Will Removing Tie Down Brackets from 2005 Toyota Highlander to Install Trailer Hitch Weaken Vehicle

Published 04/10/2014

Question:

I just purchased the curt trailer hitch for a 2005 toyota highlander. By removing the tow hook brackets on the vehicle are you compromising the vehicle e.g., towing it when necessary, or other functions the tow hooks would be used for? Thanks

asked by: Bill M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The tie down brackets, if present, on the 2005 Toyota Highlander are bolted to the frame the same as the hitch gets bolted to the frame. They are not a load-bearing part of the vehicle and removing them will not compromise the vehicle at all.

All vehicles have some sort of tie down and for the most part they are used to secure the vehicle to the transport carrier that takes them from the factory to the dealerships. If for some reason the vehicle needed to be pulled from behind, you could tie off to the trailer hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H