Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for Towing with a 2018 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

What hitch and wiring harness do you recommend for towing a utility trailer for a lawn mower with my Toyota Highlander 2018?

asked by: Charley

0

Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Toyota Highlander and found on page 206 that the max weight rating for a trailer that doesn't have brakes is 1,000 lbs but if you do use brakes then it is 1,500 lbs for the 2.7L engine or 5,000 lbs for the 3.5L engine. You will want to verify this in your copy of the owner's manual.

If you have the 2.7L engine or your trailer doesn't have brakes then I recommend going with the etrailer # e98844 which is rated for 6,000 lbs towing and 900 lbs tongue weight (TW). This hitch is compatible with a full size spare tire as opposed to other options plus it has a sleek design that only shows the receiver.

For a wiring kit we have the Curt # 56042 if you do have the tow package or the Tekonsha # 118449 if you don't have the tow package. Either of these give you a 4-Way connector for the basic light functions on your trailer. If your trailer has brakes or you are wanting to have the option of using a brake controller then I recommend installing the Tekonsha T-One # 22119 and replacing the 7-Way connector with the Hopkins # 30955. This gives you all of the wiring needed for a brake controller as well as 7-Way and 4-Way connectors for different trailer options.

Then for a brake controller I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR because it can be installed virtually anywhere and takes up minimal space but is one of the best controllers that we have to offer. A review video has been linked for you to reference. If you have a Hybrid model be sure to disconnect your battery before disconnecting your brake light switch during the install.

To complete your towing setup you also need a ball mount kit like the Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop # C45036. Be to consult the attached ball mount article to determine if the 2" drop is what you need for your towing setup.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

We can get your 2019 Toyota Highlander set up for towing, and I'll go ahead and list out the best option for the trailer hitch receiver and wiring harness for you. - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 - Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness…

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Answer 2

You have it right so far, the 4-way connector is just as you have stated. Remember that Yellow has a L in it so that is the left side brake/turn signal and green has a R in it so that is the right side brake/turn signal. The colors for wiring a 7-way…

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Answer 3

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 4

For some reason Toyota isn't very forthcoming with how to figure out if you have the tow package or not. From my understanding all of the V6 models of the 2019 Toyota Highlander have the tow package but it isn't specified as to what else…

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Answer 5

To tow with your 2019 Toyota Highlander you will want a hitch and wiring package to add a 4 way connector. I don't know what engine you have but for models with the 4 cylinder engine, you are limited to 1,500lbs trailer weight rating vs. up to…

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Answer 6

I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 as a solid choice for either towing or carrying accessories like a bike rack. The attractive matte black finish is more scratch-resistant than the glossy finish alternatives and blends in…

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Answer 7

To choose the correct hitch for your Highlander, you'll need to know if you have a hybrid model and if your vehicle has a full sized or a compact spare tire. Then, you'd decide whether you prefer a hitch that's pretty well concealed…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 11

To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota RAV4, I recommend the etrailer item #e23ZR. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a 4,000 lbs towing capacity, and a 600…

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Answer 12

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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