Parts Needed to Tow Travel Trailer With 2015 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD. It did not come with a tow package. I would like to tow a travel trailer that has a dry weight of 3350, a payload capacity of 610lbs, and a tongue weight of 495lbs. Toyota says the vehicle can tow 5000lbs but in the real world, can it do so safely and without undo strain on the engine and equipment, or awful mpg? If so what do I need to do that safely?

asked by: Jp

0

Expert Reply:

Your 2015 Toyota Highlander can tow a travel trailer with a GVWR of 3,960 lbs (GVWR is the dry weight plus the payload capacity and what should be used when determining total weight). It can do so safely, though the gas mileage is going to be affected somewhat, which is true of any vehicle when towing. The engine will perform just fine, but towing is a stressor on any vehicle so I do recommend adding a transmission cooler to help, the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13503.

The other things you will need to tow with your '15 Highlander are a hitch and 4-way wiring harness:

- etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98844

- Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # C56217

This hitch is rated to tow up to 6,000 lbs with a 900 lb tongue weight capacity so it is plenty for your needs, and the 4-way will activate your trailer's lights. If your travel trailer does not have electric brakes you're set, as that's all you need. If it DOES have electric brakes you'll also need a 7-way and brake controller:

- Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7

- Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170

- Wiring Adapter # C51515

The 4-flat will plug into the 7-way that comes with the # ETBC7, which also gives you the wiring, circuit breakers, and rest of the hardware needed for the brake controller installation.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

Answer 1

I would be happy to help you upgrade your 2022 Highlander's wiring harness so you can control your trailer's brakes. You're going to need the universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The trailer brakes work on a separate circuit than the lights. You have a couple of options to control the electric brakes on the trailer. One option is to use an air over electric brake control, #HA100400C. This unit connects to the air brakes on…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Hey Travis, congrats on the new 2024 Jayco Flight 284BHS! Your travel trailer looks to have a GVWR of 7,950 lbs so I recommend going with the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution w/ 4-Point Sway Control #EQ37121ET and pairing it with the Shank…

view full answer...

Answer 8

A factory 7-way trailer connector isn't all you need to power a trailer's electric brakes. You still need a brake controller. Some Ford F-150s are equipped with a factory integrated brake controller, which you may have. If your 2012 Ford…

view full answer...

Answer 9

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

view full answer...

Answer 11

Sure thing, I will go ahead and list out what you need for your 2023 Kia Sportage to add a 7-way for a brake controller so you can tow with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C94WR: - T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I have a few things for you to check when it comes to not being able to pair your iPhone with the Curt Echo #C51180. The first thing to do is make sure that you're pairing your phone with the Echo through the app. If you paired it through the…

view full answer...