Highest Capacity Trailer Hitch Available for 2018 Toyota Highlander

Updated 03/25/2022 | Published 03/24/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1366)

$234.34

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$11.68

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1361)

$11.31

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

(185)

$276.32

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3886)

$31.34

Question:

Which hitch for 2018 Toyota Highlander will pull a 5-6000 pound camper

asked by: Bobbie E

Expert Reply:

Although there are hitches we offer for the 2018 Highlander with towing capacities up to 6000 lbs like the etrailer brand # e98844 Class 3 hitch you'd looked at, the capacity of the vehicle itself maxes out at 5000 lbs. Some models have a lower towing capacity, as little as 1500 lbs for the 2.7L engine. The 3.5L FWD or AWD models have a 5000 lb towing capacity.

Even though the hitch might have a capacity higher than the capacity of the vehicle itself, that capacity will always be limited to the maximum capacity of the lowest-rated component.

If I had to choose a hitch for that vehicle, I'd personally choose the Curt # C13394 Class III hitch. The hitch has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 lbs, and once it's installed, the crossbar of the hitch will be fully concealed behind the bumper with only the receiver tube and safety chain assembly being exposed to view. The etrailer brand # e98844 would be fully exposed. This hitch has a slightly lower capacity, but the capacity of the higher rated hitch would be wasted anyway.

In addition to a hitch, you'll also need a trailer wiring harness like # 118449 for a 4-pole or # 22119 for a 7-way. You'll also need a ball mount like # C45010 and a hitch ball like # 19260 for a 1-7/8 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.

I'll link to some installation videos that you might find helpful.