New 2016 Toyota Highlander

Photomom

The P3 has a connector on the back so you can relatively easily take it out when you don't need it. That's what I do since I hike with my dog in local parks several times a week and we have a problem with smash and grab thieves. As I mentioned earlier, there is exactly one place where it can be mounted and it is right in plain sight from outside the vehicle.

Photomom

You'll eventually tow the trailer to a state that requires a brake controller, right?

I intend to have regular maintenance done by a trailer shop we've used before. Here in NYS we are required to have annual inspections and they might as well do any periodic servicing at the same time. That will make sure I remember to get the bearings done at least once a year.

USWildflowers

My T@b (early 2015 model; built in 2014) has grease fittings for the bearings. Rubber cap over the opening.

Nerdy1

Got the hitch today at Toyota, next week I am going to a truck/trailer place that I have used in the past to get the wiring harness (took so long that we missed our appt. for today).  I ordered the Prodigy RF brake controller on Amazon.  It was a great price!  Thanks all!

dinah

I spoke to the specialist at my local Toyota dealer, he verified that the OEM towing wiring harness for the 2016 Highlander is a flat 4-pin.  Toyota does not provide and will not install wiring for the 7-pin round plug, you'll need to find someplace else to do the wiring modifications for trailer brakes and the controller. He emphasized that making those modifications COULD void Toyota warranty for future claims.  Buyer beware.

dragonsdofly

@RangerTom, please check to see if your shop has installed a charging line from your tv battery to the 7 pin tv plug. It is possible to have the 7 pin connection installed and all points functioning without the charging line installed. That is, the brakes, lights turn signals all operate as they should, but the trailer will be drawing down the trailer battery to function. We know someone who had this happen. They had a 7 pin connector installed to upgrade the original 4 pin in their vehicle. They hooked up to tow their new rv and checked lights, brakes, etc. After a full day of towing, they arrived at their destination and found their rv battery drained. Their trailer brakes had failed as they arrived. After a thorough investigation they found the necessary charging line not installed and the only functioning pins were the 4 from the original factory installation. We also have had several tvs that have a factory installed 7 pin connector (gm products) and operate trailer lights and turn signals, but do not have the charging line to the 7 pin connected. The factory installed charging line is in place, but not hooked up to the tv battery, nor is it fused, until the owner (or shop) actually makes that connection. And I apologize for the lengthy post if you have already covered the issue. In any case, happy t@bbing!

Homebodyatheart

@RangerTom congratulations on your new Highlander! I love towing the Tab with our 2015. Looking forward to pics of your new setup!