Curt 2 inch class 3 Hitch install DIY

I recently bought Curt hitch for very good price($165) on Napaonline after getting motivated by our tow rating thread!

It seems Curt has some local warehouse in Seattle area, it was shipped and delivered in one day. :)

Here is the Model I purchased. This 2 inch class 3 trailer hitch, pretty beefy.

Class 3 Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver, Select Toyota Venza (curtmfg.com)

I have not installed the wiring yet, as of now I only intend to use for my bike rack. In future, I might add wiring.

I did it alone, so took little more than an hour. Initially I thought I may have to raise the vehicle(drive on ramps in reverse), but realized there is enough ground clearance there is no need to raise the car.

I cleaned up all the hitch mount surfaces along with surroundings so that dust won't fall on my face while working.

1. Removed 2 stickers on each side.

2. Removed the tow hook, and put those bolts back(I think used 17mm socket).

3. Bent the heat shield for exhaust (only center extended portion). downwards. Initially I did not do enough, ended up lowering the hitch from one side, and bent it little more so there is some gap between hitch on the shield.

4. I put the hitch on a box in the center, put one bolt on driver side(rear bolt).

5. Did same, put the rear bolt on passenger side. It was little tricky because there is hardly any space that side.

6. Added more height to hitch in the center so it comes close to matching the front bolt holes of the hitch.

7.Added bolts on both sides. But as you can see in photos, on passenger side it is little tricky with very little clearance.

8. Tightened the bolts(3/4 inch socket/wrench) using ratchet on driver side, but had to use ring wrench on passenger side as there is not enough clearance to use Ratchet.

9. Torquing the bolts: I was able to use my Torque wrench on Driver side to recommended 86 Lb-ft and tightened those two bolts. But on passenger side, there is no way for me to use my Torque wrench. So ended up using 3/4 ring wrench with a pipe. But I don't think I got to full 86 lb-ft torgue, more close something like 70.

In the process I also took some photos for the Rear motor connector as some folks requested, I will add that into that thread.

Please see the photos attached, and ask if you have any questions.