Recommended Trailer Brake Controller and Weight Distribution Hitch For 2017 Toyota Highlander

Updated 04/09/2021 | Published 04/08/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW

(238)

$770.17

No-Drill Mount Bracket, Long

(681)

$19.75

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2620)

$24.09

Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector

(37)

$190.84

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$155.20

2" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-5/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 10,000

(3870)

$21.40

Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW

(178)

$405.72

Question:

Hi - I just purchased a 2017 KZ Sportsmen Classic 191BH trailer Dry Hitch Weight*: 370 Dry Axle Weight*: 2,470 GVWR: 3,500 I am in need of a weight distribution hitch and brake controller. I am towing with a 2017 Toyota Highlander XLE. What would you recommend?

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

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 Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector # 22119. When we did this install we use no-drill mounting bracket # 18136 to mount the 7-way to the trailer hitch receiver.

For a trailer brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 as it is an extremely reliable controller with great features like an easy to read LCD screen and built in diagnostics that are easy to read and understand. If you installed the # 22119 you will not need anything else, but if you have the factory 7-way you will need the # 7865 to complete the installation.

Now moving on to a weight distribution hitch you will want to confirm the total tongue weight of your 2017 KZ Sportmen Classic 191BH which is the tongue weight of the trailer fully loaded and ready to tow, plus the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your Highlander.

The easiest way to get an accurate tongue weight measurement is with a tongue weight scale like the # e99044 but there are other methods outlined in the included help article.

The Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System w/ Sway Control - Trunnion - 10K GTW, 1K TW # RP66559 you were looking at is designed to work with total tongue weights ranging from 500-1000lbs so while this system may work, it will likely put you at the lower end of the rating causing a stiffer ride.

More than likely your total tongue weight will be in the 500-600lb range which would be perfect for theFastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control - Round - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW # FA94-00-0800 which works with total tongue weights ranging from 400-800lbs. Ideally you want your total tongue weight to be in the middle of the range of the system you choose. This system does not include a hitch ball so you will need 2" hitch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16" hitch ball # 19286 to match the coupler of your trailer.

I included videos for the products mentioned for you to take a look at.