Trailer Towing Setup for a 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited to Tow 2 Jet Skis  

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For your 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited, you'll need a hitch, the wiring, a brake controller and an anti-sway system. Based on my research, it looks like Toyota recommends both a braking and a sway control device on a trailer at this weight on your vehicle.

Prior to installing a hitch and towing a trailer, you'll want to verify your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and tongue weight rating (TWR) on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb to ensure that you are aware of your vehicle's capacity and not exceeding it. More information about your vehicle's weight ratings can be found in your owner's manual.

For the hitch, your vehicle has only Class III trailer hitches available, and among them I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III, part # 75726. This hitch works with both the standard and hybrid versions of the Highlander, and allows the spare tire to remain installed under the vehicle. I've included a video of this hitch being installed on a 2012 Toyota Highlander so you can get familiar with the process, as well as our help article for trailer hitch installations to help make this process easier.

With this kit, I recommend adding the Etrailer ball mount kit, part # 989900, which includes a 2 inch hitch ball, the most likely size needed for your application, plus two ball mounts with different drop/rise amounts so you can better fit your trailer and have it ride level.

For wiring, you'll first need to install a four-pole connector, then convert that to a seven way to allow for the brake controller to be integrated. You'll want to use Curt's T-Connector 4-Pole, part # C56217. There is also a version if you have the factory tow package with an under-dash converter available as part # 56042. This kit installs without any wiring splicing or changes, and installs directly to the existing wiring.

You'll use this kit to convert to a 7 way converter using a full kit install, part # ETBC7. This kit includes everything you need to install the 7 way to connect your brake controller and power the trailer's brakes.

For the brake controller, I recommend Tekonsha's Prodigy P3, part # 90195. This is a proportional controller which will apply the brakes to the trailer at the same rate that you depress the brake pedal. This is one of our most popular models, as it can install in a wide range of orientations.

Finally, for a sway control, I recommend Reese' Friction Control Kit, part # 83660. This kit installs between the trailer hitch and the arm of the trailer, and uses friction to control trailer sway, resulting in a safer, smoother ride.

expert reply by: Jacob W

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