Hey people,
First time toyota buyer here, just got a 2010 highlander, silver, i4 base, with an exceptional price, really exceptional. Ive been browsing this forum for ideas and Ive got a couple of questions. First, and most important, I have a Thule bike rack that I paid a ton of money for that I dont want to give up that has the smaller class 2 hitch. I dont want to mess around with an adapter. I also am not really thrilled about paying 800 bucks for OEM either. Does anyone have a link for an aftermarket class II receiver that fits a 2010? Ive got my mind made up that I only want a class II, its 1 1/4 inches. Second, do color keyed mud guards look better? Any links? Third, and finally (for now) any links for discounted cross bars for the roof rack?
Thanks in advance for replies. Pictures of color keyed mud guards on a silver 2009-10 would be much appreciated.
i think you will have a hard time finding this piece since the market would be very limited. How many 4 cyls are actually purchased that have an intent to tow? not many and if you are just using it for hauling a bike hitch or the like I would just mount up an adaptor if necessary.
Why would you not just put the 2" receiver on it? i know you say you dont want to use an adapter, but what happens when you buy a new rack and it only comes in 2". Youd be better off buying the 2" receiver and just deal with it.
I also had a thule rack. the T1/T2 with the 1.25" adaptor and sold it recently because i will do roof mount on this truck. I had bought it because i had a 1.25 on my element a few years ago. Since that point I had used an adaptor with mutiple trucks with no harm or play. I would use again without question if i still had it. Go ahead and get the adaptor, you wont be disappointed.
Thanks for the reply's. And yes, after perusing some more around here I think going with the 2" wont be horrible, even if it is a slight pain. The roof idea, well...around here any length of time on the roof means that I will be picking bug spatter off the frame and handle-bars for a long time. Also when I see the smaller cars with the roof racks and the bikes fully in tact on the top makes me think "wow that looks goofy". Its just too darn tall to stand a bike vertically on the roof. Im going to go with the $450 OEM class 3 and do a self install. Ill update pics as I have them. Im also threatening to put on the OEM door guards myself as well. Id ask some questions but it seems as if anyone says roof rack, trailer hitch, door guards, rails, theres an onslaught of RTFM and L2Search noob....So Ill just get back with pics when its done.
I thought about buying the factory hitch, but couldnt swallow the extra money for nothing. My hitch works just fine and sits below the bumper for ALOT less, and functions just fine!
Thanks for the reply's. And yes, after perusing some more around here I think going with the 2" wont be horrible, even if it is a slight pain. The roof idea, well...around here any length of time on the roof means that I will be picking bug spatter off the frame and handle-bars for a long time. Also when I see the smaller cars with the roof racks and the bikes fully in tact on the top makes me think "wow that looks goofy". Its just too darn tall to stand a bike vertically on the roof. Im going to go with the $450 OEM class 3 and do a self install. Ill update pics as I have them. Im also threatening to put on the OEM door guards myself as well. Id ask some questions but it seems as if anyone says roof rack, trailer hitch, door guards, rails, theres an onslaught of RTFM and L2Search noob....So Ill just get back with pics when its done.
Good day
I agree with the bug thing. When I traveled any distance before, I would just piece some blue painters on the bikes to protect from these types of things. works well and takes just a couple minutes. As far as the hitch, I dont have any but love the look of the OEM hitch but have never had any problems with aftermarkets in the past.
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