Trailer Hitch and Wiring for Towing 3100 lb Boat and Trailer with 2012 Toyota Highlander  

Question:

Expert Reply:

For the hitch, I'd recommend the Curt Class III hitch, part # 13534. With a 5000 lb towing/750 lb tongue weight capacity, it's plenty tough enough to handle the boat you describe.

How far you take the trailer wiring will depend on the braking system used on the trailer. At the least, you'll need a 4-pole wiring harness, like part # 118449. If your boat trailer doesn't have brakes, or has a hydraulic coupler and free-backing brakes, this harness is all you'd need. If the trailer has a hydraulic coupler with an electric lockout (trailer will have a 5-pole connector), you'll also need a # 20036 adapter. The extra blue wire would tap into the reverse lamp circuit on your Highlander. When the vehicle's transmission is shifted into reverse, the lockout on the coupler activates preventing the brakes from activating when you back the vehicle.

If the trailer has electric brakes, you'll need to install a brake controller and a 7-way trailer connector. For a brake controller, I'd recommend a proportional type controller like the reasonably priced Tekonsha Brake EVN, part # TK63VR and the # 20127 wiring harness. You'll also need a brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7.

Finally, you'll need a ball mount and a trailer ball. For a ball mount, I'd recommend the # 2753 ball mount, the # PC3 hitch pin and the # 63845 2 inch trailer ball.

I've linked to videos for the hitch, the trailer wiring harness and for the brake controller installation. I've also linked to the installation instructions.

expert reply by: Mike L

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