Factory Tow hitch (08 Highlander) picture wanted

[Harley0711]

Is there a owner here with a Factory Tow Hitch that can take a picture of the rear - showing what is visable and how the bottom of the bumper looks - and post that picture here for us to see. I went to two majoy Toyota Dealers today looking for this - first dealer has not seen one yet... other had a service tech come out and explain to me that the bottom of the rear bumper (black part) needs to be exchanged for one that has a cut out for the reciever????

[PLamarine]

Here you go:

[summerwind]

You can also have the black fascia painted to match your HL before you install it by a body shop if you want to go to the expense.

You need to have a body shop do it as they add a flex component to the paint.

The factory hitch has a nice clean look if you can convince yourself to spend the extra money...

[Harley0711]

Originally Posted by PLamarine

Here you go:

Thanks for taking the time to post the picture - I know the hitch is about $200 more than a after market - any idea what Toyota is charging for the black bumper part with the cut out?? - I guess a person could just cut theirs - or maybe this is what Toyota is doing???

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by Harley0711

any idea what Toyota is charging for the black bumper part with the cut out?? - I guess a person could just cut theirs - or maybe this is what Toyota is doing???

Don't understand your question. If you do not go with the Toyota hitch you do not need the fascia with the cut out as after market hitches fit below the bumper.

If you go with the Toyota hitch (order after you get your HL) the fascia comes with the hitch.

[Harley0711]

Originally Posted by summerwind

Don't understand your question. If you do not go with the Toyota hitch you do not need the fascia with the cut out as after market hitches fit below the bumper.

If you go with the Toyota hitch (order after you get your HL) the fascia comes with the hitch.

Sorry, I do undertand the aftermarket goes below the fascia... I have been told the new fascia comes with the Toyota hitch... I am into this SUV so much, I am getting a little $$$ tired... I am leaning towards the aftermarket - it really does not look bad to me and $200 bucks is just that - $200.

[Bandito]

Thanks for the pic PL. It does look extra snazzy! However, the lower fascia on my HLH is silver, so I guess I'll have to have it painted if I want to maintain the look. <Sigh>

[pch316]

Harly, did you order the hitch online or directly from the dealer? I was thinking about installing one myself. How much did the hitch cost and was it difficult to install yourself? Thx.

[wsuduc]

Thanks for posting that pic. It pretty much sums it up in my mind. I think I am going to go with the factory hitch. Yes it is $200 more, however I like the clean install look.

I wouldn't doubt it if they just cut the fascia. I looked under my HL with factory installed running boards and they just cut all the plastic cover pieces under there to install it. Kinda cheesy, but what are you going to do.

[takahashi]

For your interest, that is what the Australian Kluger (Highlander) tow bar look.

[summerwind]

Originally Posted by wsuduc

I wouldn't doubt it if they just cut the fascia. I looked under my HL with factory installed running boards and they just cut all the plastic cover pieces under there to install it. Kinda cheesy, but what are you going to do.

You get a new fascia with the Toyota hitch. It is black and if you have a Sport or Limited you may want to have it painted to color match the original fascia. Click on link below

Toyota Hitch instructions

[adavid]

PLamarine-
With the Factory Tow Hitch, how much does the hitch stick out beyond the bumper w/o the reciever installed?

I just received the Draw Tite hitch, which I am going to install myself. I can see that it will stick out about 4". The hitch is v-shaped to get around the spare tire, so it sticks out like that. Not ideal for me, as I would rather have it flush...which would be cleaner, and I wouldn't have to worry about banging into it, specifically in the garage, where I have a tight fit.

I assume the factory hitch has this same issue getting around the spare, but wanted to check. I am coming from a Nissan Murano, where I also installed a Draw Tite hitch, and did not have this issue at all.

Thanks,
Andy

[Speedy001]

There is a You Tube Video on hitch install for 08' Highlander, it will show how to install Valley/Drawtite hitch & how it looks after install. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLrZUN1h80Y

[Harley0711]

The question about how much the factory and after market hitch (without reciever) sticks out - I will agree that the aftermarket will most likley stick out a little futher... the OEM goes behide the facia - this is why it has to be cut - it will hide a little easier - the aftermarket 'may' be a little more of a bump hazard - However, right now, I am just about $$$$$$ out and I still have body side molding, mud flaps and rubber rear cargo mat to go.. So, if I can save at least $200 on the hitch - This is what I will do and that is installing it my self - If I have Toyota install the factory hitch - more $$$$$, my dealer included the needed harness after I bitched about them saying it was included - it is NOT.... anyway,,, they treated me nice... picked up the HL Limited last night... Very nice SUV, much bigger than the Avalon, lol... cleaning the windshield is more work for the wife and washing/waxing will keep her busy...And she loves to wax - or at least how the car looks afterwards... step ladders/stools here we come....

My hitch will be here in a few days,,, I will post pictures of it installed looking DOWN from above, showing just how much does stick out.. Would like to see a pic of the OEM from this angle.... I will have the wife hold a yard stick against the bumper / next to the hitch... this should answer all questions...

[mdadson]

My dealer was not offering any price break on the factory hitch $450 or the wiring harness $120 if you have the tow prep package, plus they wanted $285 for installation. I purchased the Valley hitch from etrailer.com $144.95 +.99 for shipping and the factory wiring harness from toyotapart.com for $105.83 thanks to reviewing other members posts and surfing the web. You can find the factory hitch online for around $375, but I did not check on shipping costs.
The hitch took about 45 minutes to install by myself and the wiring harness about 30 minutes. I would estimate that the Valley hitch only sticks out past the plane of the rear bumper about an inch. So the possibility of hitting your leg on it is very limited.
The factory hitch definitely looks cleaner more integrated in my opinion, but not enough for me to justify the extra cost.