Curt Hitch Not Lining up With Bolt Hols on 2008 Toyota Highlander

Updated 01/11/2022 | Published 01/10/2022

Question:

Hello, I ordered a Curt Trailer Hitch #13534 for my dads 2008 Limited FWD Toyota Highlander. I am installing it myself and am having issues. I got all the bolts fitted and tightened on the Right side of the car, above the exhaust. But the holes on the left side did not line up with the left frame rail. The holes in the hitch seem to be in the right places, but the hitch is not wide enough for the holes to line up, and it is not at the same angle as the frame rail. I tried to include pictures but they failed to upload for some reason. If you send me an email, I will email them to you to. Thanks

asked by: Daniel D

Expert Reply:

Appreciate the purchase of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # 13534 for your dad's 2008 Toyota Highlander, and what is happening here is called flexing.

It is something that sometimes happens during the shipping process, where the hitch will "flex" or bend a small amount due to the fact they are made of a milder steel that allows the hitch to flex with the vehicle frame. But hitches like your Curt # 13534 can be flexed back into shape, and there are a few different ways to do this.

I have added a link below to a help article entitled "My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit" which will show you how to go about getting the hitch to line up properly.

expert reply by: Kyle S