Toyota 2003 HIGHLANDER User Manual page 209

HITCHES
D
If you wish to install a trailer hitch, you
should consult with your Toyota dealer.
D
Use only a hitch recommended by the
hitch manufacturer and the one which
conforms to the total trailer weight
requirement.
D
The hitch must be bolted securely to
the vehicle frame and installed accord-
ing to the hitch manufacturer's instruc-
tions.
D
The hitch ball and king pin should have
a light coat of grease.
D
Toyota recommends removing the trail-
er hitch whenever you are not towing
a trailer to reduce the possibility of
additional damage caused by the hitch
if your vehicle is struck from behind.
After removing the hitch, seal any
mounting holes in the vehicle body to
prevent entry of pollutants such as ex-
haust fumes, dirt, water, etc.
NOTICE
Do not use axle–mounted hitches as
they can cause damage to the axle
housing, wheel bearings, wheels or
tires.
'03 HIGHLANDER_U (L/O 0208)
1 Trailer ball load rating
2 Ball diameter
3 Shank length
4 Shank diameter
2003 HIGHLANDER from Aug. '02 Prod. (OM48441U)
TRAILER BALL
Follow these easy steps to properly deter-
mine the correct trailer ball for your ap-
plication:
1. Determine the correct trailer ball size
for the trailer coupler. Most couplers
are stamped with the required trailer
ball size. The sizes you will most likely
find stamped on the coupler are:
Trailer class Typical trailer ball size
III 2—5/16 in.
II 2 in.
I 1—7/8 in.
2. Select the appropriate trailer ball to
match or exceed the gross
weight rating of the trailer. The trailer
ball load rating should be printed on
the top of the ball.
3. When mounted in the ball mount, the
threaded ball shank must protrude be-
yond the bottom of the lock washer
and nut at least 2 threads. The trailer
ball shank must be matched to the ball
mount hole diameter size.
trailer
209