Toyota Highlander Tow Hitch Install

[@striker1211]

This is one of the best instructional videos I have ever seen. Clear, concise, good camera angles. Good job :) We are contemplating a 2016 Highlander (V6 AWD) and needed to see how easy this install would be before paying the dealer. Looks like we will do it ourselves. Thanks!

[@rickkacos6816]

I installed the hitch after watching the video and downloading instructions on our new 2018 Highlander. Just so anyone who cares knows, you don't have to do any trimming on the right hand side under cover. Goes right back on with no modification. Thanks again for the video.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Cool, that's one less thing you have to modify. I appreciate the information, and i'm glad you found the video useful :)

[@mphorton40]

Do you know the part number of the hitch you bought for your 2018 Highlander? Online I see one that is PT228-48170 and another that is PT228-48172.

[@MichaelRoss74]

@@mphorton40 The part whose number ends in 140 (the one in this video) protrudes from the bumper somewhat. The one that ends in 172 is more flush with the bumper (and for some reason is now discontinued but can still be purchased).

[@thegentleman90]

I'm glad that my buddy and I installed mine at his body shop. Also, I got my lower cover painted to match the Highlander's OEM body color. I keep getting compliments from other Highlander owners.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I bet that does look good 😁

[@cheefussmith9380]

I finally did it! So glad I didn’t pay Toyota to do this. Cost me $6 in labor for Panera coffee and muffin to my dad. We used a Coleman cooler and a few piece of that purple insulation stuff they put on the side of houses. Super easy. Couldn’t fins a vicegrips that fit. Anyway, this video is spot on and saved me a ton! Thanks again!!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

That is awesome! And a bonus was you got to spend time dad :)

[@easybeat2019]

no instructions provided...would have been lost without this video...THANK YOU! pro tip: take pics of the pushpins and screws for the covers before you take them off so you can remember where each one goes when you put the covers back on.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks for the tip :)

[@jasontaylor5566]

Great video, thank you for posting this. I just finished installing the factory setup on my wife's 2015 about an hour ago. Mine did NOT come with directions. Thank you again for the great instructions.

[@NOne-yt1tj]

Thank you for this. Bought mine directly from the dealership and it didn't come with instructions. Big thumbs up for the torque specs!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

You're welcome, and I'm glad to hear there's someone else in the world that values torque specs :)

[@peter-ou3cl]

Wonderful to see a torque wrench being used for a change in a DIY video. Thanks.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks, I figured if i'm gonna go through the installation... I gotta do the right way :)

[@JohnSmith-lw2bm]

No one else knows what a torque wrench is.

[@SS-ys2wh]

Thank you! Thank you!! Thank you!!! Your idea to use vice-grips to hold the hitch onto a floor jack was brilliant. Never could have done the job alone without your video. Appreciate the video so much.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I'm glad I could help :)

[@craiggrant84]

Thanks for this video the dealer wanted $1300 to do this. I paid $365 for the hitch follow your instructions and installed it myself. It took me about two hours to install.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Glad I could help :)

[@Rodrigo22tierod]

@@Yellowdogsworld hi. I khabe a question.. name of the product and w did u buy please

[@CSM108]

I installed this today on a 2017 Highlander XLE. Everything was spot on here! My only add here would be for the 2017 XLE model, you only need to modify the driver side underbody plastic mold (take a small Dremel and cut off the needed section). For the passenger side, it will install same way from factory.

[@easybeat2019]

same here for the limited. i assume you would want to cut the passenger side for easier access to the bolts to periodically tighten them...? otherwise, yes, no need to cut.

[@dpw5288]

Great work, close-up shots and details - everything is spot on.

[@thomashilborn570]

I turn Wrenches for a living (35+ years). With all the certifications that come with my field of work. I must say this is a VERY good "how to " video. We recently purchased a Highlander and I will be installing a factory hitch. From all the years of experience I carry, I know you cannot find an aftermarket hitch system the compares to Factory. The wiring system alone is perfect. Absolutely no splicing from what I see in your video. Thanks for the video and advice! I too find myself doing installs by myself. I really liked your idea with the vice grip/floor jack combination.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks Thomas, I spent a few years turning wrenches myself :) I appreciate the compliment on the install and video. The only real gripe i have with whole kit is the wire harness... they didn't make it puppy proof. The new mutt in the yard thought the connector would be a good thing to chew on.

[@bobbrum100]

I watched this video several times before my hitch and wiring came today. I was a pro by the time the box arrive. The vice grips and the jack was brilliant although it works much better to put the car back down so that jack can place the hitch perfectly near the mounting points. For the two 12MM nuts on the driver side shroud, it’s important to pull the shroud down hard while removing the two plastic nuts. They’ll just spin in place if you don’t.

[@williamkessler3847]

Can you let us in on what you paid for the original parts? I want to compare the cost vs the aftermarket stuff. I agree with everyone that this is a really good video. Nicely done!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

@@williamkessler3847 Its been a while, but I think it was around $500 to $600 for the hitch and wire kit. It is a bit more than aftermarket, but it has a much better fit and finish IMO :)

[@Axeltiguere1976]

Definitely better to get oem parts. Everything is well thought out, and i love how everything just clips together. I just installed one today, and so I understand exactly what you mean.

[@brba825]

Thank you. Followed this for 2018 hybrid Ltd. This video was extremely helpful. I had to use side braces to “stretch hitch before installing left side screws to frame on bottom. Also didn’t need to cut right underside plastic for the hybrid, just the left piece.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Happy to help, good to hear it worked out for you :)

[@stephaniemendez4956]

Thank you yellow dog!! Great video and instructions. I was little puzzled without instructions but you and your video came up strong when needed. I was a one man show without a floor jack and jack stands. A few tiles boxes and 2x4 got the job done without lifting the car.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks Jonathan, I'm glad I could help :)

[@shrikatsirsi]

That looks so clean and tidy .. I cannot DIY this stuff and not many people in H Town do it this way..

[@pilotop6851]

I would use the factory hitch too. It serves as a nice albeit small step for washing the roof or reaching things. Otherwise there is nowhere to step. Like you say its also hidden and looks a lot better than an under-slung aftermarket hunk of hitch.

[@chuckhood5707]

Great video, gotta say I was most impressed with how clean your highlander is underneath.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks 👍, Its a southern car that's been spared harsh winters and bad roads. 😁

[@CRHILTON87]

The best video on how to install a hitch..

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks :)

[@staffordmccoy8109]

thanks for showing the skid plate cuts. That was very helpful.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Glad it was helpful!

[@boardnbatten]

Installed mine last night. Thanks for such a great guide. 🙏🙏🙏

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Awesome, it’s nice to hear when folks find the info helpful😊

[@boardnbatten]

Any chance you have a video showing how to install a break controller?

[@danelen]

Thank you for this! Like someone else who commented mine didn't come with any instructions so this video was a lifesaver.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your Welcome :)

[@ricardomaduro2042]

Lovely video. Just got the 2017, and I believe I would buy the factory toyota hitch, now, over a third party one. Cheers.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

My feelings exactly :)

[@cabriolet330]

Excellent job making this video. Thanks for taking the time to help others.

[@ronrayburn6843]

Great Video, Can you list the Bumper Hitch you used and the part number for the upgraded bumper cover. You sure did a great job. Im just hard of hearing comments Thank you

[@aaronvalerio19]

I would spray that tow hitch and the parts where it will be attached to with line-x or raptor bedliner to prevent it from rusting. Thanks for sharing your installation process.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Good idea :) especially in rust belt parts of the US.

[@evilpluto]

Thanks for this video! I don't know if I could have done it without it (my kit didn't come with instructions for some reason). Seeing where to cut in particular helped me out. One thing I struggled with (for future DIYers) was removing the shelf inside the trunk to run the cables. There's a nut on the left side, and a bunch of clips with the carpet. Thanks again!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your welcome, I'm glad the video was helpful. :)

[@chrisperner8172]

Great job on the video. Mine did not come with instructions either. Followed your video and all went together very smoothly. Thanks a bunch.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Cool, glad I could help :)

[@byronlentz4825]

I appreciate the video. My install wasn't too bad, 2019 XLE model. Had trouble with a couple bolts not wanting to go in. I've got a M12 1.25 tap ordered to chase the threads. Thanks for the help.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Happy to hear the video helped 😊

[@georgemcdonald8126]

Really nice video! I work alone most times also - nice way to lift the hitch to the frame. I thought the same in my head prior to watching your video.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks.. great minds think alike.. 😆

[@georgemcdonald8126]

Thanks again. I received no instructions with parts so your video really helped! The floor Jack was genius for me as I installed by myself.

[@paulaguild4709]

Awesome video! I am lin the process of buying a 2018 HIghlander and needed to see this so I can understand how this thing is SUPPOSED to be installed by the dealership.

[@motch6182]

Paula Guild what’s the dealership charging you for the install? What do the parts cost? What is their labor charge?

[@amidroc]

Thanks for the video! I completed the install in under a couple hours yesterday on our 2017 Highlander SE. I did find that the RH cover didn't need to be cut on our model. Thanks again.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Cool, its an easy install for the most part if ya got the right tools, Glad the video helped :)

[@workwithamar]

I was planning to do this myself. Your video has given me the confidence. Thanks a lot for uploading this great video. 2 Thumbs Up!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your welcome, happy to help 😀

[@andrewpullen2655]

Just about to tackle this same job. This was a great help. Really great job with the video.

[@w.hishmeh]

Nicely done. I appreciate you sharing the process.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

thanks :)

[@dougscopel5223]

Thanks for posting this. Made the install very easy to do.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

You're welcome!

[@03BlueMach1]

This video was a life saver. Thank you very much.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

You're welcome!

[@justinhongkukkim4743]

Beautiful

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thank you

[@ldpproductions7203]

Great video! made installation a piece of cake. I think I speak for most husband's your wife was right again, no one would find this video useful.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

LOL... well, to be honest i wasn't sure people were going to find it useful... I'm glad I was wrong too :)

[@alisonmccampbellblair6857]

I love this! Thank you! Your video is way better than Etrialer

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks, :) and I didn't even have a camera crew

[@shelbygt8525]

Good job

[@New777World]

For a three man Job, camera man holding the bumper and tighting the bolts. You did a great job, in one person! 👍great quality content

[@tatapscott]

Awesome video. I would add that it doesn't appear you replace the tow hooks since the hitch has tow points on it. I left mine off. Also, the last piece you cut out of the plastic trim isn't necessary on my 2016. I left it and dry fit the piece, and it fits perfectly. Tin snips were much faster than the dremel. Finally, some of the bolts really want to cross-thread. It was the biggest pain having two that didn't want to go in completely straight. Finger tighten them all for several threads, then use a tool (I used my cordless ratchet), then torque wrench.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I'm happy the video helped out, and yes the tow hooks are not needed once the hitch is installed, at least that's my opinion :)

[@stev8468]

Great video in 2021, great idea on the extra helper

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks!

[@michaelcrouch4248]

Excellent video!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

thank's

[@patricklondon6006]

Thanks, for doing this video. I will be getting the Toyota hitch. Very nice looking, you did a great job.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thank's :)

[@deputys45]

Great job awesome video 👍😎

[@jordanhannah5839]

Great video!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks!

[@russelljames2544]

Getting ready to do one Friday, glad I have a Bend Pak 9k two post lift in my garage,, too old to get up and down off creepers...

[@karinacastillo2001]

Excelente video. Just installed mine on a 2019 Highlander. Great job and easy explanation. So funny your jack helper hahaha.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thanks, its amazing the uses you find for good pair of vice grips :)

[@petercullen746]

Thank very much for the video. I’m ready to install my hitch now.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Glad the video helped :)

[@Dlglike123]

Thanks for the video. I was able to do it very quickly.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Excellent!

[@gregluka7427]

Great job!!! thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Thank you, and your welcome :)

[@TrilhaMundo]

Thank you so much!!!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your welcome 🤗

[@billlindhout6818]

also helps if you drop the spare tire for more head room and working space

[@Yellowdogsworld]

good idea :)

[@user-vs8jb1lw1b]

Great job!

[@bikebum2006]

I installed mine on a 2017, and the 4 pin connector doesn't work. Uhg. No lights on the trailer. Checked fuse, and its still good.

[@samuelsanchez6180]

Outstanding video.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

thanks :)

[@robertbellini6491]

great video!

[@howardfrederick3953]

Great Job and spot on!!! Many thanks

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your Welcome :)

[@Criscross292]

Thanks! That really helped a lot. Great tutorial

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your welcome, glad I could help :)

[@anthonyguess5528]

Lol use a non-volatile cleaner and you used acetone LOL that's so flammable it's ridiculous but other than that awesome video thank you very much

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Good thing there weren't any open flames inside the car at the time, else this video could have turned out completely different :)

[@m10_g0at]

Would like to do the same thing to my 2014, would you have the part number?

[@claudiorojas1234]

Great! Thanks for posting!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your welcome :)

[@hype2002]

Great video...

[@curiousmike1044]

This helps a lot. Thanks.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Your Welcome :)

[@AverageNiceGuy]

Nice! Thanks

[@Rodrigo22tierod]

Good morning . Can u tell me w did you buy. 🙏 please

[@mrvoyagerm]

Did you have to relocate the Kick Sensor for the back door? I understand that the sensor gets moved from the center (where the hitch goes) to the left side.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

This highlander didn't have that option, but it would make sense you would have to in order to install the hitch.

[@davidlaskow765]

After I installed my trailer hitch on my 2015 highlander and connected it and after I connected my battery again my check engine light turned on and it says check awd system ? Anyone else got it ?

[@romeroag]

Thanks for the video, I've got a 2016, can you point me to where you would recommend I buy the hitch and wiring harness you showed being installed?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

since the hitch was OEM, i think the only place you can get it is through a dealership.. at least that's where I purchased my setup.

[@JonBNice]

thanks for the guide...very helpful. also, im curious about your jack stands...when you placed it under the pinch welds, doesnt it bend it? or yours has a groove that enables the welds to go between it?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

the stands do have a groove, but also there is a area that has a little more reinforcement on the seam, this where I put the stands. It holds up fine for supporting the car in applications like this one.

[@ShortCircuit1987]

Just purchased a 2015 XLE I’m considering doing this exact same thing to. If you don’t mind me asking, what did a kit like this set you back? Thank you for your time!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

You know it’s been a while, and I’m sure prices have changed a bit, but I think the hitch and harness kit together was maybe 600’ish..

[@lesliegetz1848]

Is the brake controller a plug and play item too? What controller did you use?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Yes it is plug and play, no programming needed. This model came directly from my local Toyota parts department listed for my car.

[@4xDiscovery]

Do you know if a transmission cooler for towing is needed ?

[@raymondstoddard1082]

this is the same thing I was wondering. I have read a transmission cooler, bigger radiator, and an oil cooler. I don't know if any or all of them are required for towing and no one seems to cover it.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

@@raymondstoddard1082 To my knowledge the Highlander (At least the 2016) has a factory rated towing capacity of 5000 Lbs, with no add on's needed to accomplish this. So in short... its equipped to get the job done out the gate.

[@thomassemich4627]

The newer models come with a transmission cooler. And I believe an oil cooler also. But I would have to check.

[@beby138]

Thanks a lot !!!!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

your welcome :)

[@justinspring5672]

Do you have a link for the installation manual? We had someone put it on but we have no power coming through. I wonder if they missed the fuse part.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

unfortunately no, the guide I had was provided by the dealership I purchased it from.

[@iDude607]

Excellent video, appreciate you taking the time to show us. Does your Highlander have the tow package? (150 amp alternator, engine and transmission oil cooler) Would you mind making a video on how to identify these?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I know our highlander has a towing capacity rating of 5000 pounds. It has the 3.5 liter V6, however i doubt it came with any additional add on's since it is a base model. I will have to look into the oil cooler's, and alternator. Since it is rated at 5000 Lbs it may come standard with the 3.5 V/6's.

[@iDude607]

Yellowdog02 appreciate the reply. I read that all v6 models (2016 and after) will come with the tow package, however I couldn't find anything about it.

[@pilotop6851]

iDude that is correct all 2016+ V6 have the engine oil & trans oil coolers for 5,000 tow rating. Just need to add the hitch. Prior to that LE were 2,000 lb and XLE and above were 5,000 lb. You can confirm tow rating and factory configuration for any specific vehicle by looking up the VIN here: www.toyota.com/owners/vehicle-specification Marketing comparison of '16 and '15: www.continentaltoyota.com/2016-toyota-highlander-vs-2015-highlander-model-comparison-serving-chicago-il.html

[@iDude607]

PilotOp68 thanks so much for the confirmation. Thought I've looked everywhere but missed those. Really appreciate it!

[@saychow03]

Great video. Does the bumper part come with the hitch or do you have to purchase that separately?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

The kit comes with the new bumper panel. The only thing I bought separate was the harness kit.

[@Robert-xt3pj]

Great vid, how much was the factory hitch and trim pieces roughly?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I honestly don't remember, but I think it was around 500 for everything,,, but its been a while, so the price may be more or less depending on how much your dealership thinks of their parts.

[@stevenclark6662]

Hey Yellowdog, I just picked up my factory hitch and harness from local dealer and your video will surely make this a lot easier for me so thanks! Just a question - about what was the total time, from jacking up to jacking back down? Thanks again

[@Yellowdogsworld]

With out filming maybe a couple of hours or so.

