Parts Needed to Tow Boat Trailer With A 2020 Toyota Highlander AWD Platinum

Updated 10/13/2021 | Published 10/12/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(174)

$253.90

Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter

(262)

$16.23

Pole-Tongue Adapter for Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(70)

$145.25

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

(480)

$71.04

Question:

Hi, I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD, with a towing capacity of 5,000lbs. I plan to trailer a 204inch boat with a single-axle Karavan trailer w/brakes and swing tongue. Approx weight w/ trailer is 4,065 lb. Gross combination maximum weight for the vehicle is 10,935lbs, which is well above the combination I will be trailering dry weight of the vehicle itself is 4,400lbs, trailer+boat are 4,065lbs, occupants another 400lbs, gear another 200lbs, and fuel another 200lbs. The trailer has a 5-pin connector. I do not plan to tow a camper, only the boat. Can you provide some advice on what I need to make this happen? I understand Curt #13460 hitch will work # C45CR. I would not want to risk it with a lower rated C99FR. Is this the best hitch option vs. yours or DrawTite or Toyota OEM hitch? My primary question is on wiring. I understand Toyotas default wiring is for 4-pin connections, so am worried about the breaks working on the trailer and ability to reverse. I understand most hitches will not work with a full size spare - I only have a factory compact size spare, which I assume has an 18inch rim and should not be an issue. The Highlander instruction manual states that a weight distribution hitch is NOT required, unless gross trailer weight exceeds 5,000lbs, but a sway control device IS required if gross trailer weight exceeds 2,000lbs. Given that I will be trailering a boat and not a camper, I do not think that a weight distribution system is required though I do realize you recommend it for any time the trailered weight exceeds 50 of the vehicle weight. Thanks very much!

asked by: Dimitry F

Expert Reply:

The Curt # C45CR will definitely be the hitch I recommend for your 2020 Toyota Highlander. With your Highlander being rated up to 5,000, there isn't a need for a more heavy duty option. The # C45CR is also made in the USA and will have no issue with your compact spare, making it a great option.

The 5 Flat wiring can be a little confusing as it does not come standard on vehicles and 99% of aftermarket wiring harnesses. However, it is a pretty easy part to add on, but you will also need a 4 Flat for it to piggyback off of. With that being said, I recommend starting with the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # TK99FR. This is a plug and play harness and will take little to no time to get installed.

From there, the Tow Ready 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter # 20036 will attach to the 4 Flat plug and the blue wire will need to be spliced into a reverse light with the included quick splice wire connector. It should be noted that this will not actuate the brakes though. The 5 Flat will only engage the reverse lock out on your actuator to let you back up without them stopping your trailer.

As to a weight distribution system, unfortunately, I cannot recommend using one with your current trailer. This is due to the tongue of the trailer being a swing away style. A weight distribution system can cause too much stress on this hinge and potentially cause a failure. With your trailer also having a 5 Flat, you will have a surge style brake actuator on the end of your swing away tongue. The problem with this is there isn't a sway control system that will work with this style of brake actuator.

In order to use a weight distribution system or sway control system, you will need to alter the trailer by getting rid of the swing away tongue. This will require having the hinge cut off and the tongue welded together, so it's a bit of a process. But, it will allow you to use the Equal-i-zer Pole-Tongue Adapter # EQ95-01-5950, which will then allow you to use the Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-0600. This will give you both weight distribution and sway control, so it is highly recommended.