Can Spare Tire Be Accessed with Curt Trailer Hitch Installed on a 2006 Lexus RX 330

Question:

Hello, Im looking at the Curt 13530 trailer hitch. Thank you for your excellent information base. I notice in the photos from under the car, the trailer hitch covers a portion of the spare tire. Does the Curt hitch prevent access to the spare tire or does the hitch need to be remove to access the spare tire. I know...silly question, but important. I like how the Curt hitch does not stick out so far. Thanks in advance for your help.

asked by: Jeff R

Expert Reply:

You can still access the spare tire on your 2006 Lexus RX 330 with Curt trailer hitch # 13530 installed. You will not have to remove the hitch to lower or replace the spare. Since the hitch does partially block the spare you will need to angle it out or in as needed. A coworker has a hitch set up like this and he says that it is still easy to lower and replace the spare.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

For trailer wiring you can use # 118478 to add a 4-Way flat connector. I have included links to videos showing example installations of the hitch and wiring for you.

expert reply by: Michael H