending a video link of the wiring harness being installed on a 2008 Toyota Highlander.
I am also sending the installation instructions on both the Curt hitch and the Draw-Tite model.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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