Parts Needed For Towing an Off-Road Pop-Up Camper For Boondocking, Lifted 2021 Toyota Highlander

Published 10/19/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

(558)

$276.29

Mounting Bracket for 7-Way

(530)

$10.35

Hitch Pin and Clip for 2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 2-7/8" Span

(131)

$11.65

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

(6649)

$169.94

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch - Flush - 2-5/8" Span - Stainless Steel

(1306)

$41.77

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

(3399)

$119.76

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

(480)

$71.04

Question:

Okay, so new to this RV thing but not camping. We like to camp in primitive sites/boondocking. So we bought a a small off-road pop-up. I need to get my base model 2021 Toyota Highlander with AWD set-up to tow this camper but I also have it lifted several inches. What do I need?

asked by: Matt M

Expert Reply:

From the specs available to me online, it shows that your 2021 Toyota Highlander has a max tow capacity of 5,000 lbs. with a payload capacity of 1,605 lbs. So, you shouldn't have any worries about your vehicles towing capacity for a pop-up. First you will need a hitch, I suggest the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver, # e75ZR. This is a fully welded hitch that bolts onto your Toyota Highlander's frame so no welding is required, all needed hardware is included. This is a Class III hitch with a max trailer weight of 5,000 lbs. so that matches well with your vehicle specs. The max tongue weight is 500 lbs.

The next item you will need is a ball mount but, we need to be sure to get the correct drop. To do this, get your Highlander parked on level ground then measure from the ground up to the center of the trailer hitch receiver opening as shown in the attached image. Next, place your pop-up behind the highlander on that same level ground and adjust its height until you have the coupler level. Take measurement in similar manner and subtract the two values to discover the difference; this will identify what drop mount you need. Follow the helpful link below for the options we offer.

After you have made your selection of a ball mount, you will need the ball. You will probably have a 2" coupler on your pop-up camper but verify that. It is always possible that you may have a 1-7/8" ball coupler. There is a helpful link below that will take you the selection of trailer hitch balls available. You can use the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitch, # e98882 or a standard 5/8" hitch pin and clip such as, # 37201074.

You will also need wiring for your indicator lights and brake controller, I suggest the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, # TK99FR. The T-One connector plugs directly into existing wiring and provides a 4-way flat trailer connector at the back of your vehicle to power your trailer's signal lights. From this, you can use the # ETBC7. This converts from 4 pole wiring to 7 pole round plug for brakes.

For a brake controller. I suggest the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90195. This brake controller will activate your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action and automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle.

Please note the product review and installation videos linked below. Happy Camping!