Today we are going to do a hitch install on a 2008 Toyota Highlander we are going to be using the Valley part number of V81312. First thing we need to do is take off a few plastic components and the tow hooks, this cover here will be taken off, this tow hook will be taken off, and there are the same things on the driver side. Joe uses a screw driver and a socket wrench to remove existing bolts that hold the plastic shields in place Now I have access to take off the bracket, and we will do one on this side and one on the other side. Next what we have to do is lower the exhaust here a little bit, we will take off this rubber hanger and that way we get more flexibility and room to fit the hitch in. With this model here, they actually have these protectors to protect the treads, rather handy when you install a hitch.
These three plugs here will have to come out. We will only use two, but lets take out the third one out, in the middle, just to have working room for the hitch. Next up is to go ahead and lift the hitch up into position and put some bolts in there to temporarily hold it in place, this will require an extra hand. What we are going to show you here is a problem that sometimes shows up. What happens is you can get one hitch hole lined up here with this bolt and the other two wont line up. This is a weird instance where the back hole lines up but the front ones dont. What you can do basically, we are only missing it by an eighth of an inch, you can actually push the hitch over, as needed, provided that all the other hardware is loose
Using a two by four wedged between the hitch and the spare tire What you can do is pry against this, push it over, and then if you have to use a screw driver in one of the other holes to help line things up. Then run your bolt in and work your way backwards, again this will probably take an extra hand or two. Well push against this, and it will bring the hitch over, and then we will use a screwdriver to line up, very gently we dont want to mess up the treads, just wiggle it just a little bit and line it up. It doesnt take much effort, and run your bolts in. Now you can let off, and now this bolt should line up this right here to run your last bolt in. Next thing to do is get the two bolts on the side of the frame here. Now that we have our bolts snugged in tight well go ahead and torque the bolts to the manufactures specifications. We have to reinstall the exhaust to the rubber hanger bracket, and on the passenger side one of the cases that we took off will go back on. The one on the driver side, the plastic cover there, will stay off while the hitch is in place. That will conclude our install on this hitch
Questions and Comments about this Video
Can I use my hitch and bolts from my 2008 Toyota Highlander on my 2013 Highlander?
comment by: Mike M - 12/6/2012
The hitch can be transferred over, but the hardware should not be re-used. The hardware is designed to be torqued down once, torquing it down again can stretch the hardware too far or crack and damage the hardware. We have replacement hardware kits available, part RHK. Before you add to cart, enter the hitch model number and select the hitch manufacturer that way we can find the right kit for you.
Patrick B - 12/6/2012Trailer Hitch Installation - 2003 Toyota Highlander - Curt
Today on this 2003 Toyota Highlander were going to install part number C13429 from Curt. Now this is what the hitch looks like when its installed on a vehicle. Next well go ahead and give you some measurements to help you out in selecting some accessories such as a ball mount, a bicycle rack, or a cargo carrier. From the top of the receiver opening down to the ground will be 15 and three-quarter inches. From the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper will be five and a half inches. Now Ill go ahead and show you how the hitch is installed.
Trailer Hitch Installation - 2003 Toyota Highlander - Draw-Tite
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Today on this 2003 Toyota Highlander were going to install part number 36271 from Draw Tite. Now this is what the hitch looks like when its installed on a vehicle. Next well go ahead and give you some measurements to help you out in selecting some accessories such as cargo carrier or a bicycle rack. From the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper is going to be five and a half inches. From the top of the receiver opening down to the ground will be 15 and a quarter inches. Now Ill go ahead and show you how the hitch is installed.
Trailer Hitch Installation - 2006 Toyota Highlander - Draw-Tite
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Trailer Hitch Installation - 2006 Toyota Highlander - Hidden Hitch
Today, on this 2006 Toyota Highlander, were going to install part number 70778 from Hidden Hitch. This is what the hitch will look like when its installed on the vehicle. Next, well go ahead and give you some measurements thatll help you out in selecting some accessories such as a ball mount, bicycle rack, or a cargo carrier. From the top of the receiver opening down to the ground is going to be 15 inches and from the edges of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper is going to be about 1 .Now, Ill go ahead and show you how the hitch is installed. Our first step is to go ahead and remove the tie down brackets that are located at the bottom of the frame. Then, well go ahead and remove a plug thats protecting the threads further down the frame.
Trailer Hitch Installation - 2006 Toyota Highlander - Curt
Today, on this 2006 Toyota Highlander, were going to install part number 13530 from Curt. This is what the hitch looks like when its installed on the vehicle. Next, well give you some measurements thatll help you out in selecting accessories such as a ball mount, bicycle rack, or a cargo carrier. From the top of the receiver opening down to the ground is going to be 15 inches and from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bumper is going to be 2 inches.Now, Ill go ahead and show you how the hitch is installed. Our first step is to go ahead and remove the tie down brackets that are located at the bottom of the frame. Then, well go ahead and remove a plug that is protecting the threads further down the frame.
