Recommended Hitch for a 2012 Toyota Highlander Platinum w/ a 20 Spare Tire

Updated 03/05/2023 | Published 03/03/2023

Products Featured in This Question

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

(728)

$205.01

No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short

(1180)

$21.57

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6097)

$8.34

Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K

(781)

$76.37

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(107)

$85.37

Question:

I have a 2012 Toyota Highlander Platinum with a 20inch spare and lift gate. I do not use the lift gate but if it could still be useable it would be ideal. I saw you recommend the Draw-Tite # DT84MR for this, but I can not find it. I also need help with choosing the wiring. It does not have the preinstalled towing package.

asked by: Chelsie K

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you. I have a hitch for you but Draw-Tite's parent company is being bought out (3/07/2023) so their inventory is low or nonexistent which explains why you can't find that hitch.

Instead you will want the etrailer Hitch item # e98858. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your 2012 Highlander Platinum with included hardware. Our installers have put this hitch on a Highlander with a full size 20" spare tire and were able to successfully reinstall the spare.

I have linked an installation video below.

Since you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # HM11141845 and a ball mount kit item # C45534. This wiring harness is for the Highlanders without the factory tow package.

To attach this harness to your hitch to prevent it from being damage you will want the No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket item # 18140 and the Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat item # 18144.