Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendation for 2014 Toyota Highlander with Full Size Spare
Question:
Okay, you have told me which category 3 hitch is right for my 2014 Toyota Highlander. I would like to know which category 4 hitch would be correct and accommodate a full size spare tire? I fully understand that my car is limited in towing weight but I always prefer to install the largest capacity possible.
asked by: Edward M
Helpful Expert Reply:
I looked up the online version of your owner's manual, which states that a 2014 Toyota Highlander without a tow package and with a V6 engine, is limited to a maximum allowable gross trailer weight of 2,000 lbs. The tongue weight (TW) should not exceed 9-10 percent of this, so around 200 lbs. Vehicles with a 2.7L L4 engine are limited to 1,500 lbs instead.
Class III and IV trailer hitches both feature a 2 inch receiver, however class IV hitches are categorized this way because of their increased weight capacity. We only have class 3 hitches available for your Highlander.
With that in mind, the hitch I recommend is the etrailer Class III # e98844. Although this hitch is rated for 6,000/900 lbs, you will be limited by your vehicle's capacities listed earlier. This hitch is a confirmed fit for your full size spare tire, as long as it is not on the aluminum rim. It also includes all the necessary hardware for installation.
For a wiring harness, I recommend # 118449, which is designed for your Highlander without a tow package. I suggest picking up a mounting bracket # 18144 to attach to your vehicle.
To complete your towing package, I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45534. It includes a ball mount with a pre-torqued hitch ball; hitch pin and clip; hitch receiver lock with keys; hitch cover; and a storage case.
Check out the installation videos for the above products I included for you at the bottom of the page.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 900 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 8000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 900 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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Edward M.
12/12/2019
Okay, you have told me which category 3 hitch is right for my 2014 Toyota Highlander. I would like to know which category 4 hitch would be correct and accommodate a full size spare tire? I fully understand that my car is limited in towing weight but I always prefer to install the largest capacity possible.