Remove Plastic Cover on Bottom of Spare Tire Well, 2011 Toyota Camry SE, to Install Trailer Hitch

Updated 05/29/2012 | Published 05/26/2012

Question:

My 2011 Toyota Camry SE has dual exhaust, and I can tell by photos and an installation video that the 36416 will fit. I am concerned about a plastic cover underneath the bottom side of the spare tire well. This plastic OEM cover isnt addressed in any QandA or videos that I have come across. Does that cover have to be removed permanently in order to install the 36416? If so, what potential harm will come from removing this plastic cover? Thanks in advance for your assistance.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The plastic cover you are talking about is covered in step 3 of the instructions I have attached for you. It reads If present, remove the plastic under covering located under the trunk pan. You will not re-install the covering.

The plastic cover does not serve a functional purpose and we have not even come across a Camry yet that had it. Removing it will not be an issue.

If you plan on doing some towing, the hitch comes with the correct ball mount, pin and clip. For a ball you can use # 19256 for a 1-7/8 inch diameter or # 19258 for a 2 inch diameter. For trailer wiring use # 118482. I have included some instructional links explaining installation for the wiring as well.

expert reply by: Michael H