Is an Aftermarket Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness Different than an OEM Trailer Hitch and Harness

Updated 01/03/2014 | Published 12/28/2013

Products Featured in This Question

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

(155)

$62.70

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

(154)

$229.07

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1375)

$93.56

Question:

I have a 09 Toyota Venza V6 AWD with the factory installed towing prep package oil cooler, etc. I am in the market for a hitch and wiring harness for my vehicle. My question: Is there a difference between the Toyota oem hitch and wiring harness compaired to the Curt version Curt part #13356 and #56079? Specifically, online I can get a Curt hitch and T-plug harness setup for under $170 and if I combine the toyota setup of the hitch and wiring harness its over $600. Am I missing something? The Curt harness claims to have no cutting or splicing, but is the Toyota harness better or easier to install then the Curt plug and play? Thanks for any help you can provide.

asked by: Tim I

Expert Reply:

You will often pay inflated prices at car dealers. There is really no difference between the trailer hitch and wiring harness that Toyota offers for your 2009 Toyota Venza than the Curt Trailer Hitch, # 13356, and the Curt Trailer Wiring Harness, # C56079.

All trailer hitches must pass specific tests whether they are OEM or aftermarket. In fact, Curt is in the OEM market as well as the aftermarket. Curt manufactures trailer hitches for a few different vehicle manufacturers. All of their trailer hitches, whether they are OEM or aftermarket are put through the same tests to meet federal regulations and standards. It is very common to find parts at a dealer for a much higher price than aftermarket products.

I use a Curt trailer hitch on my vehicle and I have not had a single issue. Curt is one of the leading trailer hitch manufacturers out there. I am not sure who makes the wiring harnesses for Toyota, but I would assume they install in a similar manner to the Curt harness, # C56079. Toyota does not wire the Venza with a factory trailer wiring connector, so the only way to pull power for a trailer wiring harness is to connect to the tail light circuits. There is not cutting or splicing involved to install the Curt wiring harness.

If you are interested in a hitch ball and ball mount as well, I recommend checking out our etrailer.com Ball Mount Kit, # 989900. This kit includes two different ball mount, a 2 inch hitch ball, 1-7/8 inch hitch ball, pin and clip and a storage bag. This kit is ideal if you plan on towing different trailers and to store your towing accessories.