only a few simple tools, a Curt 13453 trailer hitch, and a little period of time to install on a Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Highlander model years 202021 are compatible with this trailer hitch and installation procedure.
In This Article...
Can a tow package be added aftermarket?
You can get aftermarket towing components fitted at a local auto repair shop that offers them. You might be able to save money by purchasing from an online auto part supplier that provides expert tow hitch installation services if you’re merely installing a tow hitch to your car.
A 2020 Toyota Highlander can it be hitched?
For the Toyota Highlander from 2021, we also have hitches. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C99FR is what I advise. Since your 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE lacks a towing package, you’ll need the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # TK99FR.
How can I enhance my Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity?
Use the following advice to increase your Toyota Highlander’s ability to tow:
- To improve control and stability, add a weight-distribution hitch.
- Purchase replacement brake rotors and pads for safer stopping when hauling heavier weights.
- To increase the engine’s ability to dissipate heat, get a bigger radiator.
Which Highlander model includes a tow package?
Many people think of a powerful pickup truck speeding down the freeway pulling a massive trailer when they think about towing. The fact is, you can move heavy objects without a pickup truck. If you have the right information, your SUV, crossover, or even sedan (like the Camry) can haul cargo around town safely and easily:
You can’t go wrong with a Toyota Highlander XLE if you need a substantial towing vehicle but don’t want to acquire a pickup truck. The 20142019 versions’ towing capacity even outperforms that of the Tacoma (which tops off at 3,500 pounds). The Highlander’s top trim level is XLE. With the optional towing kit and its V6 engine, it can tow up to 5,000 pounds*. For comparison, the LE trim level’s base engine, which has four cylinders, can tow up to 1,500 pounds.
Three of the most popular items that people tow that weigh up to 5,000 pounds are listed below to give you an idea of what the Highlander’s highest trim level can tow:
After making a purchase, can I increase the maximum trailering package?
The brand-new Chevy Silverado provides better performance and value than ever before. It has been entirely redesigned. How so? First off, the MSRP of the 2018 Silverado is $700 lower than that of the outgoing model while still providing larger interior/cargo room and greater towing and payload capacities! Six different engine/transmission combinations are available in the new series, giving you more engine/transmission options than ever before to fit your specific performance, efficiency, and towing requirements. Additionally, the brand-new Silverados are bigger than the previous versions but weigh about 450 pounds less thanks to innovative production and the use of blended materials! The all-new Silverado is fearless and trustworthy, offering durability and strength for all your towing requirements. Continue reading to learn how the new Max Trailering Package elevates things.
Even though it would be difficult to imagine that the brand-new Silverado could be any better, your truck will become a hauling beast when you add Chevrolet’s Max Trailering Package! Whether you buy or lease an entirely new Chevrolet Silverado, you may add the Max Trailering Package to both the crew cab and the double cab.
Your brand-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow up to 12,100 pounds when equipped with the Max Trailering Package, which is an increase of 400 pounds over a similarly equipped prior model’s maximum towing capacity of 11,700 pounds! The kit also includes heavier-duty rear leaf springs, a 220-amp alternator, a 3.42 axle ratio, a 9.76-inch rear axle, an improved cooling radiator, altered shock tuning for improved control, and a trailer brake controller. Want to increase the capacity of your truck? Speak with us right away about purchasing or renting a brand-new Silverado with the Max Trailering Package!
Is a tow package included with the Highlander XLE?
The 2021 Highlander XSE AWD introduces significant improvements that maintain its position as a top SUV option.
The middle row includes a captain’s chair, and the 2021 Highlander XSE AWD also includes a wireless charger and sport-tuned suspension.
The model seen in the photos has a crossbar and a tow hitch. The Highlander XSE AWD does not include these as standard equipment.
In contrast to the Platinum trim, which comes with a luxury 12.3-inch touchscreen, all 2021 Toyota Highlander trim levels come standard with an 8-inch touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported in all models, providing a great substitute for the touchscreen’s built-in Toyota Entune system.
The newly introduced Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ is included as standard in the 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum as well as a 3.5 Litre V6 engine. It is currently up for order. For a complete comparison, look at all the trims and features on this page!
Are there towing options available for the 2021 Highlander?
What is the towing capacity of a Toyota Highlander? may be on your mind if you’re looking to purchase the competent Toyota Highlander for your outdoor excursions. When properly outfitted with its optional tow package, the 2021 Toyota Highlander can pull 5,000 pounds, enabling Irmo households to transport
Can a Toyota Highlander tow 5,000 pounds in reality?
The towing capacity of the 2021 Toyota Highlander When properly outfitted, the 2019 Highlander can tow an astonishing 5,000 pounds. Depending on the engine you select, you can tow a certain amount of weight. And that’s still another fantastic feature of this SUV. A gas engine or a hybrid engine are your options.
