Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2005 Toyota Matrix

Question

Question:

1. I want to tow a 900 pound utility trailer with my 2005 Toyota Matrix. Ground Clearance is especially important. I am willing to trim/cut the fascia if needed. Is C12221 the best fit? 2. Also, I see the 4 pin electrical wiring recommended for the Matrix, but the electrical on the trailer is a round 7 pin. Do I need an adapter or do I need to change the electrical plug on the trailer, or do I need to have a different type of electrical on my car? 3. Lastly, how do I know if I need a rise or drop on the ball? How/what do I measure? Thank you!

asked by: Denise

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Expert Reply:

Curt trailer hitch # C12221 would be a good option as long as your 2005 Toyota Matrix is not an XR or XRS model. If it is an XR or XRS model then # C12013 would be the best option for a Curt hitch.

These are both Class II hitches which means you have to use the ball mount recommended by the hitch manufacture so as not to void the hitch warranty. This will limit the amount of rise you can get to be able to tow the trailer level. Based on the picture you have sent you will need a good amount of rise.

Both the recommended ball mount, # C45521, and the recommended Euro-style ball mounts, # C45572 for a 2 inch ball or # C45571 for a 1-7/8 inch ball, have a 2-5/8 inch rise. Not much rise but that is what you will have to work with in this case.

If you go with ball mount # C45521 then for a 1-7/8 inch ball use # 19256 and for a 2 inch ball use # 19258. I have included a link to the right that explains measuring for rise or drop but since this is a Class II hitch and you have to use a recommended ball mount there isn't a whole lot that can be done.

For trailer wiring you would need to install a 4-Way, # 118386. Then to add a 7-Way you would need adapter # 37185. This is a 4-Way flat to 7-Way blade style connector. The actual connector is round put it uses blade style contacts or pins which is the most common 7-Way. If the pins are actually round then I would change the connector on the trailer to a 4-Way flat.

A 7-Way trailer connector has all the light functions that a 4-Way has but also has pins for 12 volt power, reverse lights, and brake output for electric brakes. If those functions are not needed all you will have to do is ground the white wire on the adapter and stow the other wires out of the way.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

I went out to the warehouse and examined the Curt Hitch #12221 and #C12013. While they are similar, there is a key difference in the designs. From the top of the mounting brackets on each side of the hitch down to the bottom of the receiver, hitch…

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Answer 2

I spoke with my contact at Curt and the measurement from where the hitch mounts to the frame down to the top of the receiver is 6.69 inches on Curt trailer hitch #C12013. From the top of the receiver to the bottom is 1-3/4 inches. I have included a…

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Answer 3

All available hitches made for your 2007 Toyota Matrix XR include both Class I and Class II types in the 1-1/4-inch size. All are shown on the linked page. You'll notice all three options, parts # 24812, #C12221 and #C12013, share a very similar…

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Answer 4

If one of the weld nuts on your vehicle is stripped then your only option to install the Curt Class I Trailer Hitch #C11265 is really to obtain a screw tap from a local hardware store so that you can make the weld nut accept a slightly larger bolt.…

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Answer 5

The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" #C12107 is a confirmed fit for your 2017 Toyota Camry. It sounds like the holes may have been misdrilled at the manufacturer, but it is a higher probability that there could have…

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Answer 6

Only the larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs will have the higher capacity 2 inch hitch available. The 2008 Toyota Matrix is a lighter duty vehicle so it only has 1-1/4 inch hitches available for it like the #24812 which is a custom fit. You'd…

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Answer 7

The Curt trailer hitch #C12013 will have the receiver just below the rear fascia on your 2006 Toyota Matrix. Take a look at the review with pictures on the product page to get an idea of where it will be. Curt does say that you need to use a…

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Answer 8

I have a way for you to safely transport your dual sport bike on your vehicle. I went ahead and looked up the specs for your 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe, and it has a maximum gross towing weight capacity of 2,800 pounds. If this is the case, the maximum…

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Answer 9

The difference is the shape of the cross tube. The part #C12228 has a square shaped tube whereas the part #C12221 has a round shape. Typically the round tubes are less visible than the square ones.

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Answer 10

The trailer hitch options for a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR are the Draw-Tite Sport Frame Receiver Hitch part #24812 and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver part #C12013 which both have a 1-1/4" receiver tube opening. I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch…

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Answer 11

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 12

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2005 Toyota Matrix

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