Frustrated Hitch problem

toobroke · #1 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 01:43 PM

So I have a 03 Highlander with the tow prep. I order my hitch up from Toyota in Canada, they say it's part no. C0325-48000 and I end up with the ugly square u tube bend around the exhaust. I don't want that hitch. What's the right part number for the round tube hitch?

LifeTech · #2 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 04:08 PM

Sorry, but yu are out of luck...01-03 get that part number. Yu were shown the correct Hitch for your model year 2003.

04-07 HL's have a different exhaust and bumper design as well as the spare is located outboard..not inside like yours is. What yu were shown is application specific. (for 01-03's)

To try and use an 04+ hitch..yu find that it will not clear the exhaust properly and might not clear the lower edge of your bumper.... Yu can always experiment with an 04+ hitch. But that's not my recomendation. What yu see, is what yu get in a hitch from Toyota. Yu don't have much of an option.
When it comes to OE hitches...the proper fit is more important than esthetics.
Maybe someone else can chime in here.

LT

SC-highlander-01 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-04-2008, 08:04 PM

I have an 01 HL 4WD with the round tube hitch on it. Looks to be something factory installed. Fits very snug and is almost unnoticeable. I have no idea what a part number is because it was on the vehicle when I bought it used.

DNytAftr · #4 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 05:57 AM

I ended up having to add a hitch in 2005 to my 2002 highlander. The first one i got was a round tube that i went to a Toyota dealership and they had one made for my car. After i got rear ended i wen to the same place and they put on the square framed one. so maybe try asking your dealer.

LifeTech · #5 (**permalink**) 06-05-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC-highlander-01

I have an 01 HL 4WD with the round tube hitch on it. Looks to be something factory installed. Fits very snug and is almost unnoticeable. I have no idea what a part number is because it was on the vehicle when I bought it used.

If it has the Toyota weight designation Lable on it as well as the 4-Pin flat connector on the left hand side of the reciever....then that is the OE Tubular Hitch. Otherwise yu got an aftermarket tubular which are out there but seem to be elusive in finding.

toobroke · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2008, 04:42 PM

Well it seems your right when I hoped you were wrong. Seems the u bracket hitch is the only one for the 03. New problem, it seems that the 4 prong connector for the wiring has a bracket with a couple bolts yet it seems there are no holes in the hitch to mount it as per the instructions. Anyone incounter this?

LifeTech · #7 (**permalink**) 06-07-2008, 11:04 AM

04-07 OE Hitches have this Flat pin plug pre-mounted and bolted in place . As mine was.

There is a flat tab that is welded and designed for this Flat pin plug to bolt on to.
It is possible that it was left off of your 01-03 hitch??? I'm not sure exactly where it would be mounted to on your style Hitch.

Try and look for pix of it installed. Reach out to others here with your series HL?

Is there possibly Hardware missing? Maybe the Hitch is defective. Based on the instructions the flat plug should be mountable??

Wish I could offer yu more.

LT

ndabunka · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toobroke

Well it seems your right when I hoped you were wrong. Seems the u bracket hitch is the only one for the 03. New problem, it seems that the 4 prong connector for the wiring has a bracket with a couple bolts yet it seems there are no holes in the hitch to mount it as per the instructions. Anyone encounter this?

You may have gotten one of the REESE/Valley, etc hitch which does not come with any wiring mounted to it. I don't know if the OEM 2003 hitch had the electronics ON the hitch itself like the 04 and up does. If you did get an aftermarket hitch, it should have a label on it somewhere. Why not simply ask your dealership about the electrical connections?

LifeTech · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2008, 09:48 PM

Toyota Highlander 2001 To 2003 Class 3 Trailer Hitch 70777

toobroke · #10 (**permalink**) 06-17-2008, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeTech

Toyota Highlander 2001 To 2003 Class 3 Trailer Hitch 70777

Well now you really pissed me off by finding one after I install the factory hitch! lol.

I had to drill holes for the factory wiring bracket to the underside of the hitch. The hitch mounting holes were poorly lined up. Whoever does the hitch for Toyota does a piss poor job. Somewhat disappointed but cost me $185 cad including the wiring harness, she's on now and it ain't coming off!