Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for Towing with a 2018 Toyota Highlander

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Question:

What hitch and wiring harness do you recommend for towing a utility trailer for a lawn mower with my Toyota Highlander 2018?

asked by: Charley

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Expert Reply:

I took a look at the online version of the owner's manual for your 2018 Toyota Highlander and found on page 206 that the max weight rating for a trailer that doesn't have brakes is 1,000 lbs but if you do use brakes then it is 1,500 lbs for the 2.7L engine or 5,000 lbs for the 3.5L engine. You will want to verify this in your copy of the owner's manual.

If you have the 2.7L engine or your trailer doesn't have brakes then I recommend going with the etrailer # e98844 which is rated for 6,000 lbs towing and 900 lbs tongue weight (TW). This hitch is compatible with a full size spare tire as opposed to other options plus it has a sleek design that only shows the receiver.

For a wiring kit we have the Curt # 56042 if you do have the tow package or the Tekonsha # 118449 if you don't have the tow package. Either of these give you a 4-Way connector for the basic light functions on your trailer. If your trailer has brakes or you are wanting to have the option of using a brake controller then I recommend installing the Tekonsha T-One # 22119 and replacing the 7-Way connector with the Hopkins # 30955. This gives you all of the wiring needed for a brake controller as well as 7-Way and 4-Way connectors for different trailer options.

Then for a brake controller I highly recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR because it can be installed virtually anywhere and takes up minimal space but is one of the best controllers that we have to offer. A review video has been linked for you to reference. If you have a Hybrid model be sure to disconnect your battery before disconnecting your brake light switch during the install.

To complete your towing setup you also need a ball mount kit like the Curt Class III Ball Mount with 2" Ball - 2" Drop # C45036. Be to consult the attached ball mount article to determine if the 2" drop is what you need for your towing setup.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

Hi Nhia, The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 is not going to come with trailer wiring so you will need to purchase it separately. For your 2017 Highlander SE I recommend the Curt #56042 if you have the factory tow package; for non-tow package…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

If your 2018 Toyota Highlander didn't come with the factory tow package then I highly recommend installing the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness #22119. This comes with everything that you need for a fully functioning 7-Way plus it…

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Answer 4

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander the 7-way kit you'd want is the part #22119 which also comes with brake controller wiring as well. This would work great with the Redarc Tow Pro Elite brake controller part #RED24FR that you mentioned. To utilize…

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Answer 5

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander I recommend the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #118449. This will give you a converter box behind the rear interior trim panel and a 4-way flat trailer connector in that…

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Answer 6

In order to use the brakes on your trailer you will need to start by adding a 7-way to your 2018 Toyota Highlander. In order to add this you can use the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer…

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Answer 7

I would be happy to help! Starting with the trailer brake controller you will need to first have a 7-way trailer connector installed on your 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE. If you do not you can add one using the Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring…

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Answer 8

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander the brand of wiring harness we recommend the highest is the T-One or Tekonsha brand as the converter boxes of these kits are the most reliable of all of the options we offer. So if you need a 4-way you'd want the…

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Answer 9

We can get your 2019 Toyota Highlander set up for towing, and I'll go ahead and list out the best option for the trailer hitch receiver and wiring harness for you. - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 - Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness…

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Answer 10

The most likely issue is a blown or missing fuse for the trailer lighting. Locate the fuse panel under the hood, on the driver's side, near the fender. Your Owner's Manual can additionally provide you a picture of the location and…

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Answer 11

You have it right so far, the 4-way connector is just as you have stated. Remember that Yellow has a L in it so that is the left side brake/turn signal and green has a R in it so that is the right side brake/turn signal. The colors for wiring a 7-way…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for Towing with a 2018 Toyota Highlander

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