Do You Need To Remove Spare Tire When Installing Curt Hitch, # 13223, On 2000 Mitsubishi Montero

Updated 05/20/2010 | Published 05/16/2010

Question:

Two things: If used on a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, 6 cylinder, Automatic. 1: Is there a problem inherent to towing with this automatic transmission?, and 2: When using the trailer hitch, is it necessary to remove the spare tire from underneath the vehicle?

asked by: Howard C

Expert Reply:

There should be no problem with your automatic transmission when towing as long as the transmission is in good working order and you stay within the towing capacity that is recommended for your 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Anytime you are towing you should always check the owners manual or the car dealer for the GCVWR (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight Rating). The GCVWR is the weight capacity for your vehicle, which includes the vehicle, trailer and the contents.

On the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver, # 13223, the spare tire will be removed when installing the hitch, but after the hitch is installed then it will be returned to its proper location. If your vehicle has tow hooks they will have to be removed, if it does not have tow hooks then just the hardware would be removed. The only other thing to do is to lower the exhaust which will help in installing the hitch.

I will send a link with the instructions of installing the hitch and a video link of the hitch being installed on a 2003 Montero Sport.

expert reply by: Jeff D