A Curt 13453 trailer hitch, a few simple tools, and a little length of time are all that are needed to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota Highlander. The Toyota Highlander model years 202021 are compatible with this trailer hitch and installation procedure.
Start carrying trailers and other types of hitch-mounted accessories for your Toyota Highlander right now by following these simple instructions.
Tools required:
- Eye protection
- Wrench with 19mm socket for torque
- Sky Saw
- Driver of a flathead scew
- Energy Drill
- 11mm, 17mm, and 10mm Sockets
In This Article...
Toyota Highlanders: Do they have a hitch?
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!
Is there a trailer hitch on the Toyota Highlander XLE?
Yes. The Draw-Tite # DT84MR you were considering will give you a good, Class III hitch with a 2″ receiver that’s ideal for both bike carriers and cargo carriers and is confirmed to fit on the 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE.
If you don’t already have a cargo carrier or bike rack, please let me know and I’ll be pleased to assist you in finding one that will work for you. A video showing the installation of the hitch is also attached, along with our whole collection of both. view complete response
What Highlander model includes the 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:
Is a tow package available for the 2020 Highlander?
Features of a Toyota Highlander Check out a handful of the Toyota Highlander’s available towing options, which range from pulling large trailers to climbing steep hills: Control over trailer sway. AWD with dynamic torque vectoring. Advanced Wireless Management
Is the Toyota Highlander a reliable tow car?
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.
How can I tell whether the 2019 Toyota Highlander comes with a tow package?
Question:
How can I determine the wire harness for my 2019 Toyota Highlander’s towing package with converter?
Expert Reaction:
Remove all of the floor coverings on the interior of the back of your 2019 Toyota Highlander to see if it has a towing package with a converter. You will require a flat head screwdriver or a trim panel removal tool with the component number ALL648544. You will already have a black box with wiring against the wall of the rear cargo area if you have the factory package with a converter, as shown in my illustration.
The Curt T-Connector Wiring harness for Highlanders with the towing package, part number 56042, is required if you already have the converter. Since you already own the Converter, it is not included in this kit. I’ve included a video for your viewing convenience.
The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Highlanders without the Towing Package, part number C56217, is required if you don’t have the converter. Since the Highlander didn’t come equipped with a converter out of the box, this package includes one. The fuses necessary to turn on the towing features are also included. You can see a video of this in the attachment.
If you don’t want to remove the panels, you may alternatively take your VIN to the dealership and have them check to see if the Highlander has a tow package. In the event that you already have the converter, you might alternatively just utilize the C56217.
Can a 2019 Toyota Highlander have a tow hitch added?
Indeed, it will! As you can see in the image of this hitch being installed on a 2019 Toyota Highlander Limited, the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 you were looking at is designed to fit all models of the Highlander, including a Limited model like yours.
A Toyota Highlander is able to tow a boat.
There are ten various trim options for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, including L, LE, Hybrid LE, XLE, Hybrid XLE, XSE, Limited, Hybrid Limited, Platinum, and Hybrid Platinum. However, today we’re going to concentrate on these three:
- LE hybrid
- XLE
- XLE hybrid
The XLE has a towing capacity of 5000 lb compared to 3500 lb for the Hybrid LE and XLE models. Since a 23′ boat typically weighs roughly 3400 lbs, the 2021 Toyota Highlander can definitely pull a boat.
Additionally, all three of these trims come with Trailer-Sway Control (TSC), an electrical device that aids the driver in maintaining control of the car under shaky situations.
How can I know if the tow package is installed in my 2018 Toyota Highlander?
How can I know if my Highlander has the tow package? There is nothing in the vehicle specifications that indicates whether or not I have the limited edition, even if I have it. The 5,000-pound towing capacity of the limited edition is true, but my car did not come equipped with a trailer hitch.
To find out how your 2018 Toyota Highlander is configured, you can have a Toyota dealer run the VIN number. You can look under the dash for any type of wiring converters to see how the trailer wiring is connected. It might or might not be marked. Alternately, locate the connector where a wiring harness enters the vehicle at the back and test it with a circuit tester like model number 40376. While you test the hookup, have someone sit inside the car and control the illumination.
If that connector has power, all you will need to add a 4-Way flat trailer connector to the back of the car is part number 56042. You require harness number 118449 if that connector doesn’t have power. To help you locate the connector in the back of the car, I’ve provided a link to a video that installs the 118449 wiring harness.
A Highlander is able to tow a trailer.
Toyota automobiles have consistently provided high levels of customer satisfaction due to their durability, smooth operation, and appealing features. And the new XLE edition of the Highlander sports utility vehicle continues this legacy.
RV aficionados are learning that this new model from the manufacturer is capable of towing a travel trailer.
Without breaking a beat, the Toyota Highlander’s towing capacity can tow trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs.
Is my 2017 Highlander equipped with a tow package, and how do I know?
Start by opening the rear hatch on a 2017 Toyota Highlander to see if a factory towing harness is there. The rear compartment panel should then be lifted up and pulled out. Pulling up on the two panels will allow you to take them off. You might spot a factory 4-pole there. If so, you can be certain that the towing harness is the original equipment. Continue with the next steps if you don’t because you might still have one that didn’t arrive with the 4-pole connector.
The bottom panel and the floor covering are connected by tabs that you can pull up. Pull out the bottom panel by releasing the 10mm nut on its left side. The connecting box plug and towing harness should be visible there. You have the factory towing package if you notice a connection box attached to the plug; in that case, all you need is a 4-pole connector, such as the Curt Harness, part number 56042.
You don’t have the factory tow package and require a connector like the Curt Connector, part number C56217, if you don’t see a connector box connected.
I’ve provided links to videos of both of these devices being installed so you can see exactly what you need.
Whatever the case, make sure to check the connection’s functionality using a 4-pole tester, such as part number I26.