How to Tell If Rear Hatch of 2004 Toyota Sienna Will Open with Curt Spare Tire Carrier Installed

Question:

Will the spare tire carrier hitch mount c31006 allow me to raise the rear hatch that rises up ror access? 2004 seinna mini van. Thank you

asked by: Nicholas D

Expert Reply:

The top of the Curt Trailer Hitch Mounted Spare Tire Carrier # c31006 will sit 9-1/2" out and 24" up from the center of the hitch pin hole on your 2004 Toyota Sienna. I don't have a way to verify whether this gives you enough clearance for your rear hatch (I don't think you'll have enough clearance) but you can use the dimensions I gave you as a way to eyeball it or hold your spare at this height to see if this will possibly work for your application.

If you're really wanting to carry your spare tire at the back of your Sienna and still have access to your rear hatch then you need to use a swing-away extender like the Saris # SAR36VR.

Aside from the swing away the only other thing I can think of is for you to add a roof rack to your van and toss the spare tire up there. If this is something you're interested in let me know what style of roof you have and I can make a recommendation for you.

expert reply by: Jon G