First post here and all the information in this forum has been really helpful. I did a quick search and didn't see anything for the 2012s so I'm hoping I might be able to get some info.
I just bought a 2012 base 3.5 v6 with the "tech" package. I tried my best to work a hitch into the deal, but when it was all said and done I didn't end up with the hitch. I'm still in the market for a hitch (wiring optional) and have a few questions:
1. What would be the cheapest way to get an OEM hitch installed? When I was at the dealer, they were telling me it would be around a grand for the hitch and to have it installed. This seems WAAAAY too expensive. What should it cost to have the dealer do it, both in materials and labor?
2. Can I get an OEM hitch on my own (and what would it cost) and how difficult would it be for me to install it myself? I installed the hitch on my 2005 Forester a few years ago and it wasn't that difficult. Would the Highlander hitch be in the same ballpark?
3. For the aftermarket hitches (like the Curt 13534), they look like they're a lot lower to the ground. I frequently use a hitch-mounted cargo tray and I'm concerned that it would ride a bit too low and the tray would bottom out. Anyone have any experience with this?
I would buy the oem(did on my 11) It was an easy install.I took an internet price to my local dealer and they matched it.I had to pay tax but no shipping so it was a great deal(shipping is going to be pricy)
I need a hitch just for a bike rack & decided on the OEM because of the nice clean look. Since I had recently got the HL, I asked the dealer to sell me the hitch discounted and they did, I paid $360 which is 20% off $450 MSRP (no wiring harness).
I did the instal myself in about an hour - it is very straight forward and anly involves a handful of bolts. In fact, it took longer to remove the protective panels, trim them and reinstal than to mount the actual hitch!
In addition to the aftermarket hitches looking ugly (as compared to the OEM), I was a little concerned that the receiver beneath the bumper would become a shin buster so for roughly double the cost, I have a good looking hitch and no personal safety issues...
I like my curt. It is lower and sticks out a bit but not enough to hit your shin on. If you leave the ball attached you might. I use it for a boat trailer and a cargo carrier and it works great. I have never scraped it and I have taken it over some steep inclines. It is also very easy to install. It makes a great step to reach the roof.
Thanks for the replies so far. For bschurr and dennydp (or anyone else), can you PM me where you found the OEM hitches online? I have five dealerships around me, my place of work, and in between and I'd love to be able to get an online price and then get the lowest price from the dealerships.
Installation Notes:
No drilling required for hitch installation
Fits Hybrid models as well Fits with mini spare tire stowed under vehicle, but will not fit with full size spare
__________________ 2008 Highlander Limited AWD Blizzard Pearl, Navi, removed charcoal filter, Philips X-tremeVision H4s, OSRAM HighBreaker Plus fogs, AVS bugshield and window visors, FIAMM dual horns, SteelCraft Bull Bar, LED reverse/all interior/side mirrors, stainless steel exhaust tip
Thanks for the replies so far. For bschurr and dennydp (or anyone else), can you PM me where you found the OEM hitches online? I have five dealerships around me, my place of work, and in between and I'd love to be able to get an online price and then get the lowest price from the dealerships.
No secrets here - I didnt do any internet research. I told my dealer that I wanted the hitch at a discount becuase I leased my car there the previous month. MSRP is $450 and typical good guy parts discount is 20% so we went with that - he indicated that it was close to his cost but OK. Parts manager was happy to keep his customer happy and he even printed me a copy of the instructions when I picked it up the following day.
I suggest you go to your local dealership and ask for the $360 price! Perhaps you can even contact your salesperson and see if they can help "negotiate" on your behalf...
Installation Notes:
No drilling required for hitch installation
Fits Hybrid models as well Fits with mini spare tire stowed under vehicle, but will not fit with full size spare
I ended up installing the Curt hitch as the above note was a concern of mine too. I never verified it with etrailer but a fellow on here said there was no fit prob as he had one on his HL (can't recall if his was a Valley or Hidden). I just went with the Curt as it looked cleanest of the three (the hitch goes over the tail pipe vs going under like the Vally or Hidden).
As for appearance, I'm happy with my Curt although it does sit lower than an OEM. I didn't want to pay the $ for the latter though. Now that I'm done, I guess I'm liking the more integrated look of the OEM but not enough that I'm regretful. I tow a boat and haven't scraped it yet.
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Cypress Pearl 2011 Highlander SE 2.7 4 x 2
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