Does Exhaust have to be Lowered to Install Curt Trailer Hitch on a 2012 Toyota Venza All-Wheel Drive

Updated 10/20/2016 | Published 10/19/2016

Question:

So I watched your videos for the installation. The first is for a 2WD and the video shows disconnecting the exhaust. The second one is for a AWD and shows disconnecting the stabilizer supports but does not show disconnecting the exhaust. On a 2012 AWD Venza, will I have to disconnect both the stabilizer supports and the exhaust or only the stabilizers supports? Can you confirm?

asked by: Shawn

Expert Reply:

According to the instructions for Curt hitch # 13356, linked for reference, lowering of the exhaust is required on all models. And on AWD models you also have to disconnect the sway bar brackets like you said. It might be possible to angle the hitch in without lowering the exhaust but it would be difficult.

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 you can use # 118482 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the vehicle. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H