Recommended Trailer Hitch with Flush Receiver for 2014 Highlander with Full-Size Spare

Question

Question:

I hope to buy a used 2014 or later 4WD Toyota Highlander and use it to tow trailers weighing up to 5k pounds. Your website has been the best source of information about hitches I have found so far, but it is still confusing. Common sense and the 2016 owners manual online says that a compact spare should not be used while towing so a full-size spare same diameter as the other tires is mandatory but apparently not included in the tow prep package crazy!. I found reference on your website to a hitch that can be used with a full-sized spare if the wheel is not made of aluminum. I dont understand why the type of metal would matter. Could you explain? I also do NOT want to bang my shin on the hitch while loading/unloading cargo so it needs to be recessed from the bumper enough so that will not happen. The hitch also needs to not hang so low that it drags on the pavement when I turn into driveways hard to define, I know. Do you have what I need?

asked by: Robert S

0

Expert Reply:

There are a few trailer hitches available for the 2014 Toyota Highlander that are compatible with the full-size spare tire. Some of these hitches, like you mentioned, will fit with the full-size spare but only if the rim isn't aluminum. The reason for this is that the aluminum rim tends to be a bit too wide to allow the hitch to bolt up around it under the Highlander.

The only hitch available for the 2014 Highlander featuring a receiver that will be completely flush behind the bumper is the EcoHitch # 306-X7250, however it is NOT compatible with a full-size spare.

If your Highlander comes equipped with the full-size spare (as long as it doesn't have an aluminum rim) your best option is going to be with the Curt Class III # C13200. This hitch features the needed capacity for your trailers (6,000 pound towing and 900 pound tongue) with a receiver that is almost tucked completely behind the bumper (see attached image). The receiver is hidden enough that it shouldn't bother any unsuspecting shins and it will be mounted directly beneath the fascia so ground clearance won't be a concern.

I have attached an installation video that you can also use for reference.

expert reply by: Chris R

0

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Answer 1

The etrailer Trailer Hitch #e98844 and the EcoHitch #306-X7250 for your 2016 Toyota Highlander are both class III hitches, but the etrailer hitch has a higher weight capacity, can be used with a weight distribution system and has a matte black…

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Answer 2

The most expensive hitch we offer for your 2018 Toyota Highlander is the EcoHitch part #306-X7250 which is made here in the USA from all recycled metals and has hidden crosstube so it's mostly hidden. Now for a hitch that's basically the same…

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Answer 3

We do have two aftermarket trailer hitch receivers that have a hidden cross tube when installed on your 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited. The options are the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13394 and the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver…

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Answer 4

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 5

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Answer 6

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 7

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 8

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

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Answer 9

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 10

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 11

To replace your NOK AD2527E seal you can use #168233. It has an inner diameter of 1.688 inches and an outer diameter of 2.332 inches. Based on what I could find on the NOK AD2527E the inner diameter is the same and the outer diameter is 2.328 inches.…

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Answer 12

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

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