Does Spare Fit Right Behind EcoHitch for 2013 Toyota Highlander

Updated 09/03/2025 | Published 08/27/2025

Question:

How much clearance is there behind the center of the hitch pin hole on a 2013 Highlander w/ spare tire? In other words what is the maximum shank length this receiver can accommodate on the front side of the vehicle ie between the hitch pin hole and the spare tire?

asked by: Drake

Expert Reply:

Hey Drake, that would depend on the hitch but generally we don't take that dimension so it wouldn't be something I could give you an exact number on. If you were curious about the EcoHitch part # 306-X7137 that you referenced it looks like the spare actually sits a bit higher than the hitch opening so you wouldn't have any problems. See attached picture.

What hitch accessory do you have?

expert reply by: Jameson C

EcoHitch Installed
(click to enlarge)

Drake

9/3/2025

This seems like one of the ONLY critical pieces of data about a hitch receiver (what attachments fit in it?) and I'm very surprised you dont have a definite number to offer potential purchasers... Do you have examples of hitches with longer shank ends that DO work with the EcoHitch so that I can do the work of looking up their measurements? I have many hitch accessories. The longest shank end currently is an old Yahama Holdup rack with about 3" extending from the pin center. To me, it looks like there would absolutely be interference with the spare tire based on that photo-- which is why an accurate measurement for this spot is so simple + important!

Jameson C.

9/3/2025

@Drake It probably is a measurement we should start taking when we can but the EcoHitch is a unique hitch in that it is less deep than other hitches past the hitch pin hole and also it has an open back so most of the time it's not a big factor.