Identifying the Type of Spare Tire on 2017 Toyota Highlander for a Hitch Install and Trailer Wiring

Published 01/26/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$375.64

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

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$17.31

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

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Question:

Have a new 2017 highlander with the tow package what wire harness do I need and how do I know if it is full size or space saver tire

asked by: LarryOsslund

Expert Reply:

Since your 2017 Toyota Highlander has the factory tow package you can use Curt trailer wiring harness # 56042.

If your spare tire is the same size as the other tires on the vehicle then you have a full-size spare. If it is the smaller donut then it is the mini spare. The tire size should be on the sidewall of the tire so you would have to go under the vehicle to see the size on it. That is the easiest and fastest way. To determine if you have an aluminum rim or a steel rim, you can use a magnet. A magnet will not stick to aluminum.

The EcoHitch # 306-X7250available for your Highlander will work fine with the mini spare but if you have a full size spare it will have to be stored elsewhere for the hitch to fit.

The etrailer hitch # e98844 and the Curt hitches, # C13200 and # C13394, will all work with the full size steel spare, but not the aluminum-rimmed spare. The aluminum-rimmed spare is too wide.