OEM Hitch install on '08 Highlander

[canuuk01]

I have recently purchased a "new to me" 08 Highlander Sport (American Model). I have read the "read first DIY" threads, but have more questions please;
- Being in Canada, do I need to be concerned which OEM hitch will fit the American model Highlander Sport assuming there is more than one ?
- Is there a link to a video with the "how to" to install the Toyota hitch ?

Great forum. Lots of info to read.

I purchased an 08 Sport model with Navigation, bluetooth, etc., and just turned over the 20,000 mile mark this week. It runs excellent and a pleasure to drive.

Gary

[Dman1]

Originally Posted by canuuk01

I have recently purchased a "new to me" 08 Highlander Sport (American Model). I have read the "read first DIY" threads, but have more questions please;
- Being in Canada, do I need to be concerned which OEM hitch will fit the American model Highlander Sport assuming there is more than one ?
- Is there a link to a video with the "how to" to install the Toyota hitch ?

Great forum. Lots of info to read.

I purchased an 08 Sport model with Navigation, bluetooth, etc., and just turned over the 20,000 mile mark this week. It runs excellent and a pleasure to drive.

Gary

Both Highlanders (US and Canada) were made at the same plant, just on separate assembly lines. The frames and bodies are identical.

As for how to install the hitch, check out the common problems thread at the top of the forum. Also try the search function on the top right of your screen. I believe that there are videos out there (definitely for the aftermarket on U-tube), but I am not sure about the OEM.

Also, to TN.

[canuuk01]

thanks for the quick reply. I have a sister who works for toyota locally, and although they "frown" on family discounts, she will try to get an OEM hitch for me. If it's only going to be one purchase at the family rate, I'm going for the overpriced hitch.
I found lots of video's on aftermarket hitch installs, but not the OEM, but will check out the search and common problems thread.

Gary

[rcan1015]

Hi,
I'm new to this forum also. I purchased a 2009 base model last month and just added the OEM hitch this past weekend. I had previously purchased a Curt aftermarket hitch and it would not mount correctly--the holes were 1/2" off. I didn't want to spend the "Toyota" price--but it sure looks good. The Curt would have hung to low for me.
I'm oldish and not strong, but I installed the hitch in a couple hours by myself. I used the box the OEM hitch came in to support the hitch and was able to raise it in place a side at a time. The photos on the factory installation instructions were very poor quality, but I was able to download a nice set after running a google search. Most of the installation steps were accurate, but be careful when it comes to modifying and reinstalling the left and right hand covers. The instructions would have you cut a lot more than is necessary. I held the covers in place and made my own marks (although I also referenced the instructions) and after carefully trimming with sheet metal snips, I got a nice looking fit without wasting much of the covers. I used an aftermarket wiring kit from etrailer ($50 vs Toyota's $125) and it worked great. I routed it out a dust grommet in the access panel area and used plastic ties to fasten it to the bumper and hitch. Good luck on your installation.

[canuuk01]

rcan .... thanks for the good info. Coincidentally, I ordered the etrailer wiring kit earlier today as it was less than half price from the local Toyota dealer. Somewhat impulsive as I had not yet checked if the plugs (front & back) were in place as shown in the etrailer video. After spending a half hour with Google search, I found a PDF which I can print. It's the same as posted in this forum, but still could not find a video installing the OEM. Specifically, I had hoped to see how the rear facia installs for that clean look.

Gary

[jack63]

welcome to the forum canuuk01, I just had an oem hitch minus the wiring installed last week on my 2011 HL, although it cost me around C$700 I am very satisfied on how it looked, I noticed that you are in BC, if you are near Vancouver send me a pm and I can let you see how toyota mechs installed my hitch and where did they cut the plastic cover underneath on the passenger side.

[jack63]

Originally Posted by jack63

welcome to the forum canuuk01, I just had an oem hitch minus the wiring installed last week on my 2011 HL, although it cost me around C$700 I am very satisfied on how it looked like, I noticed that you are in BC, if you are near Vancouver send me a pm and I can let you see how toyota mechs installed my hitch and where did they cut the plastic cover underneath on the passenger side.

here she is......

