Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Toyota Matrix for Towing

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Question:

Looking at buying a Toyota Matrix 2012, 1.8 L engine. I need to tow a small skiff on a trailer total weight 1000 lbs. Your site lists several hitches for all models of Toyota Matrix 2012. Do you recommend towing with this vehicle? If so whats trailer hitch do you your recommend?

asked by: Fredrik

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Expert Reply:

I took a look at the owner's manual for a 2012 Toyota Matrix and it said it does not recommend towing with the Matrix that has a 1.8L engine, but the Matrix for a 2.4L can, and has a towing capacity of 1,500 lbs. That does not mean you can't tow with the 1.8L engine, but we have to recommend sticking with what the owner's manual says, so the decision to tow would be up to you.

If you decide to two, the trailer hitch I recommend for the 2012 Toyota Matrix is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12221.

The Curt hitch is the best because it is a Class II hitch, the highest Class available for your Matrix and has the highest capacities, which speaks to its strength. The other parts you'll need in order to tow are a wiring harness, ball mount, and hitch ball, which are the following:

- T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118460
- Curt Drawbar # C45521
- Pin and Clip # F-4
- 1-7/8" Hitch Ball # A-80 or 2" Hitch Ball # A-82

expert reply by: Kyle S

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Answer 1

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

Since both a ST145/R12 size tire, like the Kenda Karrier S-Trail #AM10130, and a 5.30-12 size tire, like the Kenda K353 #AM10068, fit a 12 inch wheel, a ST145/R12 size tire can replace a 5.30-12 size tire. Keep in mind that these tires do have…

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Answer 4

Hey Keith, if you exceed the speed rating of your trailer tire you will end up overheating the tire and that will most likely cause it to fail. This is definitely going to be very likely if you are driving 12 to 14 hours at a time. Best option would…

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Answer 5

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 6

Yes, the Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire #AM10140 referenced in your question will fit the same 12 inch wheel with a 4 inch width that your existing 4.80-12 size tires are mounted to. Just note that the ST145/R12 tire will be…

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Answer 7

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Trailer Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Toyota Matrix for Towing

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