Where to Install Support Strap When Using Curt Trailer Hitch on 2011 Toyota Venza with Yakima HoldUp

Question:

I want to order the CURT 12341 hitch for my 2011 Toyota Venza. I have a Yakima 2 bike hold up bike rack. It doesnt have a vertical center post to attach a sway strap to. The bikes rest on their wheels and a rod moves up to attach to the front wheel to keep the bike vertical. My Venza has a spoiler across the top of the rear hatch. I cant see how a sway strap can be attached on either end but do not want to void the warranty on the hitch. HELP.

asked by: Dennis D

Expert Reply:

To avoid contact with the spoiler on your 2011 Toyota Venza you can connect the Stabilizing Strap # 18050 to the safety chain loop on the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12341 and then loop it around the Yakima HoldUp # Y02445 bike tray that is closest to your trunk.

If you want to avoid using the strap altogether you can use the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 36512 instead. This has the same basic design as the Curt option but it doesn't require the use of a stabilizing strap to keep within the warranty like the Curt does.

Another option is to use the Class III Curt Trailer Hitch # 13356 but that would also require you to us the Replacement Spine # 8890277 on your current HoldUp bike rack as well.

Please note that the online version of the owner's manual states that your tongue weight can't exceed a max of 110 lbs. Since the HoldUp weighs in at about 50 lbs you need to make sure that the combined weight of your bikes doesn't exceed 60 lbs.