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

Question

Question:

I need to add a trailer hitch to my 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited. I will be pulling a trailer with 2 jet skis total weight around 2600 lbs. I need the hitch and the wiring not sure about a brake, but guess it would be a good idea. Can you a list of products I need?

asked by: Sid J

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Expert Reply:

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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Answer 1

There is absolutely a trailer hitch that fits your 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback, the Curt Trailer Hitch #C11567. This is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver so it will work perfectly with your Kuat Beta 2-Bike Rack #B202-114, which is rated…

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Answer 2

For your 2011 VW Tiguan there is not currently a T-connector harness available. You can use the ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit #119250KIT which connects without splicing into your…

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Answer 3

A solenoid that has 3 terminals total such as #PK5231201 grounds through the mounting hardware so it must be attached to a clean and corrosion free bare metal surface (if not otherwise internally grounded). A 4 terminal solenoid such as #PK5230701…

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Answer 4

When in doubt you should check with a local Ford dealer and they'll let you know exactly what your truck can tow. From what I found online it looks like your 2015 Ford F-150 with a 2.7 liter EcoBoost engine has a capacity of 8,500 lbs. Not to…

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Answer 5

The 4.80/4.00x8 tire size is exactly the same as a 4.80X8 tire as long as the load range is the same. The Kenda K371 Bias Trailer Tire, item #AM10004, is a load range C tire. The 4.00 is added to the tire description so that those who have the older…

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Answer 6

Yes, the K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors part #KS81850 are an excellent option for a 2020 Ford F-150. The K-Source Snap & Zap Custom Towing Mirrors are a custom fit which means they will retain a factory like appearance and they…

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Answer 7

Not exactly. If you were to install the Curt trailer hitch #C13264 on your 2016 Toyota Tacoma the tongue weight capacity of the HITCH would be 900 lbs. But the capacity of the truck would not change. The truck's various capacities are set in…

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Answer 8

For on-road use, I would recommend the Titan Chain Alloy Snow Tire Chains - Diamond Pattern - Square Link - 1 Pair #TC2536. These are a fairly low profile chain that are easy to install comparatively and require no additional tools or tighteners. If…

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Answer 9

The weight capacity of this item is 3500 pounds towing and 350 pounds tongue weight. When towing with this hitch your capacity will be the lowest rating stated on either the vehicle or on the hitch. Your vehicle's towing capacity can be found in…

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Answer 10

Yes GM changed the mirror dimensions on their 2020/2021 models so you'll need the Longview Custom Towing Mirrors - Slip On - Driver and Passenger Side Item #LO54FR.

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Answer 11

Optronics LED RV Porch Light RVPLL8CB installs using two mounting screws you provide. The black portion of the light pops off to reveal those mounting holes. These are shown in the linked video. The light uses a 2-wire design; either wire can be…

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Answer 12

The landing pad you would need is part #Y00221 which will fit Thule roof rack channels. For towers you need two of the part #Y00152 and a round bar adapter part #Y03536. For 58 inch crossbars you would want part #Y00409.

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

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