Trailer Hitch for a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid to Carry a Bike Rack

Published 01/26/2016

Question:

Im interested in a hitch for my 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Is the Draw-Tite Code: 36416 the right one? I plan on using it with a 2inch adapter for a tray-style Thule Bike Rack. One of my concerns is with removing the plastic fascia under the trunk. Is leaving this off damaging to the car in any way? Will it require any additional cleaning/maintenance to the underbody over time? What material is recommended to seal the bolts that are place through the spare tire well?

asked by: Rodney M

Helpful Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 36416 is a great option for your 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The plastic panel beneath the spare tire well is not an integral part of the vehicle and will not cause any harm if it is removed. It also should not require any additional cleaning or maintenance.

When sealing up around the holes in the trunk pan you can use silicone such as # 0160297.

The biggest issue is that you want to use an adapter to go from a 1-1/4 to a 2 inch. This will reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch by 50 percent and put extra stress on it and the vehicle.

The trailer hitch is rated for 300 pounds tongue weight. By using an adapter it cuts it down to 150 pounds so the combined weight of the bike rack and bikes cannot exceed 150 pounds and some bike racks cannot be used with adapters, generally the heavier platform style bike racks.

If you can tell me which Thule bike rack you have I can determine if it can be used with an adapter or if there is an alternate shank you can buy and install to be able to use the bike rack directly in the hitch without an adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H