Curt Trailer Hitch Installation on 2016 Dodge Journey

Updated 06/28/2017 | Published 06/26/2017

Question:

I have a 2016 Dodge Journey SE I ordered a hitch through Amazon part number 13201 made by curt. It will mount on the vehicle but I will not be able to put the spare tire on after also have to take the spare tire plastic cover underneath and remove it as well and keep it off for it to fit. Is there a better hitch to use?

asked by: James C

Expert Reply:

Some hitches do cause a full-size spare to no longer fit under the vehicle. Vehicles with the smaller donut-type spare tires usually avoid this issue. When we install this hitch on a 2016 Journey that vehicle had a donut spare.

I reviewed the instructions for Curt Hitch # C13201 (these are linked for your reference) and while they do note the need to temporarily move the spare tire for hitch installation, no mention is made of the spare no longer fitting after the hitch is installed.

It can sometimes be necessary to install the hitch only loosely (start the bolts to hold the hitch in place but do not tighten them), then re-install the spare, and then fully secure the hitch fasteners to spec with your torque wrench.

If you refer to the linked video showing this hitch installed on a 2016 Journey you will see that the donut spare fits well with the hitch installed.

expert reply by: Adam R