How to Remove Underbody Trim Panel Fasteners of 2015 Toyota Highlander for Hitch Installation

Question

Question:

Embarassed to ask this, but I have no idea how to remove this underbody panel clip see attached jpg on my 2015 Toyota Highlander. I am trying to install the Curt hitch on my car, and I can get 5 of the 7 clips off the underbody panel but Im stuck with two of these clips that dont seem to want to come off. I tried removing them with a 12mm nut driver, but that didnt work. I also tried to just pull hard on the panel and that didnt want to work either. Do you guys have any idea? Let me know if the picture isnt clear enough and Ill send you something that is higher res. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Jane D

0

Expert Reply:

Thank you for providing a photo of the fastener used to secure the underbody trim panel on your 2015 Toyota Highlander. You may be having trouble removing the last two fasteners that hold the panel in place because of tension on the panel. With 5 of the 7 fasteners removed the entire weight of that panel is now resting on those last two. You might try supporting the other areas of the panel, especially where the fasteners are already removed, to see if that helps relieve the tension enough to allow you to get the last two fasteners off. A spray lubricant would not hurt either.

expert reply by: Adam R

0

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Answer 1

If your highlander came with a factory trailer hitch and factory 7-way connector, then it is likely that it came with the tow package. If your vehicle did not come with a trailer hitch and 7-way trailer connector, it likely did not come with a tow…

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Answer 2

We have heard that the Curt hitch #C13200 doesn't fit well with the larger aluminum spare wheels that some of the Highlanders have. We have the Draw Tite hitch part #75726 that I can show you does fit with the aluminum spare wheels. Check out…

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Answer 3

So long as the full size spare tire on your 2019 Toyota Highlander does NOT have an aluminum rim, it will still fit after installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844. I also wanted to mention, if you were looking to tow and needed…

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Answer 4

The spare tire on your 2015 Highlander will not have a problem with the Curt Trailer Hitch, part #C13200 installed. I have attached a photo of the underside of a Highlander with the hitch installed. As you can see in the photo the hitch does sit…

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Answer 5

As long as the spare of your 2014 Toyota Highlander isn't aluminum the Curt hitch part #C13200 will fit with it and work well. I attached a picture of the hitch installed with a spare mounted as well.

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Answer 6

When installing the Curt trailer hitch part #C13200 on a 2018 Toyota Highlander like yours there are some lower fascia tabs that get removed as well as a tow loop. The main lower fascia piece gets trimmed and reinstalled. I attached a picture of…

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Answer 7

The etrailer hitch part #e98844 is a confirmed fit for your Highlander since your spare is steel. The magnet test you performed proves it is steel since it wouldn't stick to aluminum. The aluminum wheel spare is just too wide which is why…

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Answer 8

Yes, when you install the Curt Hitch #C13200 on your 2015 Toyota Highlander it will clear the exhaust. The hitch will sit close to the exit of the exhaust, but since the tip of the exhaust points down the hitch would not be in the direct path of…

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Answer 9

I believe I found the picture you are referring to and have attached to this page. The hitch does somewhat cover the tire portion of the spare, but it really wouldn't be much effort to position the spare around the hitch as you raise or lower…

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Answer 10

Yes, the underbody panel is re-installed when you are installing Curt hitch #C13200 on your 2018 Toyota Highlander. I have attached a cutout of the installation instructions for this hitch to show you where it specifies underbody panel is…

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Answer 11

The rust on your hitch definitely seems extreme for the three year time period you've had it on your 2017 Toyota Highlander. That said, rusting is a direct reaction to oxidation and even without using it in winter weather it can still…

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Answer 12

The spare tire for a 2019 Toyota Highlander is stored under the vehicle. If you check out the attached installation video for the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98844 you can see the empty location under the vehicle where the spare tire should…

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How to Remove Underbody Trim Panel Fasteners of 2015 Toyota Highlander for Hitch Installation

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