Trailer Hitch Installed 08 Highlander

Greenlander · Oct 9, 2007

I ordered a new Valley Hitch from etrailer.com. Delivery was quick, intallation was easy; everything fit. I also ordered and installed the wiring, wiring converter, and all mounting brackets for the trailer plug. Total cost, including shipping (.99 cents) was just under $200. I highly recommend this company for your hitch. You can also purchase a couple other manufactured hitches.

Greenlander · Oct 10, 2007

Hitch Photos 08 Highlander

Here is a photo of the installed hitch.

*** Note to forum members. This photo is not the original posted by Greenlander, but is a substitute to restore the photos no longer available from him. This was done so forum members can still see the installed hitch.

TrailDust

roho · Apr 18, 2008

Greenlander, where did you get that chrome exhaust tip? Is it stock? I need a tip like that so it blows the exhaust downward. I had an issue with the exhaust heat when using a flat bed attachment in the hitch. A bin I had on it caught fire!

To all those adding aftermarket hitches beware of your exhaust, the receiver looks awful low compared to the factory hitch.

Greenlander said:
Here are two photos of the installed Hitch.

akira751 · Oct 10, 2007

Thanks for pics and the website:thumbsup:

fdexclpl · Apr 2, 2008

I can second the recommendation for etrailer.com I bought a hitch, wiring, etc for my brother-in-laws Hyundai Santa Fe. It was shipped free and the next day after ordering.

pch316 · Oct 10, 2007

Greenlander, any drilling required for the installation? And how long did it take to install the hitch? Thanks.

Greenlander · Oct 11, 2007

pch316 said:
Greenlander, any drilling required for the installation? And how long did it take to install the hitch? Thanks.

No drilling required. You just remove the tow hooks and plastic panels underneath and the hitch bolts right on. I had the hitch installed in less than an hour, including removal of above items. You can replace the passenger side plastic cover, but the driver's side will not go back on.

08highlander · Oct 10, 2007

Go on you tube

I went on you tube and typed in 2008 toyota trailer hitch install and there was a video that showed the entire installation. It was pretty cool

PaulW · Oct 11, 2007

How difficult was the wiring?

Greenlander · Oct 12, 2007

All the wiring is accessible under the left rear storage box. There is even a rubber grommet at the aft end of that area that I cut a hole in to allow the wiring to the trailer to go through. You will need a wiring converter ( www.etrailer.com ) and then locate the wires. Pretty good instructions come with the converter.

pch316 · Oct 11, 2007

Greenlander, I went to the etrailer website and found 4 hitches that would fit the Highlander. Is there any difference with the Curt and Valley brand. And can you tell me which one (part#) did you purchase. Thanks.,

Greenlander · Oct 11, 2007

pch316 said:
Greenlander, I went to the etrailer website and found 4 hitches that would fit the Highlander. Is there any difference with the Curt and Valley brand. And can you tell me which one (part#) did you purchase. Thanks.,

V81312 Valley Hitch; 118175 wiring converter; 2753 Ballmount (2 3/4" rise); PC3 Pin and Clip; 18140 No drill mount bracket; 18144 mounting bracket; and 20112 4 pole connector cover.

Total was just under $200. They have a 99cent shipping over $150.
I assume all hitches will fit fine. I used a "Hidden Hitch" on my last vehichle. All wiring can be accessed under left (driver's side) storage panel and/or at the pop out covers near the inside of each taillite.

Hope this helps

pch316 · Oct 11, 2007

Thanks for the information. If i'm just using the hitch for a bike rack I guess I won't be needing all the parts you mentioned? Thanks.

wsuduc · Nov 13, 2007

Is there no plug-n-play connector for the highlander?

I have an 08' with tow prep, seems it should have a plug somewhere to plug into.

I don't want to use those scotch clips, but if I have to I will.

mdadson · Dec 6, 2007

I purchased the factory wiring harness, part # PT219-48871, from toyotapart.com for $105.83. This harness plugs into the factory tow prep package harness in the back of the vehicle and also includes a converter box that plugs in under the dash on the drivers' side. The whole installation process takes about 30 minutes. The toughest part was popping off the number two interior panel in the cargo area. I didn't want to break the plastic snaps. I used a 1" wide putty knife covered with electrical tape for prying up the panel to release the plastic snaps. Other than that it was a breeze. This wiring harness includes everything you need an even has plastic snaps to snap into the factory hitch. The installation instructions can also be found on this board. I did not go with the factory hitch and instead purchased a Valley from etrailer.com.

CBJ Nut · Mar 16, 2008

Did the hitch hit the bottom of the back bumper? I'm finding that trying to get it lined up, it's hitting that guard.

evanspikes2 · Jan 17, 2009

I know it has been a long time since this was posted but I was wondering if you were able to correct this problem? Also, I see that you posted pics a little further down on this thread and it looks like you may have had the same problems I'm having now, hitch tube lower on the right side than on the left but portion that goes over exhaust tip hits the bumper fascia. Is this the case or does it joust look this way in the picture? Thanks a bunch...

