Which Hitches for 2018 Toyota Highlander Can be Used with Weight Distribution

Published 08/07/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1021)

$274.06

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(1355)

$235.53

Question:

2018 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD. Why dont hidden hitches like this work with weight distribution system? Do I really need to be concerned with towing smaller trailer weighing 3500 pound or less?

asked by: Scott C

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Toyota Highlander the trade off with the hitches is that the mostly hidden ones like the # 306-X7250 are not rated for weight distribution systems and the more visible ones like the Curt # C13200 or the etrailer # e98844 are rated for use with them. It's seemingly due to how the hitch tube attaches to the crosstube. The hidden hitches have the opening attached to the bottom of the crosstube whereas the other style the hitch opening is between the crosstubes.

A 3,500 lb trailer is probably a little heavier than what I would recommend as comfortably safe without a weight distribution system but that's a call you'd have to make. For a really safe weight distribution and sway control the Strait Line part # RP66082 would work great as it has a tongue weight range of 200-600 lbs and features only sway control to really proactively try to stop sway before it starts.

expert reply by: Jameson C