Hitch update

VaDon · #1 (**permalink**) 09-18-2006, 12:23 PM

I had asked about a hitch for the Highlander that did not look too ugly on the back. I tried one after-market hitch, but it stuck out several inches beyond the bumper, so I sent it back.

Last week I bit the bullet and ordered a factory hitch. Installation took only about 20 minutes, and it looks great! Also getting the rubber "Toyota" plug for it made it worth the money.

The longer I drive this vehicle, the less I miss my Land Rover

Don

jdayo · #2 (**permalink**) 09-21-2006, 08:22 PM

Any chance of posting some pictures of your new Toyota hitch? My aftermarket hitch is UGLY and I'm considering biting the bullet too and getting the Toyota brand hitch, but only if it looks good.

gossamer · #3 (**permalink**) 09-28-2006, 08:01 AM

I'd like to see a pic as well. Just purchased an 06 and the dealer uses the Reese hitch. Haven't seen it yet, but my guess is it looks stupid. I'd like to have something to compare it to.

asianflava · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2006, 03:32 AM

I had a Quality S hitch (square tube)on the H/L originally. It was nicely tucked up close to the bumper cover. After we were rear ended, it was replaced by a Curt hitch (round tube). The Curt hitch is about 2in lower and sticks out about 2in farther than the Quality S unit.

The Curt is a nicer unit but I like the Quality S better.

Strange1 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 07:41 PM

I am concerned w/after market hitches on Highlanders. As I understand it, a factory installed hitch also comes with a larger radiator and a heavier alternator. and maybe other modifications. Is this true?

Jack

LifeTech · #6 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 08:41 PM

The 04-06 H/L O/E hitch is nice. It's the same part # as the rx330/350/400H. I have it. In fact, when the H/L was delivered ,the tounge and hitch pin came in a Toyota box stating a "Lexus part#".

The heavy duty radiator, Transmission cooler and trailer Pre-wiring harness(Tow prep Package) is a separate option code from the trailer hitch option code. But the hitch ends up being wired to the prewired harness. The Tow Prep pkg. is factory produced at assembly. The Hitch (toungue included also, but no ball) is Port or even Dealer installed.

To me it looks like it is black powder coated paint. The aftermarket hitches always rust out and look bad after a couple of years.

The Hitch is really nice stuff. I checked out all other brands before I ordered the H/L. and I took the O/E Hitch. Got the H/L for invoice anyway. I had to get it. Foolish if I hadn't. I had to get all option codes in fact. The price was just too good pass up.

Get the O/E hitch . Yu will thank me. Sits high and flush mounted. The correct way it should be mounted too. This is so easy to install, had I needed to install myself. Simple bolt on. Remember to torque bolts to spec.
Comes with a Toyota labled Reciever Plug. The Hitch is a 2 incher/class 3.
The O/E Hitch clears the exhaust resonator tip perfectly.
Rememeber, if yu don't have the Tow prep pkg., your gross tow capacity is lower as stated on a lable on the O/E Toyota hitch.

w/prep-3500lbs.(V6),3000lbs.(4cyl.)
w/o prep-2000lbs.(V6), 1500lbs.(4cyl.)

This is because The tow prep pkg. includes:
larger radiator, transmission cooler, high amp alternator,fan coupler.

enjoy

asianflava · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2006, 01:53 AM

Probably the easiest way to check if you have the Tow prep package is to look for a blue box in the spare tire well. The Blue box will say "Tow Harness Converter" or something like that on top. Of course you can check for a transmission cooler but that can be difficult if you don't know what you are looking for.

This is the blue box you'll need to look for:

LifeTech · #8 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 12:45 AM

Yu can see the tranny cooler on the drivers side lower air intake slot just below fog light area . Look into the slot opening and yu would see what resembles a small radiator. Thats the tranny cooler location if equipped.

VaDon · #9 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 08:28 AM

I took my vin number into my local dealer and he printed out a detailed list of all the options on my Highlander. It showed the tow package as well as everything else.

I am still working on pictures and I hope to get them on in a few days.

VaDon

LifeTech · #10 (**permalink**) 10-11-2006, 04:56 PM

The instructions for the O/e Hitch are good. Yu should be set up good for the project now.

MotownJG · #11 (**permalink**) 12-14-2006, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LifeTech

The instructions for the O/e Hitch are good. Yu should be set up good for the project now.

Are there any good internet sites for discounted O/E hitch parts? Or do I have to go through my local dealer?

Strange1 · #12 (**permalink**) 12-17-2006, 10:44 AM

Thanks to all who posted info on the towing prep option. I now know what to look for. Also, the bit about checking the VIN to determine the factory installed options is very interesting. I had always thought that the towing mechanism was factory installed. Shows what I know. Thanx again.

Jack

Strange1 · #13 (**permalink**) 12-22-2006, 10:32 PM

Motown, I recommend of Draw-tites hitches.DrawTite-Hitches.com > Offering the worlds best selling hitches!

Jack

MotownJG · #14 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strange1

Motown, I recommend of Draw-tites hitches.DrawTite-Hitches.com > Offering the worlds best selling hitches!

Jack

Thanks Jack! Appreciate the referral.....

Reelthing · #15 (**permalink**) 12-24-2006, 01:15 PM

Looks like the #PT228-69045 hitch is what I want to do as well - the '06 has the tow prep package - so what came in the "box" with this part number other than the hitch? - is the wire that connects to the converter interface included? how about the handy Toyota rubber plug?

Thanks