Recommended Complete Towing Setup for 2017 Toyota Highlander SLE AWD for 3,850 lb Trailer

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Question:

Hi guys This will be my first experience with travel trailers and can use all the help I can to get it right. I have a 2017 AWD XLE Higlander factory equipped with a standard towing package although I am not sure what that really means.... I am looking at buying a trailer with a GVWR of 3,850lb and hitch weight around 400lbs. What is your recommendation for a reliable hitch, wiring harness, brake controller, weight distribution system is it needed? , and whatever else you guys believe would make sense to have a pleasant experience on the road .... I am a DIY person and can probably install all that stuff if I receive proper instructions. Also, do you have feedback from other folks using Highlanders for towing? My typical weekend trips will be around 200miles riding on mostly flat terrain. I have ready mixed reviews online. Thanks a bunch

asked by: J.A. M

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'm happy to help you get what you need for towing. I did a little research to find your 2017 Toyota Highlander SLE AWD towing capacity to be 5,000 lbs. Based on that, you will not have an issue with a 3,850 lb travel trailer with 400 lb tongue weight, but you will want the proper equipment to do so.

I recommend starting with the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
Item # e98844 rated for up to 900 lbs tongue weight and towing up to 6,000 lbs.

The factory tow package on your particular vehicle means you have converter installed under your dash so you can simply add the wiring harness # HM11141825 to the factory wiring harness located in the rear cargo area near the spare tire compartment. Then you will need to install the Universal Brake Controller wiring kit # ETBC7 to add the 7-way connector, wiring, circuit breakers and brake controller. This kit gives you everything you need to upgrade a 4-way to a 7-way with the exception of the brake controller unit. I've attached a video to assist.

For your brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 for an easy to use system that has an LCD screen to give you diagnostics and functions. It also comes with preset brake boost options to make it very easy to use.

I do recommend a weight distribution system for your trailer simply because it is the best option to control trailer sway which will make those 200 mile journeys much more comfortable. For your 400 lb dry tongue weight, I recommend the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Trunnion - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA92-00-0800. This system is rated for tongue weight between 400 and 800 lbs which includes the loaded trailer tongue weight with all your supplies and equipment as well as any cargo weight behind the rear axle of your Highlander. This system will work very well for you to help control sway and is easy to install. You will also need a hitch ball like # EQ91-00-6080 for a 2 inch diameter ball or # 63840 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball to match your trailer coupler size. You may also want the socket # ALL643216 to help with installation of the hitch ball.

I know this is a lot of information so let me know if you have further questions. I've also attached some videos and articles to assist.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Answer 1

To determine if a 2017 Toyota HIghlander has a factory towing harness, start by opening up the rear hatch. Then, lift up on the rear compartment panel and pull it out. Remove the two driver-side panels by pulling up on them. There, you may see a…

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Answer 2

I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98844 for the 2019 Toyota Highlander which is confirmed to fit the hybrid model. I have attached a video for your reference. For the wiring, I recommend Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with…

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Answer 3

Luckily, rather than trying to understand the VIN check, the easiest way to determine if your Highlander is equipped with the taillight converter is to get a quick peek at the 10-pin connector it would plug into. The connector is located under the…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Hopkins 4-way part #HM11141825 that you referenced will simply plug right into the port at the rear of your 2018 Toyota Highlander and then you'd be ready to go. I attached a picture of where you'll find the port at for the harness…

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Answer 5

I have personally seen this issue a lot. The good news is that it's a simple fix, you need the Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part #HM11141845 which has the converter harness whereas the Hopkins…

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Answer 6

If you have the factory tow package and have a converter under the dash of your 2017 Highlander the wiring harness I recommend is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness, part #56042. This simply plugs into the factory tow package wiring harness…

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Answer 7

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander I highly recommend checking out the Curt Trailer Hitch #C13394 because it has great towing capacities for your Highlander. The Curt #C13394 is a Class III hitch with a 2" receiver and has a maximum tongue weight…

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Answer 8

The most likely issue is a blown or missing fuse for the trailer lighting. Locate the fuse panel under the hood, on the driver's side, near the fender. Your Owner's Manual can additionally provide you a picture of the location and…

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Answer 9

See the wiring diagram below from the Curt Echo #C27JR installation manual. The blue wire is the brake output, the black wire is the 12V power, the red wire is the stoplight switch, and the white wire is the ground. Depending on the vehicle there may…

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Answer 10

Since you have already established that the fuse is fine and power is running to the connection for the harness there is not much else that can be done. I suggest double checking all of the connections to make sure they are secure. I would unplug…

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Answer 11

The installation instruction for the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C13394, which I have linked, shows how much of the panel is trimmed. The installation video that I have attached will show you exactly how it is…

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Answer 12

The Highlander or 4 Runners that have towing packages come with the hitch receiver and the wiring most of the time. They do not come with a ball mount however. Based on what you need to tow, you may find it less expensive to get a base version and…

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Recommended Complete Towing Setup for 2017 Toyota Highlander SLE AWD for 3,850 lb Trailer

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