Recommended Trailer Hitch For A 2018 Toyota Highlander With A Full Sized Steel Rim

Question

Question:

Hi eTrailer, I have a 2018 Highlander and am interested in a hitch, but I want to make sure I order one that will fit. I replaced the spare tire the car came with with a full sized steel rim this one: tire so when I get a flat I have a full, real spare to put on the car. The tire and wheel fit under the car, but are clearly a good deal larger than the steel or aluminum spare the car comes with so I’m not sure what hitch to get that will accommodate this wheel and tire combination. I’ve read all the questions and didn’t see anyone with my situation, hence my question. Thank you in advance for your help in this.

asked by: Ben G

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Expert Reply:

When it comes to installing a trailer hitch on your 2018 Toyota Highlander that has a full size steel rim stowed underneath The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2 inch # e98844 will be the one that works for you.

The trailer hitch has a bolt-on installation with no welding required and has a matte black powder coat finish that is over a protective base coat that offers superior rust resistance. The hitch is made in the USA, and you will have no issues with the spare wheel under the vehicle unless it's an aluminum wheel.

The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56217 has a plug and play installation that plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness. The connection point for the 4-way harness is located behind the interior trim panel in your rear cargo area. This harness will make it to where your trailer's turn, stop, and brake lights mirror your vehicle's turn, stop, and brake lights.

To finish your towing experience I recommend The Curt Towing Starter Kit # C45534. This kit includes the ball mount the 2 inch hitch ball and other starter towing accessories needed for towing.

I attached a couple installation video links below.

expert reply by: Noah E

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Answer 1

The etrailer hitch part #e98844 is a confirmed fit for your Highlander since your spare is steel. The magnet test you performed proves it is steel since it wouldn't stick to aluminum. The aluminum wheel spare is just too wide which is why they…

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Answer 2

So long as the full size spare tire on your 2019 Toyota Highlander does NOT have an aluminum rim, it will still fit after installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844. I also wanted to mention, if you were looking to tow and needed trailer…

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Answer 3

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 4

We do have an etrailer hitch for your 2018 Toyota Highlander, part #e98844, which fits both the Hybrid and gas models. This installs without drilling and it fits with a full-size spare tire so long as it is on a steel rim. The linked installation…

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Answer 5

The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #E98844 referenced in your question is almost flush with the rear bumper but the receiver collar will indeed protrude just a tiny bit. If your main concern is a hitch that sits completely flush with the rear…

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Answer 6

I definitely understand being a bit overwhelmed by the amount of options in front of you, however I can definitely help with differentiating the trailer hitches for your 2019 Subaru Outback Wagon along with explaining my personal recommendation,…

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Answer 7

The Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver part #DT65MR does stick out past the bumper by quite a bit. Close to 3". For the one that sticks out the least use the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver part #e98844 This one has the shortest…

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Answer 8

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 9

Yes, you have a few options to choose from when it comes to hitches for your 2019 Toyota Highlander but it does not need to be a complicated decision. The etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 is my recommendation for a few reasons. The matte…

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Answer 10

You are right that the EcoHitch #306-X7250 for your 2019 Toyota Highlander features a hidden crosstube design that works to maintain a clean, factory-like appearance at the rear of your vehicle. It does cost significantly more than the other hitches,…

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Answer 11

When installing the etrailer #e98844 on your 2020 Toyota Highlander, you'll need to scrape the undercoat so that the mounting flange of the hitch and the vehicle's frame member are in direct metal-to-metal contact. If this isn't done, the…

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Answer 12

I recommend the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 as a solid choice for either towing or carrying accessories like a bike rack. The attractive matte black finish is more scratch-resistant than the glossy finish alternatives and blends in…

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