Towing Equipment Capacity for 2012 Toyota Highlander AWD
Question:
I do not think this has the tow package - there is no hitch installed. There is no TWR on the door jamb sticker either. It has the 3.5 engine and AWD. Can I install a Class 3 hitch and a wiring harness and tow a trailer that weighs 2478lbs with a TW under 500lbs? If possible, what parts would you suggest that I buy from you? Thank you for your time?
asked by: Douglas J
Expert Reply:
According to the owner's manual, a 2012 Toyota Highlander equipped with AWD and the 3.5L engine has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 lbs for a braked trailer or 1000 lbs for an un-braked trailer. The maximum tongue weight of the trailer would be 11% of the towing capacity or 550 lbs.
For a Class III hitch, I'd recommend the Curt # 13534. You'll also need a # 2753 ball mount and a trailer ball. For a 1-7/8 inch ball, use # 19260 or # 63845 for a 2 inch ball.
For wiring, you'll need a # 118449 wiring harness. To actuate the trailer brakes, you'll need a brake controller like the Curt # C24VV as well as a # ETBC7 brake controller install kit. The kit includes an adapter that converts the 4-pole provided by the # 118449 into a 7-way trailer connector, as well as all the necessary hardware, wire and circuit breakers.
I've linked to install videos for the hitch, the trailer wiring harness and the brake controller.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Which Sway Control Hitch is Right For Your Trailer?
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: 2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size
- Q&A: Can Sway Control be Used on a Trailer without Using Weight Distribution
- Article: Determining Trailer Tongue Weight
- Q&A: Can Reese Dual Cam WD Hitch Be Used With Reese Friction Sway Control 83660
- Q&A: Is There Dual Hitch Adapter with Ball Mount and Hitch Opening with Sway Control Bracket
- Q&A: Can a Unibody Vehicle Use Weight Distribution or Sway Control?
- Q&A: Surge Brake Compatible Weight Distribution System for Boat Trailer with Pole Tongue
- Article: 5 Tips to Confidently Choose Your Weight Distribution Hitch
- Article: Is It Illegal to Leave My Hitch on My Truck?
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Curt 17200 and Reese 83660 Friction Sway Controls?
- Q&A: Recommended Friction Sway Control System For Dual Friction Setup