[canuuk01]

Hi Jack .... thanks for the reply(s) and picture. I'm in Kamloops, so a bit of a drive down the road to Vancouver. I found a PDF which I will print to give me a good idea of the work. I purchased my '08 HL Sport from Peace Arch Toyota, and so far quite happy with it. My sister works at the local dealership and will help me get a hitch at her price, so I've ordered it, and also ordered a wiring kit from etrailer.

On another note, while I've found another BC'er, where would you suggest I could advertise a set of 4 next to new 19" Toyo's ? I purchased a set of 17" rim's and Michelin tires for a better ride, and thinking of keeping the 19" rims for winter. Peace Arch put new 19" Toyo HT's which are not getting any interest in the local Kijiji or Craigs list. I thought the 19's would be common for the HL.

Thanks again for the picture. I wanted to go with the Toyota hitch for that clean look even though the price is crazy compared to other hitches.

Gary

[jack63]

Originally Posted by canuuk01

Hi Jack .... thanks for the reply(s) and picture. I'm in Kamloops, so a bit of a drive down the road to Vancouver. I found a PDF which I will print to give me a good idea of the work. I purchased my '08 HL Sport from Peace Arch Toyota, and so far quite happy with it. My sister works at the local dealership and will help me get a hitch at her price, so I've ordered it, and also ordered a wiring kit from etrailer.

On another note, while I've found another BC'er, where would you suggest I could advertise a set of 4 next to new 19" Toyo's ? I purchased a set of 17" rim's and Michelin tires for a better ride, and thinking of keeping the 19" rims for winter. Peace Arch put new 19" Toyo HT's which are not getting any interest in the local Kijiji or Craigs list. I thought the 19's would be common for the HL.

Thanks again for the picture. I wanted to go with the Toyota hitch for that clean look even though the price is crazy compared to other hitches.

Gary

try to sell them at ebay or amazon, how much you're selling them for if you don't mind me asking, I am going to use a rav4 17" steelies for winter and keep my 19" for summer for good look but I would like to go for another brand of rubber, I heard that there are now more choices of tire for the 2nd gen HL here in Canada.

[rcan1015]

Originally Posted by canuuk01

rcan .... thanks for the good info. Coincidentally, I ordered the etrailer wiring kit earlier today as it was less than half price from the local Toyota dealer. Somewhat impulsive as I had not yet checked if the plugs (front & back) were in place as shown in the etrailer video. After spending a half hour with Google search, I found a PDF which I can print. It's the same as posted in this forum, but still could not find a video installing the OEM. Specifically, I had hoped to see how the rear facia installs for that clean look.

Gary

The rear fascia that is molded to fit around the OEM hitch comes with the kit--if that was your concern.

Richard

[canuuk01]

Hi Jack ... local pricing is $260. per tire. They are the 19" Toyo H/T's. I would let them go for $500. for all 4 tires + shipping.

Gary

[canuuk01]

Thanks Richard. Do you know if there is any "cutting out" that has to be done ? I assume it fits on the bottom of the bumper in place of the present facia ?

[Ralph6410]

canuuk..
Can you "just" swap 17 inch for 19.. Does the circumference of the tire not change? What did you pay for the steel 17 inch.. did you also go for the pressure sensors? Just had a quote in Edmonton ~$1700 for the lot (winter on steel rims) Ouch!

The only cutting required is for the panels under the car. The insert replaces the one that is currently on your car with no cutting (on my 2011)

[canuuk01]

Your tire dealer will be able to tell you which size tire to use that will give you the same circumference as the 19" tires. I bought new 17" inch rims + Michelin's as a package. It was approx. $2000. but the rims are quite nice and top of the line Michelin's. The dealer said the overall circumference on the 17" are almost exactly the same as the 19". The biggest problem was buying 17" rims with the proper off-set so as not to hit or rub against the brakes.

Gary

[Ralph6410]

Thanks.. the steel wheel clearance was an issue my tire shop (Tire Warehouse) mentioned as well. Thus they gave a quote for allow rims as well .. add $200 please.