Trailer Towing Setup for a 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited to Tow 2 Jet Skis

Question

Question:

I need to add a trailer hitch to my 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited. I will be pulling a trailer with 2 jet skis total weight around 2600 lbs. I need the hitch and the wiring not sure about a brake, but guess it would be a good idea. Can you a list of products I need?

asked by: Sid J

0

Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited, you'll need a hitch, the wiring, a brake controller and an anti-sway system. Based on my research, it looks like Toyota recommends both a braking and a sway control device on a trailer at this weight on your vehicle.

Prior to installing a hitch and towing a trailer, you'll want to verify your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and tongue weight rating (TWR) on the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb to ensure that you are aware of your vehicle's capacity and not exceeding it. More information about your vehicle's weight ratings can be found in your owner's manual.

For the hitch, your vehicle has only Class III trailer hitches available, and among them I recommend the Draw-Tite Class III, part # 75726. This hitch works with both the standard and hybrid versions of the Highlander, and allows the spare tire to remain installed under the vehicle. I've included a video of this hitch being installed on a 2012 Toyota Highlander so you can get familiar with the process, as well as our help article for trailer hitch installations to help make this process easier.

With this kit, I recommend adding the Etrailer ball mount kit, part # 989900, which includes a 2 inch hitch ball, the most likely size needed for your application, plus two ball mounts with different drop/rise amounts so you can better fit your trailer and have it ride level.

For wiring, you'll first need to install a four-pole connector, then convert that to a seven way to allow for the brake controller to be integrated. You'll want to use Curt's T-Connector 4-Pole, part # C56217. There is also a version if you have the factory tow package with an under-dash converter available as part # 56042. This kit installs without any wiring splicing or changes, and installs directly to the existing wiring.

You'll use this kit to convert to a 7 way converter using a full kit install, part # ETBC7. This kit includes everything you need to install the 7 way to connect your brake controller and power the trailer's brakes.

For the brake controller, I recommend Tekonsha's Prodigy P3, part # 90195. This is a proportional controller which will apply the brakes to the trailer at the same rate that you depress the brake pedal. This is one of our most popular models, as it can install in a wide range of orientations.

Finally, for a sway control, I recommend Reese' Friction Control Kit, part # 83660. This kit installs between the trailer hitch and the arm of the trailer, and uses friction to control trailer sway, resulting in a safer, smoother ride.

expert reply by: Jacob W

0

Answer 1

I spoke with my contact at Edge. He stated that for the Evolution, #EP59YR, the best setting would be the pre-programmed High Performance Program. This requires using at least 91 octane fuel or higher. He then stated to enter your tire size via the…

view full answer...

Answer 2

Thule's TK-1 Kit has been discontinued, but is mostly available as its component parts. I've listed what we have below with the number of each part needed to complete a single bar kit. Base, #753-2149 (2 needed total) Bolt #924-0617-15 (2…

view full answer...

Answer 3

To protect the 12 volt accessory power supply circuit, we recommend using a 40 amp inline circuit breaker, part number 9510.

view full answer...

Answer 4

The Lippert Electric Ground Control TT Automatic 5-Point Leveling System #LC672136 referenced in your question can indeed be controlled with your iPhone (or iPad). Setting up your iPhone to work in this manner is simply a matter of downloading the…

view full answer...

Answer 5

Sorry to hear about your bike rack, though I believe I have a solution which can prevent your Kuat Sherpa 2.0 #SH12B from further damage. What you can do is use a hitch adapter, the Brophy #HT5R, to 7" of length and 5-1/2" of rise to your…

view full answer...

Answer 6

the only exclusions for the trailer hitches that fit the 2016 BMW X5, #75600 and #13077, is that they will not fit M models. For trailer wiring I recommend ZCI harness #119250KIT because with it you will not have to cut and splice into the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Kayak carriers come in many varieties and some do indeed require a roof rack be present on the car. But there is also a lightweight and cost-effective type called a foam block kayak carrier that can be used on a vehicle with a bare roof, such as your…

view full answer...

Answer 8

I was able to find the weight of your trailer dry, but you will want to contact Jayco to determine how much capacity your trailer has, because this will make a difference if your Jayco can support the weight that's been loaded into the camper.…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The key to selecting the correct weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) for your TrailManor 2720 is to load it up with all your usual gear and supplies and to measure its actual tongue weight (TW) in this road-ready condition. To this you need to…

view full answer...

Answer 10

For your 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee I recommend the P3 brake controller, #90195. This is a proportional controller that will apply the trailer brakes in proportion to how much the Jeep is braking. this is the safest way to stop and it reduces wear and…

view full answer...

Answer 11

There is absolutely a trailer hitch that fits your 2019 Toyota Corolla hatchback, the Curt Trailer Hitch #C11567. This is a Class I hitch with a 1-1/4" receiver so it will work perfectly with your Kuat Beta 2-Bike Rack #B202-114, which is rated…

view full answer...

Answer 12

The Black Rubber Grommet for 4 inch Round Trailer Lights, part #A45GB, mounts in a 4 1/2 inch diameter hole. This grommet will work with the Sealed 4 inch Round LED Trailer Light, part #STL23RB, and should work with your fiberglass application. The…

view full answer...

Trailer Towing Setup for a 2012 Toyota Highlander Limited to Tow 2 Jet Skis

Products Referenced in This Question

Product Page this Question was Asked From

Featured Help Information

Instructions

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching