How to Pick Out (and Install) a Toyota Trailer Hitch
If you want a trailer hitch for your Toyota, you have to find the right one for your model. Here’s how to go about it.
Table of Contents
- Which Toyotas come with a trailer hitch?
- How to pick a Toyota trailer hitch
- How to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota
- How to upgrade your Toyota insurance
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Toyota has a car or SUV for every type of driver, whether you’re the parent of five happy campers or a weekend warrior who loves to go off-roading. The automaker offers several vehicles that are rugged enough to tow a camper, UTVs, and much more.
Unfortunately, there is no standard trailer hitch for Toyota models. This means you’ll have to do a little digging to figure out what it will take to haul your goods.
Jerry
, the super app
for car owners, can help you choose a trailer hitch with this guide to everything you need to know about Toyota trailer hitches. Plus, find out how to save money on Toyota car insurance
while you’re at it! Which Toyotas come with a trailer hitch?
Few Toyotas come with a trailer hitch. You’ll have to shop for one and then either install it on your own or hire a professional.
To add most trailer hitches to your Toyota, you will need a trailer hitch and a ball mount. You may also need a trailer wiring harness.
At some dealerships for certain trucks or SUVs like the
Highlander
, you can request a trailer receiver or hitch to be installed. If this interests you, ask your dealer for details. The Toyota model dictates the towing capacity and cost of adding a trailer hitch. Remember, you need a hitch that can handle the towing capacity you desire and that your vehicle can handle.
Let’s review the towing capacity and hitch options available for popular Toyota models. Keep in mind that prices are based on where you buy these parts.
Model | Maximum towing capacity | Trailer hitch price | Ball mount price |
|---|---|---|---|
2022 Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 lbs | $189.15–$474.95 | $21-$205.95 |
2022 Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lbs | $600 | $21–$205.95 |
2022 Toyota 4Runner (4WD) | 5,000 lbs | $269+ | $42.99+ |
2022 Toyota Sienna | 3,500 lbs | $175 | $21–$205.95 |
2022 Toyota Sequoia | 7,400 lbs | $258 | $199–$299 |
2022 Toyota Tacoma | 6,800 lbs | $147+ | $159.12 |
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7/5 App Store Rating, 8,100+ Reviews
Trusted by 1.5+ Million Customers.
Trusted by 1.5+ Million Customers.
Can you put a hitch on a Toyota Corolla?
Technically, you can install a hitch on a
Toyota Corolla
. You will need something like the Curt 11265 trailer hitch. Installation shouldn’t be too grueling. With a towing capacity of 1,500, the Toyota Corolla has hauling limitations, meaning you won’t be able to tow most large items. You never want to take the risk of towing beyond its capacity. This can cause serious damage to the car.
How to pick a Toyota trailer hitch
Here are four easy steps to ensure you choose the right trailer hitch for your Toyota:
- Research your model. Make sure you factor in the year, make, model, and trim when trying to find the best trailer hitch.
- Select a hitch class. Hitches are categorized in classes, and classes have multiple options. Choose a class based on your model.
- Choose a hitch. Pick a hitch by considering what you will typically be towing and how often you will be towing.
- Add accessories to your trailer hitch. A hitch is only a receiver, it can’t work on its own. You will need to get the right accessories to use your hitch. This typically includes a wiring harness, ball mount, and trailer ball.
Here are the different types of hitches:
- Bumper hitch: This type can’t carry as much weight as the others because it doesn’t have the security of a hitch mounted directly to a vehicle’s frame. Its adjustability is its best asset.
- Receiver hitch: This type attaches to your Toyota’s frame and meets most rigorous safety standards.
- Front-mounted hitch: This type allows you to transport stuff in the front of your Toyota. It mounts to the frame, not the back.
Genuine Toyota trailer hitches vs. aftermarket hitches for Toyota
You need to decide if you want a genuine Toyota trailer hitch, also called a factory hitch, or an aftermarket option.
Going with an aftermarket hitch will save you money, sometimes as much as $300. The benefit of buying from the manufacturer is that it is guaranteed to fit on your car.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees, ever
Intro to trailer classes
You need to buy a hitch for the appropriate trailer class. If you're unfamiliar with trailer classes, start by understanding that they are organized into five classes by weight:
- Class I: Up to 2,000 lbs
- Class II: 2,000 to 3,500 lbs
- Class III: 3,500 to 8,000 lbs
- Class IV: 5,000 to 12,000 lbs
- Class V: 10,000 to 25,000 lbs
The best Toyota Sienna trailer hitch
The Toyota Sienna is a popular minivan with quite a few trailer hitch options. You will need a class II hitch for your Sienna and it should be able to carry 3,500 lbs.
- The aftermarket option ($182.65):Curt Class III Trailer Hitch
The best Toyota RAV4 trailer hitch
Toyota RAV4 owners will need a Class II trailer hitch. Like the Sienna, the RAV4 has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. It should be able to easily tow a jet ski, smaller boats, and many types of pop-up campers.
- The aftermarket option ($203.04):CURT Class II Trailer Hitch
MORE:
Car loan for Toyota 2022
The best Toyota 4Runner trailer hitch
If you’re driving a Toyota 4Runner, you will need a Class III trailer hitch. With the right hitch, you can tow up to 5,000 pounds. This means you can haul pretty much whatever you want to the cottage or the lake.
- The aftermarket option ($340.95):CURT 13157 Class III Receiver
The best Toyota Highlander trailer hitch
Like the 4Runner, the Highlander is compatible with a Class III trailer hitch. Its 5,000-pound towing capacity is more than enough for many sailboats, motorcycles, and campers.
- The aftermarket option ($256.37):Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver
How to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota
There are two ways to install a trailer hitch on a Toyota. If you’re comfortable working on cars, then you can do it yourself. If not, you should pay a professional to get the job done.
You can make an appointment at a Toyota dealership or just about any mechanic—or even at U-Haul. The cost will vary based on who does the work, but it’s typically between $100 and $250 for labor in addition to equipment costs. We recommend setting aside between $300 and $600 for installation and then adjusting based on the model, location, and parts.
If you’re all about the DIY, you can install a trailer hitch yourself. The first step is to check your toolkit for the following:
- A swivel socket
- A torque wrench
- A socket set
- A ratchet and ratchet extension
- Work gloves
- Safety glasses
- A work light
Detailed instructions should accompany your Toyota receiver hitch. You should always follow those directions to a T.
Here are a few tips:
- Place the vehicle on jack stands, if possible. This will give you better access to the vehicle’s rear where you will perform the installation.
- Towing hardware is usually quite heavy, with some parts weighing 50 pounds. Ask for help if it’s available. You don’t want to hurt your back or suffer an injury.
- Torque all bolts per the specific instructions provided with the part.
How to upgrade your Toyota insurance
Now you should be ready to safely haul all your fun summer items to the lake for the weekend! But don’t forget that the summer is always a good time to take a moment to upgrade your
car insurance
with Jerry
. There’s no need to shop the old-fashioned way with an endless number of forms and phone calls. Jerry will source the lowest rates on the coverage you need in only 45 seconds. You can save without giving up any of the protection for your vehicle. Jerry lets you have it all!
“After signing up withJerry, I went from $199/month to $97/month for my car insurance. My 2019 Subaru Forester now has full coverage for a great price!” —Rhonda H.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
FAQs
Compare Car Insurance Quotes For Free
Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. Members save $872/year.
Start saving money!
You might also be interested
