Will the Curt C99FR Hitch for a 2020 Toyota Highlander Still Allow Operation of Hands Free Lift Gate

Question

Question:

We just purchased a 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited Edition and the dealer said they cannot install a hitch because of the sensor for the rear lift gate. It didnt make a lot of sense to me so I thought I would do a little research. We have a small utility trailer 4X8foot that we use to haul yard waste to the dump. So I would like to have a hitch installed and the necessary wiring connected for lights. If you can tell me where I might go to have installed I would appreciate it. We live in Lewiston Idaho.

asked by: Bill R

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

While the rear lift gate sensor will likely not function in the area directly above the receiver of a hitch, it will still function to either side of it, so you can install a hitch on your 2020 Toyota Highlander. We recommend using the Curt # C99FR, which has a 2" receiver that is perfect for both towing and carrying accessories. In order to get a complete towing setup for your Highlander you'll also need a wiring harness, ball mount and hitch ball.

For wiring, I recommend using the # C59496 since we've found that the converter boxes are a bit more reliable over time. To round out your towing components I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900 since it comes with 2 ball mounts with different rises and drops, 2 hitch balls (1-7/8" and 2") plus hitch pins, clips and a handy carrying bag to keep it all in when you're not towing.

While we don't have a network of installation techs that we can recommend in various parts of the country, any local automotive repair shop would be able to complete this for you. Alternately, if you've got an hour or two and some basic tools, you can install this yourself. I've actually linked some installation videos of the parts mentioned in this answer on similar vehicles that can give you an idea of what this would entail.

expert reply by: Erik B

1

Answer 1

I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C99FR for your 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE. It is a sturdy hitch with a 500 pound max tongue weight capacity and a max tow weight of 5000 pounds. Some install notes…

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Answer 2

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 3

The Curt hitch part #C99FR is what I recommend for your 2020 Toyota Highlander as it has plenty of towing capacity, installs easily and is the only option that has a concealed crosstube which gives a more concealed look overall. I attached a picture…

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Answer 4

Yes! It can and has been. Although from my experience with the Toyota Highlander, is that it tends to be a tight fit under there. It really depends on how comfortable your are with getting underneath your car to remove and install pieces. I attached…

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Answer 5

The Curt hitch part #C99FR that you referenced is a confirmed fit for your 2020 Toyota Highlander. We had the chance to install this on a 2020 Highlander just like yours and we found it fit well and installed easily. I also checked with Curt again…

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Answer 6

The only trailer hitch option we offer for a 2020 Toyota Highlander that will allow a full-size spare wheel/tire to be reinstalled is the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #EH35VR. The Curt trailer hitch…

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Answer 7

This Curt #C99FR Hitch is verified to fit your 2020 Toyota Highlander. There is some minor trimming on a plastic under body panel located underneath the vehicle between the back bumper and the spare. It is a simple procedure that most of our…

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Answer 8

We can get your 2021 Toyota Highlander set up with a 7-way connector, as you will just need a couple parts, starting with the 4-way. This will actually plug into the 7-way and is needed in order to utilize the lighting functions. Let's start with…

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Answer 9

The correct Yakima Landing Pads for your 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE with fixed mounting points on the roof rails are the Yakima Landing Pad 28 #Y66VR. These landing pads will allow you to use the 50" Yakima JetStream Crossbars in Black #Y00425…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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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