Trailer Hitch Installed 08 Highlander

[klossfam]

Originally Posted by 08highlander

Where did you get the hitch and how much was it?

I got the hitch and harness kit at a local Toyota dealer here in Buffalo for the same price as the best online pricing (just asked if they'd meet it)...traded the cost of shipping for our nice 8.75% local sales tax...the best pricing is http://toyotapartsdelivered.com/ (about $377 for the hitch kit with fascia and $95 for the wire harness)...Well worth it IMO...the aftermarket stuff from Valley and Curt looks like crap (plus you get a higher tow point with the factory hitch)...

[08highlander]

Thanks, I really like the factory hitch look

[klossfam]

Here is a better aka day time shot of the Toyota hitch & fascia (and the Sport Exhaust Tip just added today)

[kevnjoni]

Originally Posted by klossfam

...it was actually fairly fun...I also had the full instructions, so I made the cutouts (with tin snips and a drill) to the LH and RH corner covers (just like they do on PIO installs)...Came out good...Just a matter of taking your time...

Greetings,

Newly registered. Great site!

Take delivery tomorrow on an '08 HL Limited. Will have the Toyota hitch installed. About the cuts in the panels, the left one seems obvious (room for that side of the hitch mount), but what is the purpose of the hole in the right hand panel? Electrical access?

[PaulW]

Originally Posted by kevnjoni

Greetings,

Newly registered. Great site!

Take delivery tomorrow on an '08 HL Limited. Will have the Toyota hitch installed. About the cuts in the panels, the left one seems obvious (room for that side of the hitch mount), but what is the purpose of the hole in the right hand panel? Electrical access?

I assume he cut it so he could get access to tighten some of the bolts. I ended up using a Gearwrench to accomplish the same thing and I didn't need to cut that panel at all. I just had to force it out of the way a bit while tightening the bolts.

[klossfam]

Originally Posted by kevnjoni

Greetings,

Newly registered. Great site!

Take delivery tomorrow on an '08 HL Limited. Will have the Toyota hitch installed. About the cuts in the panels, the left one seems obvious (room for that side of the hitch mount), but what is the purpose of the hole in the right hand panel? Electrical access?

Paul W is correct - actually it is to make sure you have access to the bolts for the hitch to check torque (after the FIRST 500 miles or so of towing, it's a good idea to check that they are still torqued down). This gives easy access but you can get to the bolts a number of ways. Once I started cutting with my tin snips, I just wanted to keep cutting I guess...

BE CAREFUL IF A DEALER IS DOING THE INSTALL - there are 2 sets of instructions floating around for the hitch install and one says to DISCARD the covers - as in throw them out...I have a feeling that's what a lot of dealers will do. You WANT the covers installed with the new cutouts - they cover several electrical harnesses and rear A/C components...Especially here in Buffalo, protection from slush & salt is NOT optional...and you know the dealer will take the easy way out (I can't imagine one taking the time to do the cuts). That is why I do this stuff myself including all routine maintenance. Saves time in the end...Good luck with the new HLL...we have 6,000 miles on our since taking delivery 4/29.

[pwilson]

I guess I'm a bit lucky to have found this post when I did. Just had the hitch installed today by my dealer and sure enough they had thrown the covers out! Amazingly enough, the "official" instructions say to do this [Issue: B 07/09/07 of the instructions; found the PDF on the web] :

2. Preparing Vehicle for Tow Hitch Installation.
(a) Protect exhaust pipe with a shop towel.
(b) Remove lower LH cover and tie down hook
and discard both. (Fig. 2-1)
(c) Remove lower RH cover and tie down hook
and discard both. (Fig. 2-2)

Once I realized this had been done I went back to see if I could get the parts before they ended up in the local land fill. Fortunately I was able to get both the covers back, but unfortunately none of the fastening hardware.

I think I've figured out how the cuts must be made to make the covers fit again, but does anyone out there know what I need for screws, fasteners, bolts etc. to secure these things? As a bonus to me, does anyone have the alternate set of instructions that describe how to modify and keep the original covers?

Thanks!

Paul Wilson

P.S. it's a long way to winter, but the sooner I get this done the better I'll sleep. I still think I'm going to add the mudguards as well, just as a precaution to keeping crap out of the wells until I get the covers back on.

Originally Posted by klossfam

BE CAREFUL IF A DEALER IS DOING THE INSTALL - there are 2 sets of instructions floating around for the hitch install and one says to DISCARD the covers - as in throw them out....

[agile]

Originally Posted by pwilson

As a bonus to me, does anyone have the alternate set of instructions that describe how to modify and keep the original covers?

I want to second this request. I have my hitch on the way and need to do the install. Not sure if the instructions will be included. Does anyone have the pdf of the latest installation instructions?

Thanks in advance.