Evan

nflchiefs · Mar 16, 2008

Nice photo! ???

What do you tow with your HL? Im thinking about the factory hitch but this looks darn good! Factory hitch is crazy priced high! This looks good!

Let us know what your pulling!

wsuduc · Mar 16, 2008

I pull a 5x10 enclosed trailer with mine, probably around 2500lbs. Pulls like a dream. Tow package will enable you to tow up to 5000lbs. You can tow anything up to that weight.

I can't use cruise control while towing though. It shifts too often trying to keep speed. That is the only thing that sucks about towing. But then again cruise in very hilly areas sucks when not towing too.

DenverBrian · Mar 17, 2008

I have this same Valley hitch on my HL Sport. You CAN reattach the driver's side panel if you trim it (about 30%) using tin snips or other sharp cutters.

The "Valley" logo on the left will also peel right off if you prefer. I found the only "necessary" label to be the max weight label, and even that one will peel right off if you prefer a cleaner look.

wsuduc · Mar 21, 2008

I actually reattached both plastic panels. On the passenger side you only have to clip off one tab it and fits right up there.

On the driver side I had to cut a slot for the bracket to fit in, but I am glad I did. If I had to do it again i would know where to cut to minimize the hole!

I thought mangling them up was better than throwing them away!

CBJ Nut · Mar 18, 2008

Installed my new hitch. Pics below.

AlexD · Apr 2, 2008

CBJ Nut, could you, please, answer which model did you use? I found some round tube hitches which ate for Base/Sport/Hybrid (single exhaust), I have limited (also single exhaust!), so I wonder whether it fits Limited too?
Trying to look images you've posted, but no success

CBJ Nut · Apr 2, 2008

It's the Valley Class III hitch from etrailer.com

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~V81312.htm?vehicleid=20089870

AlexD · Apr 2, 2008

Thank you, CBJ Nut. I'll try it.
Any possibility to look at images after installation (does it fit good, no any modification of rear bumper or exhaust required)?

AlexD · Apr 2, 2008

And also, wiring 118499, as recommended or something else?
Sorry, I am very new at this...

CBJ Nut · Apr 2, 2008

I didn't have to make any modifications to the HL. I also didn't use any wiring harness as I only use the hitch for a bike carrier. Post install pics are embedded in the thread above.

nathanrobinson · Apr 2, 2008

the factory hitch (got it included with the car, woot!) fits inside of the plastic piece that is directly below the bumper (it looks like it replaced it). That is why it is crazy expensive. It looks fantastic though, as the only thing visible is the hitch receiver and the wiring harness plug.

DenverBrian · Apr 2, 2008

And if Toyota would offer this as a factory installed option, or better yet, include it as standard, we'd all be better off.

It's a major annoyance that Toyota will offer the "towing prep package" on these Highlanders without the one part you really need as part of your "towing prep"!

AlexD · Apr 2, 2008

Completely agree with opinion that factory installed is excellent.
My goal when installing it below bumper is also to protect bumper from really small cars. I had experience when Civic slightly bumped in my old car, needed to replace rear bumper. My neighbor having Acura with hitch below bumper in the situation got no damage at all.
And the price difference too. Although I had option to buy Highlander at "Costco" price, i.e. "invoice" + fixed sum, which decrease price on hitch significantly.

CBJ nut: thank you. Planning to use it for bikes too.

Greenlander · Apr 3, 2008

What I am towing

I tow a 35' Trailer. The Colorado Rockies were no problem at 12,000 '.

Really, though, I only tow a utility trailer for occasional trips to the trash center or to haul some bark or soil. I could easily get by with a 1 1/4" sleeve rather than the 2".

Greenlander · Apr 3, 2008

No, the hitch does not hit the guard or any part of the painted surfaces.

aaron_huber · Apr 7, 2008

If someone has a second, can you measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the Valley hitch? Also, how far out does the Valley stick out from the buper? It looks like the Draw-tite hitch sticks out a few inches but it's hard to tell on the Valley from the posted pictures.

adavid · Apr 8, 2008

aaron_huber said:
If someone has a second, can you measure the height from the ground to the bottom of the Valley hitch? Also, how far out does the Valley stick out from the buper? It looks like the Draw-tite hitch sticks out a few inches but it's hard to tell on the Valley from the posted pictures.

I have the Draw-Tite hitch, and if I had to do it again I would go with the Valley. The Draw-tite sticks out and you need to remove the chrome exhaust tip as it rests on the hitch.

Greenlander · Apr 7, 2008

The hitch sleeve heighth is 13" at the bottom, and 15" at the top. I purchased the ball mount with a 1 3/4" rise to bring the "top of the ball" heighth to 18"; which is standard. The Valley hitch sleeve sticks out from the bumper approximately 1 1/2 inches.

Trailer Hitch Installed 08 Highlander

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