Trailer Hitch Recommendation-2012 Toyota Highlander That Allows Removal of Spare Tire
Question:
For a 2012 Highlander hitch, we noticed that it partially covers the spare tire underneath. Given a flat tire situation, would the hitch have to be removed in order to access the spare or can the spare still come out without touching the installed hitch?
asked by: Amy N
Expert Reply:
You will not have any issues removing your spare tire with the Draw-Tite # 75726 installed. I have attached an installation video of this hitch on your vehicle.
You will not have to remove your hitch to remove your spare. In order to remove the spare from your Highlander you need to open the hatch and remove the plastic trim piece on the right side of the interior hatch. There will be a tab to pull back that will allow you to remove the trim piece. Pull out the jack and lug wrench from the storage panel. Pull the carpet back in the hatch to access the nut to remove the spare tire then loosen the nut to bring the tire down to the ground using the wrench found in the storage panel inside the hatch. Pull the spare tire from under the vehicle.
In the picture, it shows you how the spare will look while attached, you will have to lift up on it slightly on the rear edge to clear the hitch.
Installation instructions and an install video have been linked for you.
If you are planning on towing with your hitch, you will also need:
Curt Ball Mount # C45010
Pin and Clip # PC3
Tow Ready 2 Inch Hitch Ball # 63845, or Tow Ready 1-7/8 Inch Hitch Ball # 19260
Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness # 118449
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 8-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-E-Loader Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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