Will The Curt 13538 Allow Me To Store A Spare Tire Under A 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe

Question:

I had a squeak and the car guy said it was because my spare was loose and had no air. I have a U-Haul installed trailer hitch.... After filling the tire and making sure it would hold air I could not get it back up into the car. I pushed it forward to get it past the trailer hitch but the angle didnt work. I even tried diluted dish soap hoping I could push and slide it up past the hitch. I finally ended up letting air out so I could push the tire in to squeeze past the hitch. Did I do something wrong or was the hitch installed incorrectly or the wrong one? Thanks!

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

The Curt hitch # 13538 is the correct hitch for a 2009 Hyundai Santa Fe. It should allow for storage of a full size spare tire without any issue. We have installed this hitch here a 2009 Santa Fe and it all fit together fine. That said when we installed, the spare tire was fully inflated but we did not move it. I can see how getting it back into position could be tricky. In this case I am not aware of a work around.

My recommendation would be to let as much air out of the tire as you have to to get it back into position. Then just carry a small portable compressor with you like the Viair # VA99WR. This way you can still use your spare and inflate it when needed, and also you have a way to fit it under the car.

expert reply by: Jesse M