Tow Hitch Receiver

We don't do any towing; but, we do have a bike rack that we use fairly frequently - and that requires a tow hitch receiver. When we got our 2015 Highlander, we immediately started looking at after-market receivers. It quickly became apparent that this Toyota OEM receiver looks far better on the vehicle - and isn't much more expensive. We actually ended up purchasing the receiver here on Amazon, and had it installed in about 2 hours at our local Toyota dealership for $159, which I felt like was a fair price. As far as the receiver itself goes: 1) It absolutely looks like it was made for the vehicle! It integrates into the bumper cutout for the Highlander, so it doesn't need to hang below the bumper at all. 2) Because it doesn't hang below the bumper, this receiver doesn't impact vehicle clearance or spare tire access. 3) If you're going to be towing anything, you'll need the Wire Harness as well; but, if you're just using it to carry a bike rack, the wiring harness isn't necessary. In our case, we didn't use it since we have a truck for towing. 4) We called around to get bids for installation, and our local Toyota dealership was the best price. They did a great job and only took a couple of hours. I know there are lots of options for after-market tow hitch receivers; but, if you want it to look like it was made for your vehicle, I highly recommend this OEM Toyota receiver!

Arrived damaged, metal mount was bent. Missing all mounting hardware. Box was delivered torn up with holes in it.

Like others, debated whether to go with factory or aftermarket. Considered cost, and opted to spend the extra $ on the OEM. Good decision- clean install. Many of the aftermarket hitches look ok, but sit below the vehicle and may impact ground clearance. Many online videos to help out. Some concern related to bicycle hitches, also pointed out by others. A personal note: there are two leading bicycle hitch manufacturers that I am aware of. I have one from a country based in Sweden. They advise that there is a minimum hitch clearance of 1.5". This product only has 1.25". I contacted the company for clarification, and the response I received is that it is not safe for the security of the bicycles or trailer. I cannot see how .25" of additional clearance makes any difference in the support or safety for several bicycles, and have seen many others in my travels. The Toyota hitch is secured to the frame of the vehicle with 14 bolts, the hitch receiver is made with boxed steel, and I believe is built to support a load of 4-5 bicycles (the gross weight of our bikes is about 125 lbs), without compromising either the stability of the vehicle, or the security of the bicycles. Seems like a cya attitude to assuage themselves of any potential liability.

Good hitch but some mfg & inspection improvements could be made. (otherwise I would have given them 5 stars) Hitch seems very sturdy and well thought out. Recommend purchasing OEM versus the aftermarket style. OEM version sits higher than the A.M. version and it comes with the replacement bumper facia/fairing pcs that makes installation look nice. Shipment did not have any instructions nor could I find any on-line (you-tube) Aftermarket version had several videos posted showing installation. They did send me a link to the instructions after I contacted them but would suggest they post a link on-line to avoid the delay) One issue I had during installation: the rails of the hitch containing the bolt slots sprung closed on my hitch. I had to bolt on the passenger side bolts then use one of the threaded bolt holes on the outside edge of the drivers side rail and a fabricated pry bar with a hole in it (for that bolt) in order to bend the rail outward to allow the bolt installation. if you start installation by installing the drivers side bolts there is no room to lever the rail into position on the passenger side due to the muffler. Make sure you install the passenger side first. I used a floor jack at the rear center of the hitch, after attaching the passenger side bolts, to hold the weight of the hitch then sprung open the drivers side rail to align the bolt holes. Suggest mfg create a final check fixture (not a weld fixture) to ensure the parts will fit on the car without the levering I had to do. This could be done prior to final paint in case the rails need to be cold worked. 2nd suggestion. drivers side underside plastic cover has to be trimmed to fit back onto the vehicle. The rear most cut out has to be slightly larger than the directions show (~1 inch further to the left) I'd also suggest doing this trim first then test fitting the cover to see if it will fit without the front cut being installed. I trimmed mine but it seemed as if it may have actually fit without that cut or maybe with a much smaller cut. You want to minimize cuts on the front as openings there will allow sand/dirt into that area during normal operation. Same advice on the passenger side. Mine fit with no trimming. MFG should consider adding another bolt tab to the outside of the passenger side attachment rail to re-attach the fairing bolt on the left most side of the passenger fairing. The attachment feature/location is removed and discarded when you remove the two small brackets on that mount rail before installing the hitch. Overall a very nice looking hitch when it's installed. Would recommend it's purchase.

Missing attachment hardware, missing instructions, packaging in dismal condition, product had a few minor scuffs and scratches.

Arrived in good shape and came with all the parts necessary (bolts, trim pieces). Installation is easy enough and just takes some time under the car to bolt it all in. Very well designed and I am very confident in the strength of the mounting with the car frame. I decided to go with the OEM because the receiver is mounted higher than other products, and I wanted to be sure of clearance with any trailers. I had also been told that the other hitch models just don't seem to work out well with the Highlander in particular (clearance issues mostly). Looks great installed and looks like the car came with it from the factory.