Will Adding the Tow Package to a 2015 Toyota Highlander Increase Towing Capacity

Updated 04/01/2019 | Published 03/29/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(286)

$255.19

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(942)

$46.68

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

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$279.95

Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient

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$112.40

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

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Question:

I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander LE with the 3.5 V6. The manual shows a tow capacity of 2000 pounds without the towing package, 5000 with. My question is what does the tow package consist of and would it be something i could add to my vehicle to increase the tow capacity or would i be basically adding a hitch and receiver but not increasing my capacity? Looking at getting a camper and wanted to see our options on size. TIA

asked by: Brian S

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of your 2015 Toyota Highlander will remain unchanged throughout the life of the vehicle in the eyes of the manufacturer no matter what parts are added. I am not entirely sure what parts the towing package for a Highlander consisted of but most of the time it entails a trailer hitch, wiring harness, and transmission cooler. These components are all going to tremendous help your vehicle's ability to tow efficiently but again, they will not increase its capacity in the eyes of the manufacturer.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # C13200. This hitch has more than enough capacity for your Highlander. It will also allow for you to retain a full-size spare tire if present, as long as it is not on the aluminum rim. The aluminum rim spare is too wide for all of our hitches that we offer for your Highlander.

For a trailer wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118449 because it offers plug and play installation and we find these to be the most reliable options over time.

For a transmission fluid cooler, I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets part # D13503 because it has the Plate-Fin design which is more efficient than the Tube-Fin design and it comes with everything that you need.

Please note that if your trailer has brakes, you will also need a 7-way like the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation part # ETBC7L as well as a brake controller like the Curt Echo Mobile Trailer Brake Controller part # C51180.