Fit of EcoHitch 306-X7250 Class III Hitch on 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited

Updated 04/14/2021 | Published 04/10/2021

Products Featured in This Question

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(43)

$375.64

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(185)

$283.40

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited and Ive read through the existing questions/answers and it appears the following two items are what I need. 1. Receiver: X7250 Tork Lift Central Eco Hitch Hidden Trailer Hitch - 2inch Receiver. Item # 306-X7250 This will allow me to have it hidden and flush with rear bumper. In one of the responses it was mentioned that it will require the tow hooks to be removed permanently and will not work with any full sized spare tires. I looked under my Highlander and did not observe any tow hooks and my spare is one of the temporary/compact sized ones. So I believe Im good regarding those two points. 2. Wire harness: Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118449. Not planning to tow anything with brakes so this will work. So my two questions are: 1. Please confirm Item # 306-X7250 will fit my 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited. Sounds like it will, but thought Id double check. 2. According to the installation video for the 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118449, the cable it is retained inside the vehicle until needed and hung out the rear lift gate meh. Is there any reason it cannot be permanantly routed under the vehicle via existing grommet referenced in the video for the 7 Way Trailer Connector Item # 22119 - See 5 minute mark and secured using part Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat18144?

asked by: Daniel

Expert Reply:

The EcoHitch # 306-X7250 is a confirmed fit for your 2018 Toyota Highlander Limited. Just an FYI, Curt also offers a concealed-type hitch, part # C13394. It will protrude a bit from the bumper, but it's considerably less expensive, I just wanted you to be aware of the option. I've provided photos showing what each hitch looks like once it's installed.

Since your Highlander uses the compact spare, either hitch would work perfectly for you.

The Tekonsha # 118449 is also a confirmed fit. Other than the fact that I'm unsure if the 4-pole will fit through the grommet you describe, which could necessitate cutting off the plug off and then re-splicing it there's no reason why you couldn't mount the connector outside the vehicle using the # 18144 you mentioned. However, I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss installing the trailer connector so it sits inside the vehicle until it's needed. Installing the connector so it's inside the vehicle will protect it from damage and from the elements. When you need it, the weather stripping around the door is plenty thick enough to protect the wire harness when its closed in the door (just keep in away from the latch, please).

I used this same setup on my vehicle for years for towing my PWC trailer, and when I got rid of the vehicle after using the harness every weekend for 5 years, it still worked perfectly.

I've linked to install videos for the hitches and trailer wiring harness mentioned above.