Does putting a trailer hitch on a Toyota void the warranty?
I’ve also included an installation video for you to see. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides protection when you put an aftermarket component, in this example a trailer hitch, on your car. According to this act, the warranty cannot be revoked unless the installation and the part were the direct cause of the issue.
Can the towing capacity be increased?
The article went on to claim that owners who purchased a new van would have to spend a significant amount of money on a brand-new tow vehicle rather than increasing the towing capacity of existing vehicles with aftermarket accessories and skilled mechanical work.
According to federal regulations, GCM upgrades for new and unregistered vehicles are limited to what the original manufacturer specifies. Vehicles that have already undergone upgrades are not affected.
However, upgrades to a vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) are permitted by federal legislation. The GVM is the total weight, including the vehicle’s own weight, that a vehicle can transport. The manufacturer sets a maximum weight for a loaded vehicle, which includes the driver, fuel, and cargo. This weight limit is reported to the registration authorities, rules all applications, and is stamped on the tow vehicle’s compliance plate.
According to reports, the Queensland Government was willing to go farther with this problem and forbid upgrades to already registered towing vehicles, axle capacity increases, and GVM upgrades on operating vehicles that had already undergone upgrades by another State.
INDUSTRY OUTRAGE
Both the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the nation’s leading organization for producers, sellers, and distributors of automotive parts and accessories, and the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), the leading national organization for the caravan and camping sector, took note of this exaggeration.
Both organizations worried that these reports would justifiably frighten industry companies and their clients.
The CEO of the Australian Caravan Industry Association, Stuart Lamont, was interviewed by Caravan World magazine and cautioned people conducting research into the matter. According to him, early reporting was “dismissed by the Minister in charge” and has led to significant market confusion as a result of the bad reporting.
According to Lamont, there was a misunderstanding about the obligations of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) regarding products that had been modified after-market due to a Federal Department circular regarding GCM upgrades (as opposed to GVM upgrades) that was driven out of the Australian Motor Vehicle Certification Board.
Commercial operators whose business models are to be disrupted have been fairly active as a result, he claims.
Both organizations help 4WD drivers and caravanners in acquiring acceptable vehicle modifications that assure safer towing, according to Lamont and Stuart Charity, Executive Director of AAAA.
According to Charity, all Australian drivers have always been able to have the suspension of their cars changed in order to install a GVM update.
In essence, he explains, “that’s upgrading the vehicle’s carrying capacity. It’s done prior to registration, and the new GVM is written on the compliance plate of the vehicle.
MISCHEVIOUS MEDDLING
Stuart is of the opinion that the uncertainty was not simply caused by the subpar media coverage. According to Charity, early this year “a number of companies were re-rating the GCM or Gross Combined Mass of the vehicles, which is the towing capacity, when they were undertaking GVM improvements.
According to information from the Federal Department of Planning, Transport, and Infrastructure, there has long been uncertainty over GVM and GCM enhancements.
The Department states that the Department does not allow second stage manufacturers to increase the towing capacity as part of an SSM Identification Plate Approval (IPA) that results in a GVM upgrade. Instead, the Department limits light vehicle towing capacity to that set by the first stage manufacturer.
It was made clear that this restriction is not retroactive, so GCM increases that are currently in progress will be approved but new ones won’t. In other words, a light vehicle’s maximum allowed towing capacity is determined by the manufacturer.
Australian States and Territories all have the same legal framework and forbid raising the braked towing capability of light cars, according to the Federal Government’s guidance to the CIAA.
Although the Federal legislation forbids changing the towing capacity, South Australia has developed a habit of approving such adjustments that the Federal authorities did not curtail.
Here’s where it gets naughty. While manufacturers “have the means to evaluate their products in a manner that is not likely to be achieved by aftermarket or Second Stage Manufacturers,” the Federal Government notified the CIAA. Although various government organizations have asked for test reports, several of these firms have asserted that they have carried out the necessary testing.
Therefore, the Federal Government considers vehicle braked towing capacity improvements to be both technically foolish and legally questionable.
Because of this, starting on September 27, 2018, the DPTI will no longer accept applications for light vehicle braked towing capacity increases; however, any existing approvals and applications submitted before to that date will be honored.
Some aftermarket and second stage manufacturers, according to departmental guidance to the CIAA, “have claimed to have been cooperating with original manufacturers to create their products.” Because it is a rating that the manufacturer has certified in specific circumstances, the higher braked towing capability can be taken into consideration.
