Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller Recommendation for 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid w Tow Package

Published 12/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(942)

$46.68

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(175)

$18.12

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

(3397)

$121.19

Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(154)

$86.63

Question:

I went to Toyota site and it says: mechanical and performance Hybrid Synergy Drive System 3.3L V6 Eng w/VVT-i w/EV Mode, ECON Mode Elec Contr Continuously Variable Trans Electronic Power Steering System 4WD w/Intelligence /4-whl Ind Suspension 4Whl Pwr Ast Vent Fr/Solid Rr Disc Brake Hill-Start Assist Control / Tow Prep Pkg 17inch 6-Spoke Alloy Wheels/245/65R17 Tires I want to wire this up for a light HF trailer, it already has a hitch- wondering where the trailer plug is but think it does not have one. What kits can I use to make this work with a 4 wire and then at a later date make it into a seven wire, since I want to make a tear and add electric brakes to it, and maybe an deep cycle to the tear. Thanks !

asked by: Leo

Expert Reply:

Since your 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has the factory tow package all you need to install a 4-way is the part # 56042 which plugs into a port at the rear of the vehicle very easily. I attached an install video for this kit on a similar 2008 Highlander for you to check out as well.

The adapter kit you'd need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way and install brake controller plus run battery charge wire is the part # ETBC7 which comes with everything needed for all of that. I attached a install video for this kit on a similar Highlander as yours for you to check out as well.

For a brake controller the Brake EVN # TK63VR is a really great option as it has a sensor that senses how hard you are applying the vehicle brake and delivers a proportional amount of braking to the trailer brakes!

expert reply by: Jameson C