Carrying a 520 Pound Motorcycle With a 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid  

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I have a solution for you, however your 2010 Toyota Highlander won't be able to handle the weight of the carrier plus the weight of the motorcycle on a traditional hitch carrier like part # SMC600 because its tongue weight capacity just isn't high enough. When you use a non-trailer load, all of the weight, accessory plus cargo, is directly applied to the tongue weight, so you'll quickly exceed your limit.

I recommend instead using a small trailer like the Detail K2 Mighty Utility Trailer, part # K2MMT4X6. This will provide sufficient carrying capacity by removing the motorcycle's weight from the tongue weight and putting it behind, reducing the amount applied to the tongue weight.

Inside the trailer, you'll have approximately 80 inches of space for the motorcycle, plus other gear. This lets you maximize the towing capacity of your vehicle. Be sure to verify your total gross towing weight prior to loading the trailer.

For a ball mount, I recommend the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, part # 989900 to provide a 2 inch ball mount for the trailer.

Since the K2 has integrated light wiring, you'll need to add a connector to your vehicle as well if you don't already have one. Since it sounds like you have the factory tow package, I recommend using Curt's T-Connector kit, part # 56042 which plugs directly into your factory kit without any additional slicing, splicing or cutting needed. If you don't have the factory kit, let me know and I can make a better recommendation.

I've included video of all of these parts so you can get an idea of how they work and install, including a video of the installation of the wiring on a 2008 Toyota Highlander that will be similar to your 2010.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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