07 Avalon trailer hitch install

[Isresistancefutile?]

I installed a trailer hitch on my 07 Avalon over the weekend. It looks great, with only the receiver showing under the bumper. The crossbar disappears behind the bumper cover. Photos below.

I will use this for a bike rack or light cargo on a tray. The tow rating for the car is too low to be practical, so I won't wire for trailer lights. Plus, towing requires accurate torque on the attachment bolts and my torque wrench won't fit in some of the tight spaces on this car.

This is easy work with basic mechanics tools. All bolts and fittings are metric. There are some tight spaces where those new low-profile ratcheting wrenches would have helped, but I managed. I did it with the car parked on a slight ledge with the rear end hanging over. Jackstands might have helped, but this was pretty easy without it.

Source for the hitch is etrailer.com. They offer two hitches to fit 05-07 Avalons. The two appear exactly the same to me, but I selected the draw-tite brand. I've bought from E-trailer before with quick delivery and good service/support. The hitch comes with good documentation, which is available on their website prior to purchase, so I won't include it here.

The photos show the major steps:
282 - stock muffler bracket before removal
284 - muffler hangers (note: passenger side muffler has 3 hangers!)
283 - muffler hangers and bracket removed
289 - factory hitch mounting location (holes sealed with black tape discs)
290 - hitch raised into place for mounting, supported on shipping box
292 - hitch bracket resting on muffler, ready for bolts
294 - bumper cover mounting flaps lowered under hitch
298 - hitch brackets installed and muffler re-hung
299 - finished view of underside
300 - finished view of rear

Send a reply with questions and I'll try to answer. Good luck with your own!