08 Highlander Limited (TO = Tow prep package ??)

[Harley0711]

Towing Prep Package [4] -- includes 5000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200-watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler with water cooler, 150-amp alternator and Prewired harness.

I have an 08 HL coming in and it has the "TO" option on it - can not get a straight answer from the Dealer - I am guessing this does Not include the actualy tow hitch/receiver - My main question is for you out there that have the Limited with the TO option - I am planning on either the Draw tight or Hidden http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2008_T...Highlander.htm What does Toyota mean by "Prewired Harness" Do I still need some sort of wiring adapter??? I plan to apply some pressure to Toyota to provide a harness if needed since I can not get a straight answer... thanks,,,

Knowledge is power...

harley0711@yahoo.com

[Bandito]

Toyota sells a wiring kit separately from the TO option that runs about $95.00 (online pricing). This is a kit that has a turn signal converter box that mounts in the front of the vehicle near or at the fuse box and the pigtail that connects to the aforementioned Prewired Harness underneath the back of the vehicle. The other end of the pigtail is the four-wire trailer connector. So, the Prewired Harness is the wiring that runs from the turn signal converter box in front to the pigtail in the back.

The turn signal convertor box combines the separate amber turn electrical signal with the brake light electrical signal for the trailer.

And, no, the receiver hitch is not included and is an extra cost item. I'm going to go ahead and get the Toyota hitch as it mounts more up into the bumper and sticks out through a new lower bumper fascia (the silver part underneath the bumper). I've found it for $345.00 and can install it myself, so that'll keep the costs minimized as much as possible.

[Harley0711]

Originally Posted by Bandito

Toyota sells a wiring kit separately from the TO option that runs about $95.00 (online pricing). This is a kit that has a turn signal converter box that mounts in the front of the vehicle near or at the fuse box and the pigtail that connects to the aforementioned Prewired Harness underneath the back of the vehicle. The other end of the pigtail is the four-wire trailer connector. So, the Prewired Harness is the wiring that runs from the turn signal converter box in front to the pigtail in the back.

The turn signal convertor box combines the separate amber turn electrical signal with the brake light electrical signal for the trailer.

And, no, the receiver hitch is not included and is an extra cost item. I'm going to go ahead and get the Toyota hitch as it mounts more up into the bumper and sticks out through a new lower bumper fascia (the silver part underneath the bumper). I've found it for $345.00 and can install it myself, so that'll keep the costs minimized as much as possible.

I have figured that out about the extra harness that is NEEDED to complete this... Toyota really should be "slapped" for leaving this part out - We get the "TO" but can not use it unless we spend more $$ - BS...

I can get a Hidden Hitch (after market) for $200 less than the Online Toyota Hitch - yes it will not look as clean as the Toyota but for the $200 savings. I can live with it very easy.. I am now after my Dealer to include that harness - I have not picked up my HL as yet... I ask him straight up about this and was told (all included) well, I found out different before I took the car... Now we will see if $100 is worth a battle on a $34K+ SUV?? I will let you know how it goes...

So, what other little surpirses await me?? lol

[Harley0711]

Dealer just called - They will make it good on the harness -

[jamesoja]

not to hijack your thread, but have you found a "tow-command" system and a clean installation point that will work with the highlander?

[Harley0711]

Originally Posted by jamesoja

not to hijack your thread, but have you found a "tow-command" system and a clean installation point that will work with the highlander?

sorry, could you reword this ? not understanding this morning - I have not had my coffee,,

[jamesoja]

I apologize for the term usage, I am used to Ford Trucks which use a Tow Command system, one very similar to Brake Smart, this allows you to adjust the gain on the trailer brake system. It might be a bit of an overkill on the Hy since the tow weights will not be very heavy. I was just looking for additonal braking power and adjustments, better safe then sorry.

[Bandito]

To my knowledge, Toyota doesn't offer this. If your trailer has electric brakes, you'll have to purchase and install an aftermarket brake controller.

Many of the lighter trailers that I've seen have hydraulic brakes that are activated by pressure on the hitch. These are really nice as nothing extra is needed.

[Harley0711]

I stopped by Two major Toyota dealers today looking for a Highlander with a Factory Tow hitch - Not to be found... First dealer had not even seen a 08 with one as yet.. the second got a service tech to come out and talk to me... He told me that the bottom "black" panel on the bottom of the back bumper area is changed to one that has an area cut out for the receiver??? Is there a owner here that has the Factory Hitch and can take a pic of the back end and post it here,,, thanks,,,

[PLamarine]

Originally Posted by Harley0711

I stopped by Two major Toyota dealers today looking for a Highlander with a Factory Tow hitch - Not to be found... First dealer had not even seen a 08 with one as yet.. the second got a service tech to come out and talk to me... He told me that the bottom "black" panel on the bottom of the back bumper area is changed to one that has an area cut out for the receiver??? Is there a owner here that has the Factory Hitch and can take a pic of the back end and post it here,,, thanks,,,

I had a hard time finding one with it also here in the Northeast but I did. I will take a pic today and post it.

[Bandito]

Here's the only picture that I've seen of the Toyota OEM Receiver Hitch, courtesy of Summerwind's posting of the installation instructions.

[ToddnMiss]

The OEM setup looks nice, I wish I had gone with that option instead of assuming the tow package included the hitch