[@cheefussmith9380]

Yeah, Toyota wanted 350 in labor for this job. I think I’ll do this myself and pay myself 50 ;p

[@sevenotwovegas7269]

Hi Yellowdogs, any issue with the wire harness sticking out a bit getting bent?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Not at all, now a dog chewing it up... yep, but she didn't even bend the bracket :)

[@robroscoe8772]

How much does it cost

[@Yellowdogsworld]

its been a while since i did this install, so i would not want to guess at it.... Im sure a local dealer can help you with that.

[@notasixpack]

Thanks for this detailed video! Did the bumper trim come with the factory hitch or do you have to get that separately?

[@notasixpack]

I finally read through the comments and see that this question has already been asked and answered.. so never mind, but thanks regardless!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I missed this one, but yes, it does come in the kit :)

[@anotherbrickonthewall]

Looks simple enough. Thanks for doing this video for all of us. About how much was that hitch package from the dealer? Also, is this an AWD or would that make any difference??

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I think the hitch and wiring ran around 600, I don't remember exactly what it ran. I'm not sure about the AWD, but my guess there's no difference.

[@cheefussmith9380]

Yeah, I have the awd hybrid 2019 and T quoted me 600 parts. About 1k total with labor. After watching this I think I’ll just do it myself. If I can do the dang timing belts on my Hondas, I can do this

[@alexandermaciag377]

Hi, do you know if all 2016 limited edition have the tow package included since the oil cooler and heavy duty fan is a must with towing a trailer?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

If I'm not mistaken, if you have the V6 in your highlander it comes with Full towing package. A good way to know would be to check your cars rated towing capacity, if its 5000 LBS... you got it.

[@kylellcottle9897]

Would you be able to send me a copy of the instructions? I ordered the parts and it did not come with any

[@digitopdeals1398]

www.toyotapartsdeal.com/resources/installation/tpd/18_my14%20highlander-hv%20tow%20hitch%20issb.pdf

[@CRHILTON87]

I just put on my hitch. But mine came with no directions and I only need to cut the plastic sides to fit.. can you send me the cutting diagram?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I wish I could but unfortunately I don't have the documentation anymore.

[@CRHILTON87]

@@Yellowdogsworld no worries.. i reviewed your video again and just copied what you did.. thank you. And you saved me a bunch..

[@Yellowdogsworld]

@@CRHILTON87 Cool, I'm happy the video helped :)

[@tonioss32]

Would such an installation give you the 5000lbs rating? Any performance difference over one with the hitch factory installed?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Well, the hitch in this video is what Toyota would install "factory" since it is the OEM version, its just the dealer installed option. So yes, this setup would provide for the maximum tow rating for the car.

[@tonioss32]

@@Yellowdogsworld can you do that exact procedure on xle limited or does the kick opening gets in the way?

[@ces0573]

What size torque is needed for the bolts?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Off the top of my head I cant remember, but I know I mentioned it in the video.

[@PsychoFisho]

You know that ugly warning sticker on the left side of the hitch? Just zap it with some black spray paint. All good.

[@Hernsama]

How much did this cost?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Hitch and harness I think ran around 600 at the time..however it may be more than that now.

[@DavidRobinsonTV]

Why not go with u haul hitch?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

I didn't look up the U-Haul hitch specifically, but the aftermarket ones I found at the time didn't integrate as well into the bumper.

[@willplusalina]

How long did it take from start to end?

[@Yellowdogsworld]

without filming it... a couple of hours maybe, with filming,,, a lot longer :)

[@willplusalina]

awesome, gonna do this myself, thanks for the vid.

[@Trd2020]

Lol the 2nd person is cool

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Yep, and they don't complain, just work. :)

[@brianburns6850]

Thank you for the great video. I couldn’t have done it or at least as easily without you. Gave me the confidence to do it myself and it was a great time spent with my 12 yr old daughter who helped me and she learned a lot in the process. Thank You!

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Glad I could help!

[@KamalaTheClown]

This video was FAAAAAANTASTIC. Was a breeze. The only thing I didn’t do was the harness as I will not tow a trailer but use it to haul a utility box and bikes. I also didn’t add the plastic box that you cut up back as well.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

thanks, happy to help 👍

[@h20sno]

Great Video! Saved me tons of time. I found the same on a 2018. No need to trim the right side. Also, I used jack stands to hold the hitch in place to attach the bolts. One person. I didn't have the giant vice grips.

[@Yellowdogsworld]

Happy the video helped out, Jack stands will work too, got to make do with what you have :)

[@wavehomeinspection]

great to see these videos, would this kit work for a 2017 hybrid highlander?