How to Determine Towing Capacity for 2010 Toyota Highlander, Hitch and Camera Recommendation

Question:

I was ready to buy a trailer hitch and camera from you. But, I have some Qs. I have a 2010 Highlander 4wd. 1. Tongue Weight: I was going to get the 13534 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2inch . But, I noticed it has a max tongue weight of 500lbs. Other, more expensive hitches have a tongue weight of 750lbs. Since my Highlander can tow up to 5,000 lbs, should I get the 750 lbs hitch? How much does it matter? 2. Wiring Harness: My Highlander is supposed to have the towing package. Do I also need to buy the wiring harness? 3. Wiring for trailer and camera: I am also going to get the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera and Hitch Aligner System HM50002. How should I do the wiring so that I can use the camera and a trailer lighting system? BTW, what firms have good prices on trailers? Thanks so much!

asked by: P

Helpful Expert Reply:

To address your first question about the capacity's of the Curt Hitch # 13534 and your 2010 Toyota Highlander you must always go with the lowest rated component in a towing setup as the overall towing capacity. So since your vehicle is rated at 500 lbs of tongue weight you would gain nothing by going to a higher rated hitch.

In other words the Curt hitch you referenced would work very well for you.

In order to be able to install the Hopkins Smart Hitch Backup Camera # HM50002 you will need to have a functional 7-way for trailer wiring on your vehicle.

If you do have the towing package you should have at least a 4-way. But in case you do not you would first need a Curt Wiring harness # C56217 and then using a 7-Way Conversion Kit # ETBC7 convert that to a 7-way. Once you have those two products installed you would be able to install the # HM50002 inline with the 7-way and it would work well.

I attached installation instructions and videos for all the products mentioned.