Will a Trailer Hitch Rated for 6,000 Pounds Allow a 2015 Toyota Highlander to Tow 3,500 Pounds

Question:

So I see that the Curt Class III Round Tube Receiver Hitch - 2015 Toyota Highlander is rated for 6000 lbs. I also see that the Toyota Highlander is rated for a 3500 lb. tow capacity. I am new to towing, so I just want to verify that with the Curt Class III, there would be no problem with towing anything with a weight capacity of 3500 lbs or less basically the Receiver Hitch specified can match the capacity of the vehicle?

asked by: Nicola D

Expert Reply:

You are right. As long as the trailer hitch meets or exceeds the vehicle capacity, it can tow up to that capacity. So if your 2015 Toyota Highlander is rated for 3,500 pounds towing capacity then using Curt trailer hitch # C13200 will allow you to tow 3,500 pounds.

Please note that even though the hitch is rated for 6,000 pounds, you are still limited to the lowest rated component in the system, in this case the vehicle at 3,500 pounds.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included to the right that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For trailer wiring you can use # C56217.