Mark

[klossfam]

pwilson - I knew they'd try to discard...the instructions that included RETAINING the RH and LH covers were included in the trailer hitch when I received it (vs the online directions that are the DISCARD instructions - obviously dealers are using this set because it is less work). Anyways, the instructions with the cutouts were such a bad quality copy it wouldn't scan - just black background - and I discarded...which I now feel bad about. I think I'll be able to round up a copy, however...The hardware was a mix of the 10mm sheet metal screws and clips...I can take a look at mine HLL covers tomorrow and give you a count/photo of the hardware.

agile - Assuming your hitch includes the same materials - you'll be all set I believe with the proper instructions...perhaps yours will be legible enough to scan if I can't locate a better copy and post...

I'll update shortly...

[agile]

Sorry to be a bother. I am on a short timeframe for installing this before a vacation. Can you tell me what tools are needed to install? Have a limited set of metrics and need to know if I should pick something up before it arrives.

Thanks for the responses and all of the information you are providing.

Mark

[klossfam]

agile - the list on the instructions is a bit of overkill...here are the tools you really need:

A SECOND PERSON TO HELP YOU HOLD UP ONE SIDE OF THE HITCH FOR INSTALL
Torque wrench optional IMO...as long as you have a good "mental torque wrench"
3/8” Socket wrench
3/8” Socket 10 mm, 14mm
3/8” x 6” socket extension
Small flat-head screwdriver
Phillips head screwdriver
A set of needle nose pliers are useful for the one clip on the rear fascia
The wire harness is mainly clips and a phillips and 10mm driver
Tin Snips if cutting the LH and RH covers to spec (instructions on cuts pending)

Good luck and feel free to ask if questions.

[klossfam]

Originally Posted by klossfam

pwilson - I knew they'd try to discard...the instructions that included RETAINING the RH and LH covers were included in the trailer hitch when I received it (vs the online directions that are the DISCARD instructions - obviously dealers are using this set because it is less work). Anyways, the instructions with the cutouts were such a bad quality copy it wouldn't scan - just black background - and I discarded...which I now feel bad about. I think I'll be able to round up a copy, however...The hardware was a mix of the 10mm sheet metal screws and clips...I can take a look at mine HLL covers tomorrow and give you a count/photo of the hardware.

agile - Assuming your hitch includes the same materials - you'll be all set I believe with the proper instructions...perhaps yours will be legible enough to scan if I can't locate a better copy and post...

I'll update shortly...

pwilson - For the hardware count - I checked mine and here's what you need to reattach the covers AFTER the cutouts are done (still haven't been able to locate a set of instructions that include the cutoff directions - but if agile or anyone else gets a new OEM hitch, it should have this set of instructions included).

For the RH cover:
- phillips #2 head sheet metal screw 3/4" long with 5/8" flat washer (x1) Rear corner
- 10mm hex head sheet metal screw 3/4" long with 5/8" flat washer (x1) Front corner
- 30mm long overall push clip - 5mm wide barrel (x1) Middle (SEE BELOW)

For LH cover:
- phillips #2 head sheet metal screw 3/4" long with 5/8" flat washer (x1) Rear corner
- 10mm hex head sheet metal screw 3/4" long with 5/8" flat washer (x3) Front
corner & two screws at top of cover that attaches to bottom of cargo floor
- 30mm long overall push clip - 5mm wide barrel (x1) Middle (SEE BELOW)

So in total: 2 phillips screws, 4 hex head screws and 2 clips

[pwilson]

Hey Klossfam,

Thanks a million! I can probably figure out a suitable set of cuts for making the panel fit, but if anyone out there has the OEM instructions I'd still love to have a look.

My thanks to all that have chimed in on this thread. I really appreciate all your invaluable help!!

Paul L. Wilson

Originally Posted by klossfam

pwilson - For the hardware count - I checked mine and here's what you need to reattach the covers AFTER the cutouts are done (still haven't been able to locate a set of instructions that include the cutoff directions - but if agile or anyone else gets a new OEM hitch, it should have this set of instructions included).

<snip />

[klossfam]

Let me know if add'l assistance needed...The cutout directions were fairly cryptic anyways from my recollection...I had to make "adjustments" after the initial cuts. On the hardware, I realized the RH cover (top photo) shows the exact three fasteners I listed...so it gives a good reference of what I mean by "rear corner" "middle" etc for hardware location. I'm sure it's pretty obvious that the covers are of great benefit if re-installed ...the "DISCARD" mode is just another cost saving method for Toyo service depts...charge you the FULL install labor $$$$ but don't do the entire job...Good luck with the balance of the install...

[08HighlanderHybrid]

Originally Posted by 08highlander

Thanks, I really like the factory hitch look

Agreed, of the two hitches shown, I like the factory hitch look. Does anyone have a hidden hitch installed for further comparison. I'm in the process of deciding on a hitch and not sure which is the best way to go.