According to Stuart Charity of the AAAA, as long as the modifications are made in accordance with Federal laws, there are no restrictions on changing suspension to increase a vehicle’s capacity to tow more weight, improve the ride, or gain more ground clearance.
There is no established testing protocol, according to Charity, which makes assessing a GCM upgrade difficult. He explained that’s because towing may have an effect on the driveline and chassis, among other things.
UPGRADING YOUR GVM
There are a lot of situations where you would want to improve your GVM. Upgrading your GVM might be helpful if you’re serious about hauling a heavy load when you travel to those remote outback places or if you’ve outfitted yourself with a substantially larger van.
If picking up a new SUV was part of your new van purchase and you still feel the need to increase the GVM rating, you must resolve this issue before registering your vehicle. You might also need the provider to arrange for a replacement axle ratings sticker. Some aftermarket suspension specialists will install what you need as an approved suspension system and apply an additional compliance plate informing of the upgraded GVM. The net result is that, provided the kit and seller have received permission from the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport, your new car with its improved GVM will now be able to be lawfully registered and driven in all States of Australia.
Upgrades ranging from coil springs and shocks to steering dampers and control arms may be included in kits. The brakes or even the transmission may be affected by other adjustments, depending on the type of work you plan to make.
An authorized automotive engineer must evaluate the tow vehicle for vehicles that have already been registered and present it with a compliance certificate, indicating that your improved vehicle now complies with ADR regulations and is thus safe to drive.
Keep in mind that once your car is registered, the state agency where it is registered will have jurisdiction over it.
The problem is that state regulations are complicated and cover a wide range of rules and regulations that apply to areas like replacement tyres on standard rims, non-standard tyres and rims, replacement tyres and rims on vehicles with modified axles, suspension and steering, shock absorbers, sway bars, track rods, strut braces, power steering, steering wheels, Rose’s, and more. To cover them all here would be impossible.
Furthermore, there aren’t any particular rules or laws that apply to car suspensions. Instead, the suspension alone is affected by slightly under 30 different rules and regulations. Which simply helps to highlight how complicated and challenging the whole situation is.
The idea is to always look for a professional who can put together a kit for you that will work without getting in trouble with the law. Additionally, confirm that you’re on the right track with any small, significant, or special alterations by checking out additional information from State authorities.
IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE
You are operating a vehicle that doesn’t adhere to safety requirements if you need to carry a larger load but don’t upgrade your GVM. This could jeopardize your safety and the safety of others close to you, as well as any insurance claims you could make in the event of an accident. In terms of safety, your vehicle becomes more difficult to maneuver and is intrinsically less stable if its maximum GVM is reached.
When you increase your GVM, you’ll be driving a vehicle that can handle any task you throw at it up to the new GVM limit. This indicates that you have enhanced your vehicle’s handling, carrying capacity, ride quality, and towing stability for the work you need to get done.
Now, if you’re busy tutting and mocking the necessity of being aware of your GVM, remember that a combination of a little too much weight, a bad road, and a little too much speed could potentially leave you on the side of the road with a bent chassis, expecting a large repair vehicle or, even worse, unable to have your beloved tow vehicle repaired at all.
UNIFORMITY NEEDED
Since the recent rule changes have drawn attention to legal anomalies, the AAAA and CIAA are both working to achieve national uniformity with regard to the extremely responsible, practical, and road safety enhancing 4WD modification rules that currently apply across the rest of the country.
Charity claims that when it comes to little suspension improvements or tyre diameter, the AAAA would like to see uniformity in standards. He stated that the AAAA is requesting uniformity on suspension lifts of 75mm overall, which includes a 50mm suspension lift and a 25mm increase in tire diameter.
We do want to see the Queensland Government take into account the 4WD suspension modification rules that apply in all of the other States and Territories, he says, because it makes no sense to think that vehicles that are highly likely to cross State lines are subject to different modification rules.
According to the 4WD Industry Council, Queensland Police fined, issued Defect Notices, and impounded modified 4WD vehicles as part of “Operation Lift” due to recently amended Queensland legislation.
The Queensland 4WD laws were modified without warning and appear to be retroactive; drivers were unaware that vehicle lift modifications completed legally one year ago would be prohibited today.
Several of these 4WD drivers who had their lifts modified responsibly during this blitz were ambushed.
The Queensland government made changes to its car lift modification laws as we went to press so they would be more in line with other jurisdictions. Sections of the Queensland Code of Practice, which controls vehicle lift regulations, will be changed by the government in October. With the revisions, the maximum lift that can be certified in QLD will increase from 125mm to 150mm. As in NSW and VIC, owners of vehicles equipped with electronic stability control will be permitted to raise their cars by up to 75mm (with a maximum 50mm suspension lift and a 25mm tire increase) without a permit in Queensland.