Can Water/Snow Get Above Trimmed Splash Guard With Trailer Hitch Installed on 2014 Toyota Sienna

Question:

I would like to install something like a Curt C13105 Class III hitch on my 2014 Toyota Sienna XLE van. I understand that the rear plastic splash guard will have to be cut on the drivers side to install the hitch. I worry, however, that having the resulting cut-out in the rear splash guard behind the left rear wheel might collect snow and ice and road salt in the winter. It seems there might be a problem with water and salt residue entering the cut-out and collecting under the plastic splash guard - resulting in rust problems later on. Have you heard of any problems / concerns with this issue? Any ideas or thoughts on this? Thank you!

asked by: William D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The appearance panel that needs to be trimmed to install Curt trailer hitch # C13105 on your 2014 Toyota Sienna does have drain holes so snow, rain, and road grime can drain out. It would be easy to save the part that gets trimmed and then use something like JB Weld to put it back into place (though part of it will still need to be trimmed away) and that will help as well.

We have not had customers complain about moisture getting up there or causing any problems.

If you plan on doing some towing I recommend etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with a ball mount with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop, interchangeable ball set, 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.

And for trailer wiring I recommend Tow Ready harness # 118498 to add a 4-Way flat connector to the rear of the van. I have included links to videos showing example installations of the hitch and wiring for you.