Will a Trailer Hitch Interfere with Removal of Spare Tire on a 2016 Toyota Highlander

Updated 09/28/2016 | Published 09/27/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(1023)

$246.95

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(183)

$19.51

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1382)

$95.15

Question:

Does the installation of the Curt C13200 on a 2016 Toyota Highlander XLE impede the removal and use of the spare tire stored under the vehicle? Cant quite tell from the photographs.

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

For Curt trailer hitch # C13200 they state that on the 2016 Toyota Highlander "Vehicles with a full size spare stored under the vehicle will not be able to store spare underneath after hitch installation." But if you have the mini spare (smaller than the tire size on the vehicle) then there won't be a problem.

You may find that you will need to angle the spare tire when lowering or replacing it. The same goes for Draw-Tite hitch # DT65MR. They also have a note stating "When stowing the spare or flat tire, it may be necessary to lift up on the rear edge of the tire to clear hitch."

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

And for trailer wiring for models that did not come with the tow package use # 118449. For models that came with the tow package (will have a trailer wiring converter under the dash) use # 56042. I have linked videos showing example installations on both hitches and wiring harnesses for you.