Does Curt Hitch # C13505 For 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe Allow Rear Spare to be Kept Under Vehicle

Published 06/04/2019

Question:

I am having a hard time getting this hitch installed. I can get one bolt in, but it won't line up on the other side. The front of the bar hits the bumper. There has been no accidents or damage to the rear bumper. When I set the hitch on the square tube face, on the ground and measure to the top of each mounting foot from the ground, I get approximately 1/2" difference between the two. The passenger side foot is longer. Is this a intentional difference? I watched the install video and found everything on the car to be as it should.

asked by: Cameron P

Expert Reply:

Yes, the Curt hitch part # C13505 that you referenced is compatible with your 2004 Hyundai Santa Fe and will let you keep the spare mounted under the vehicle. The spare needs to be lowered before installing the hitch but it will easily reinstall afterwards.

I attached an install video for this hitch for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Cameron P.

6/4/2019

Jameson C.

6/4/2019

Sometimes hitches can get slightly bent during shipping and this can be fixed by bending the hitch back into place as long as the hitch only has a slight bend to it. If yours isn't lining up I can almost guarantee that is what happened. Some people will use open steps for leverage, vices and even car jacks to apply controlled force to bend the hitch back. You will want to look for flaking paint and physical stress marks on the hitch before and after you attempt to bend the hitch back. If you see any of those signs on the hitch you should not use the hitch on your vehicle as it has been fatigued to the point of not being safe to use.