Will Trailer Hitch Fit with Full Size Spare Tire on 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette

Updated 06/01/2016 | Published 05/29/2016

Question:

I have substituted a full size 15inch spare in place of the original smaller spare tire under my 99 Oldsmobile Silhouette van. Will this hitch or another trailer hitch still allow me to keep the full size 15inch spare or will I have to go back to the original smaller spare tire? Thank you for your reply,

asked by: Wade F

Expert Reply:

When trailer hitch manufacturers determine a hitch fit for a vehicle, the fit is determined using the stock size spare tire. We do not have any trailer hitches for your 1999 Oldsmobile Silhouette that are confirmed to fit with a full size spare tire.

The hitch may still fit with the full size spare, but neither we nor the manufacturer have tested this to know if it is a fit. I spoke with my contact at Draw-Tite about the Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver Class III # 75278 and the compatibility of this hitch with a full size spare. My contact could not guarantee it will fit, but he said that as long as your full size spare fits properly between the frame rails of the vehicle, it looks as though the hitch will fit. The spare may need to be repositioned so it will not make contact with the hitch's cross-beam or the back of the hitch receiver.

I have attached an installation video of this hitch on a similar vehicle as yours. I have also attached a photo showing what the installation of the hitch looks like from the underside of a similar vehicle to your Silhouette. This photo shows the smaller stock size spare tire in relation to the hitch, which may help you in determining if you think you larger spare will still work well.

I have also linked a help article on installing a trailer hitch that will provide some helpful tips when it comes to installing the trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Victoria B