Is Drilling Required to Install Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch on 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Updated 01/12/2016 | Published 01/11/2016
Question:
Watched the installation video of the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe trailer hitch. Great video. Question: when mounting the hitch to the frame, in the video, there are 2 bolts per side? that go thru the frame. When looking at the 2 or 3 hitches available, I did not see holes drilled for those two bolts. Does that mean the holes must be drilled through the hitch and the frame prior to mounting the tow hitch? Additionally, no mention of having the spare tire removed. Spare tire on the 2012 Santa Fe mounted directly beneath the rear storage compartment of the car and may get in the way way of mounting the hitch. Do you have trailer wiring for my Santa Fe? Thanks
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
To install the Draw-Tite Class III Max Frame Receiver Hitch # 75684 that you referenced there are 2 bolts per side used for installation on your 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe. You will not need to drill any holes in the trailer hitch for installation, the bolt holes are already drilled in the trailer hitch. I have attached a photo that illustrates the pre-drilled bolt holes.
The hitch will install into pre-drilled weld-nuts in the frame of your vehicle. You will not need to drill holes to install the hitch on your Santa Fe.
The spare tire on the Santa Fe will not need to be removed for installation of the Draw-Tite or Curt trailer hitch. I have attached a photo showing the # 75684 hitch on a 2012 Santa Fe with the spare tire in place. The only fit limitation of this hitch is that it will not fit dual exhaust applications. The Draw-Tite # 75684 is a great hitch for your 2012 Santa Fe.
For your Santa Fe without a factory tow package, I recommend the Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118415. This wiring harness will install in the vehicle's factory wiring and provide a 4-Pole flat connector. I have attached an installation video of this wiring harness on a 2011 Santa Fe for you.
I recommend checking your owner's manual for your Santa Fe to ensure that the trailer you choose to tow is within the safe towing capacity for your vehicle.
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