Spare Tire Interference with Hitch Installation on 2006 Toyota Highlander with 3rd Row Seat

Question:

Our 2006 Highlander has a third seat. This causes the spare tire to sit lower than on models without 3rd seat. I ordered a Curt 13530 hitch and it would not fit without removing the spare tire. From the pictures, it looks like the Draw Tite 75153 bends around the rear of the spare and would fit with no problem. Can you check this? Thankyou

asked by: Howard G

Expert Reply:

The Curt trailer hitch you referenced, Class III hitch # 13530, is shown in the linked video being installed on a 2006 Highlander. On this vehicle the spare tire does not need to be removed.

My technical contacts at Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite have not heard of any issues on the 2006 Highlander related to the spare tire interfering with hitch installation. To their knowledge the 3rd seat is not an usual feature. The instructions for all three hitches offered for the vehicle make no reference to the spare tire being an issue for hitch installation. Is it possible that your Highlander has an optional/non-standard size spare tire?

Some spare tire mounts allow for a small bit of play in the position of the spare tire, so it may be possible to loosen the spare's hardware and shift the tire slightly for better clearance relative to the hitch.

expert reply by: Adam R