Installation of etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver on a 2019 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

Hi. I just have some questions about installing the etrailer hitch on my 2019 Highlander before I purchase it. Will it fit with my full-size spare tire, do I need to cut anything for the install, how hard is the install, can I do it without a lift or is this something that I need to have a shop install? I'll be using this for a bike rack.

asked by: Jack H

0

Expert Reply:

Hello! I'd be happy to help answer your questions about the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98844 so you can be confident to purchase it for your 2019 Toyota Highlander.

It will fit with a full-sized spare tire as long as the spare does not have an aluminum wheel. The aluminum wheel is too wide so if that's what you have it unfortunately won't fit. You will need to trim or remove the underbody panel but that isn't too difficult and it is the only kind of modification you will need to make.

The etrailer.com trailer hitch has been given a 5 out of 10 difficulty for the installation so it isn't too bad. You can definitely do it at home and while a lift isn't required, it does make things quite a bit easier. At the very least I do recommend putting your Highlander on some ramps like the kit # FT11909MI for better access under the vehicle, and an extra set of hands to help hold the hitch in place while you start the hardware. Attached is an installation video of this trailer hitch on a 2019 Highlander that you can check out.

There should be some stickers over the weld nuts in the frame but if for some reason those aren't there you will likely need to hit the weld nut with a lubricant like WD-40 and then clean the threads with a wire brush like part # 814092.

If you don't already have a bike rack then I recommend the Kuat NV 2.0 # NV22G-NA22G which is an easy-to-use 4-bike rack that can be converted to a 2-bike rack when needed. This rack secures bikes by their wheels (so it's compatible with anything that doesn't have a front fender), has an aluminum construction backed by a limited lifetime warranty, comes with bike and rack locks for security, plus an integrated bike stand so you can work on your bikes in the driveway or at the trailer.

I have attached a few photos of the hitch on a '19 Highlander so you get a good idea of what the finished project will look like as well as a review video of the NV 2.0 on a Toyota 4Runner for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

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Answer 1

I checked with each manufacturer and can verify there is a trailer hitch receiver that fits your 2022 Kia Niro EV, and it is a 2" hitch from Curt: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C77NR

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Answer 2

For the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" #C12172, there really isn't a solution other than to use a torque wrench. Without torqing the necessary bolts to the manufacturer specs, you void the warranty and can have…

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Answer 3

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 4

The spare tire for a 2019 Toyota Highlander is stored under the vehicle. If you check out the attached installation video for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 you can see the empty location under the vehicle where the spare tire should be.…

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Answer 5

We have multiple great hitch options that will fit your 2019 Toyota Highlander LE but I recommend our etrailer.com hitch #e98844 that comes in a more durable matte black finish. The cross tube is more visible but the etrailer is designed for higher…

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Answer 6

This Hopkins wiring harness does fit your 2019 Toyota Highlander. Since the location of the factory wiring is located inside the car and not under/behind the bumper, you will likely be limited to the current location of the wiring. That being said,…

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Answer 7

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 8

Yes, your black spare that you have is one that is compatible with the etrailer hitch part #e98844. It's only the aluminum wheels that won't fit and what you have is not the aluminum one Nick.

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Answer 9

For your 2017 Toyota Highlander that has a full sized spare, I recommend the Draw-Tite Class IV Max Frame Round Tube Receiver Hitch #DT65MR. This hitch is custom-fit for your vehicle and will allow your full size spare tire to remain stowed under the…

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Answer 10

My recommendation for your 2020 Toyota RAV-4 XSE Hybrid is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13416. The Curt is the simplest of the options available to install and provides sufficient capacity for towing uses. The RAV-4 is limited on towing capacity…

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Answer 11

You actually won't need to trim any rear fascia when installing any of our trailer hitches on your 2020 Toyota RAV4. Out of our selection I recommend going with the Class III Curt Trailer Hitch #C13416 because it has a 2" receiver (so it is…

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Answer 12

We haven't had the opportunity to install the #EH97FR EcoHitch as of yet, but hen we installed the Curt #C13416 on a 2021 RAV4, we found that the inside top edge of the receiver tube sat about 12 inches above the ground, which would place the…

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