Where is the towing hook on the Highlander?
2 Answers
It is located inside the square cover on the left front bumper. The rear towing hook is positioned at the left rear underside of the vehicle. The Highlander's towing hook consists of two parts: a fixed bracket attached to the rear anti-collision beam and a high-strength towing ring. The front towing hook is used when the vehicle itself breaks down and cannot move, allowing another vehicle to tow it, while the rear towing hook is for towing other vehicles. Precautions for towing a vehicle: 1. Choose the appropriate hook: The towing hook must not only 'hook' properly but also be securely fastened and correctly installed. Double-check that the hook is properly engaged before towing. If the hook comes loose midway, it can cause significant trouble. 2. Prefer a tow bar: If the towed vehicle has brake issues or if towing is required on icy or snowy roads, a tow bar should be used first. A rigid tow bar can prevent the towed vehicle from losing control of its speed if the towing vehicle pulls too hard or needs to brake suddenly. In general, using a tow bar is safer. 3. Control speed and distance: Pay special attention to speed control and the distance between the two vehicles during towing, as slight mismanagement can lead to accidents. The towing speed should ideally be maintained at 20 km/h and must not exceed 30 km/h. Many vehicles lack vacuum-boosted brakes when not running, so speed must be kept low, and a safe distance should be maintained. The optimal distance is 5-11 meters, giving the towed vehicle enough time to react if the towing vehicle brakes suddenly.
I'm very familiar with the tow hook location on the Highlander, having taken this SUV off-roading several times. Generally, the tow hook is hidden beneath the rear bumper or inside the small cavity near the spare tire compartment – you can easily feel the circular tow ring by hand. Some models may require lifting the rear bumper cover to reveal the mounting points. Why this design? Probably for crash protection. Always check the vehicle manual first to confirm the exact position before operation, and avoid excessive pulling to prevent paint or bumper damage. If you can't locate it, try using your phone's flashlight to peer inside – it's easy to overlook in low light. Pro tip: Keep the area clean and dry when not in use to prevent rust. Before towing, always test the locking mechanism to ensure the hook is securely fastened; otherwise, there's a high risk of accidents from detachment while driving.
