Why Does Only 18 inch Spare Fit with etrailer Hitch for 2023 Toyota Highlander

Question

Question:

Looking to purchase a hitch for my 2023 Toyota Highlander. In the product description it states that only 18 or smaller tires will work with the hitch. That doesnt make sense because the overall diameter of the 20 tire is the same as the 18 tire. I have both. I use the 18 ones for winter and the 20 ones for summer. Please explain

asked by: Dave Y

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Dave, this is a great question but it comes down to more than just the diameter of the wheel and tire. Also the width of the tire would need to be factored as well when storing a wheel/tire with the etrailer hitch # e75ZR under your 2023 Toyota Highlander.

What are your two tire sizes I can see what the width difference would be.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Spare Stored Under Highlander
(click to enlarge)

Dave Y.

9/25/2025

The spare tire on my vehicle is a factory spare donut tire. It is only about 5 " wide. That tire will be there regardless of what tires I am running on my vehicle. I'm not using one of those as a spare tire. I'm keeping the factory supplied spare tire. So it doesn't matter what the width of my 20" vs 18" tires are. They are not getting used as a spare tire.

Jameson C.

9/29/2025

@DaveY Then you're good either way!

Bernard

7/30/2026

I have a related question. I wish to swap out the factory donut spare with a full-sized spare tire and store it under in the same place. I also wish to install a trailer hitch. I understand that the diameter of the tire is not an issue with the fit when installing the hitch. But, the width of the full-sized spare is an issue if the spare must be tucked up a bit on top of the hitch nearest to the rear bumper. 1) Is the tire width an issue with this (E75ZR) hitch? Does the spare indeed have to be tucked up over the hitch? 2) If so, how wide is the maximum width of a spare tire that will fit the gap between the hitch and the under carriage of the vehicle after the installation of this hitch?

Jameson C.

7/30/2026

@Bernard I would say that at a certain point yes the width of the spare will be an issue for fitting with a hitch like the # e75ZR that you referenced. I don't have an exact width where it becomes an issue though.

Answer 1

Hello Royer, Thanks for writing in, we’re glad you found us! The correct wiring harness for your 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE without the factory tow package is the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector #C76CR. Even…

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Answer 2

David, there are trailer hitches for your 2021 Toyota Highlander. I recommend checking out the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e75ZR. This is a class III (2" x 2") hitch with a 5,000 lb weight capacity, and a 500 lb tongue weight capacity…

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Answer 3

The Curt hitch part #C99FR is confirmed as a fit for all models of the 2020 Toyota Highlander including the Platinum trim you mentioned. With this installed you'd have to kick to either side of the hitch opening to activate the hands free…

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Answer 4

Greetings George, I understand your confusion, and I get this question a lot. The Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C99FR fits all models of the 2022 Toyota Highlander. So yes, it will work great for your XSE model.…

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Answer 5

Hi Jake; for a hitch that will fit your 2025 Toyota Highlander XLE Hybrid I recommend the etrailer #e75ZR. This is a Class II hitch with a bolt-on installation, welded construction, and concealed cross tube. It also features a matte black finish…

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Answer 6

Yes you can access the spare of the 2020 Toyota Highlander with the Curt hitch part #C99FR installed. If you check out the picture I attached you can see that the hitch and the spare installed at same time and there is plenty of clearance. I attached…

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Answer 7

Hey Chris! I can confirm that the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch #EH35VR will fit your 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE with the full size spare. I don't have any photos but we have had other customers with the full size spare successfully install the…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 12

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Why Does Only 18 inch Spare Fit with etrailer Hitch for 2023 Toyota Highlander

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