Will the Trailer Hitches for a 2002 Nissan Pathfinder Fit Around the Spare Tire

Updated 12/20/2011 | Published 12/19/2011

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(131)

$40.50

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

(33)

$443.41

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2634)

$16.89

Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitch - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-3/16" Long - 3.5K

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$28.23

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

(1381)

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Pin and Clip for 1-1/4" Hitches - 1/2" Diameter

(896)

$11.61

Question:

Ive looked at all the hitches you have listed for the 2002 nissan pathfinder. Others have more bend that clearly fits the spare tire. I just want to make sure this one will fit around a spare that is carried under the SUV.

asked by: Don

Expert Reply:

There are no known fit issues with the Draw-Tite hitch # 36222 and the factory spare tire on the 2002 Nissan Pathfinder. If you have a larger than factory sized spare, there could be fit problems. I have included a link to the installation instructions for the hitch for you.

This is a Class II trailer hitch, the only one available for the vehicle, which may be why it looks different. Class II trailer hitches have a lower capacity than Class III hitches, so you will be limited in what you can two and what accessories you can use.

I do recommend a Class III hitch and an economical one is # 13088. The Class III trailer hitch will have a 2 inch receiver opening that allows for more accessories. It also has a higher capacity and can be used with weight distribution. I have included a link to the installation instructions for this hitch as well.

If you go with the Class II hitch and plan on doing some towing, the correct ball mount is # 36071 and you can use ball # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch or # 19258 for a 2 inch. For a hitch pin and clip use # PC2.

For the Class III hitch, I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit, # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a carrying bag.

For either hitch, the correct trailer wiring is # 118361. I have included a link to a video showing a typical installation for you.