Since we have full warranty on the Highlanders I chose to spend a couple of bucks more and have Toyota dealer install hitch.....it looks fine and is then covered by warranty. If you do it yourself then they have a point of issue and "non coverage" available to them.
I did install front and rear bumper guards myself which was a bitch but I did not fool with the Toyota warranteed basic installs. They don't have bumper guards so that is okay.
Also because of the "sludge" isssue I get all my 1999 Camry and Highlander oil changes at Toyota. It's my CYA program with minute extra oil change cost.
Gordon
Hi,
> I just bought a 05 Highlander and was told the harness is coiled up above
> the spare tire. Right now I am trying to find a decent looking hitch thast
> does not show much. Irf you know of one that passes over the exhaust and is
> easy to install, I would like to know. I understand the Drawtite hitch does
> that but to install it, you must drop the back of the exhaust system > temporarily.
> Rich.
> > The manual claims there is a wiring harness, but I cannot locate it.
> > It is not inside the rear bumper.
> > I went through this with my 2001 Highlander and almost bought an
> > expensive substitute before some kind soul here enlightened me. > > > >