Trailer Hitch Installation - 1998 Toyota Camry - Video
Hidden Hitch Class II Trailer Hitch
- Trailer hitch is dipped in a black rust resistant coating
- Custom designed for each vehicle type and model year for simple installation and better fit
- Low profile design to compliment the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of today's vehicles
- Trailer hitch includes mounting hardware and easy to read installation instructions (see Typical Installation Instructions in the "detailed info" link)
- Simple bolt-on installation, no welding required
- 1-1/4" square receiver opening
- Removable drawbars and ballmounts eliminate banged or bruised shins and enhance the appearance when not in use
- Drawbar, pin and clip are included
- All Hidden Hitch trailer hitches and exceed V5, VS, CSA, and SAE J684-98 standards are inspected for quality workmanship
- All Hidden Hitch trailer hitches have a limited lifetime warranty
Reliability
Performance
Ease Of Use
Installation
Cost-Benefit
man that was easy
scottynic from NJ
they are not kidding when they say 30 minute install...too easy...fast shipping...
Reliability
Performance
Ease Of Use
Installation
Cost-Benefit
Could not be happier !
Ron L. from L.A., CA
This hitch came quickly from etrailer.com. Thanks guys!
Installation on my 2005 Camry XLE V6 was an absolute cinch. Jacked car up, removed 2-14mm head bolts from muffler hanger and another from muffler heat shield and that was all the prep that was needed (the bolt holes on the driver's side were exposed and for the most part unused...see comment later). Ratchet & med length extension used for first two, needed wrench for third (the only thing that slowed me down a bit). Ratcheting 14/17mm wrenches would have helped speed this up a bit.
Used my jack (while the car was on jack stands, of course) to lift up the hitch into position. All 6-17mm bolts were installed with ratchet, extension, & 17mm socket.
NOTE: The instruction sheet has two sides, one for '01 and earlier Camry's (and other year Avalons, Solara's, etc), and the other side for '02-'05 Camrys (etc). The side of the instruction sheet for my '05 specified that on the driver's side rail there would be 3 built in holes w/threaded nuts in it. I only saw 2 that matched the hitch mounting holes. So, I figured that I must have some odd-ball model, and following the instructions for the older models I started to drill two holes for the U-bracket that is called for in the earlier models (the other side of the sheet. This bracket and 2 nuts are included in the kit). WELL, as I began drilling the second hole, it "broke through" almost immediatly, and upon inspection it appears that the third (farthest toward front of car) hole/nut was covered by undercoat / paint, and wasn't initially visible. Caveat. Might save someone from unnecessary holes in their frame (I now have one to plug).
I spent more time prepping (getting stands out, sorting tools to be ready, getting jack out) than actual installation time took. If I had to do it again, it probably wouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes, half that with two people (one on each side). SIMPLE!
People remark that they hardly notice it, although it is obvious. It just doesn't jump out at you initially. The hitch cap provided helps alot to hide the obvious first-glance look of a hitch.
Measuring my Harbor Freight 4x8 foldable trailer (tongue ht 18"), I figured I'd need a 5" rise on the bar to be exactly level, and I was right (also got it at Etrailer). With a little forward weight, I'm sure it will have a very slight forward tilt, which is ok.
If you have the 01 or earlier Camry, you'll need about a 1/2" or larger drill bit and drill for drilling two holes. Otherwise, minumum would be the car's own jack, a stand (I hope), a ratchet with 14 & 17 mm sockets, and a 14mm wrench. Better: Car jack, stands, above ratchet and wrench set up, 4-6" extension for ratchet (for 2 hanger bolts on pass side, to speed things up).
Wiring kit works fine.
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Instructions
