Parts Needed to Equip a 2017 Toyota Highlander for Towing

Updated 07/17/2017 | Published 07/15/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class IV - 2"

(55)

$250.23

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6457)

$179.29

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1368)

$92.19

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3299)

$142.15

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(74)

$25.11

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(104)

$73.50

Question:

I just purchased a new 2017 Toyota Highlander and the tow rate on the door says 5950lbs GRVW. I am wanting to tow the new Jayco Hummingbird it says weight is around 3400 can my SUV pull that and if so what are all the products I need to get my SUB ready. I will be purchasing from yall and then do I just take them to a place and have it all installed. First time RVer: want to be safe. Thanks so much

asked by: Paula B

Expert Reply:

The 5950 GVWR of your 2017 Toyota Highlander includes the total weight of the vehicle. When you are towing a trailer it is the sum of the vehicle weight (which includes passengers, cargo, and any other optional equipment installed on the vehicle) and the Tongue Weight (TW).

If your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer only weighs 3,400 lbs then you have 2,950 lbs to work with. You will want to double check your weights and your manual as well just to make sure and for any specific instructions.

If you do not already have a trailer hitch receiver then I recommend going with the Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT65MR which is a Class IV hitch with a 2 inch receiver opening. It has a Gross Trailer Weight Rating of 6,000 lbs (8,000 lbs when used with Weight Distribution) and a TW of 900 lbs so it will be able to easily handle the weight of your trailer.

You will also need a ball mount and a hitch ball. A kit like the etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit # 989900 can be a good starting point because it comes with 2 ball mounts, one with a 3/4" Rise or 2" Drop and one with a 2-3/4" Rise and a 4" Drop, 2 Hitch Balls, a 1-7/8 inch Diameter and a 2 inch Diameter, a hitch pin and clip, as well as a storage bag. You will want to check out the attached ball mount article to make sure that one of these will be compatible with your setup.

For trailer light wiring you have 2 different options. If your Highlander doesn't have the factory tow package (no converter under dash) then you will want to go with part # HM11141845. If it does have the factory tow package (converter under the dash) then you will want to go with part # HM11141825 instead.

If your Jayco has brakes on it then you will also want to use a brake controller. I recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195 because of its reliability and ease of use. You will need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to use your controller. I have attached a video of this whole installation process