Trailer hitch options

[blackmax]

Does anyone know of a hitch company that sells a 2 inch hitch that hides behind the bumper instead of hanging below. The factory hitch is 1 1/4" and tucks up nicely behind the bumper. All my draw bars and accessories are 2" units and I don't want to have to go get new ones.

[hawker800mech]

From what I've seen all the aftermarket ones hange below the bumper cover. It would be nice if they didn't. I will most likely buy the oem hitch online. Too bad the oem is about 4x the price.

[SubOperator]

Does anyone know of a hitch company that sells a 2 inch hitch that hides behind the bumper instead of hanging below. The factory hitch is 1 1/4" and tucks up nicely behind the bumper. All my draw bars and accessories are 2" units and I don't want to have to go get new ones.

Is this info on 1 1/4" factory hitch confirmed ?

I got it last night from local dealer but haven't had time to even open the box. In the mean time, I am looking at some hitch mounted bike racks, and I need to make sure I order the right one. :)

[hawker800mech]

Yes it is 1 1/4". I put mine on a few months back and was pretty easy. Just take your time cutting out the bumper cover.

[SubOperator]

Yes it is 1 1/4". I put mine on a few months back and was pretty easy. Just take your time cutting out the bumper cover.

Thanks ! Thule 4 bike hitch mounted rack is ordered and on its way :)

[blackmax]

I purchased a draw-tite hitch and modified it to tuck under the bumper. I forgot to post the pics and results. It came out very nice. It doesn't tuck up as high as the factory small hitch but it cost about half as much and I can use all my 2" accessories and draw bars without an adapter. I realize the factory hitch is rated for the max tow capacity of the vehicle, I just like the heavy duty aspect of the larger hitch. Also forgot to add in, I just ran the wiring harness through the spare tire winch hole and leave it coiled in the jack tray. When I need to use it I just hang it out through the bottom of the hatch. It keeps the plug clean and free from damage and there is plenty of give in the weatherstripping not to crush the wire.

[hawker800mech]

That turned out really well. You should be able to buy just the wiring module if you want utilize the factory harness. Probably around $80.

[blackmax]

I did use a connector that plugged into the factory location under the cargo box. I only use the trailer once a week or less durng the summer that's why I didn't wire it up permanently outside.

[SubOperator]

Installed OEM hitch couple of days ago. I installed the harness as well even though I don't have any trailers at the moment and we will be using hitch to have bike rack on the Beca.

Some suggestions to other people :

- run bolts and nuts BEFORE you proceed to installation itself. Mine had one bolt that was hard to tighten due to excessive amount of paint on the threads (I checked with flashlight to make sure I am not chewing threads).

- do use safety glasses - plastic clips that hold storage tray in cargo area fire off like little rockets. They have sharp edges too, so be careful. I would cover them with cloth or something before you pull the tray up - I still can't find 1 clip :(

- using gloves is suggested as hitch frame is heavy and you will have to tighten quite a few of bolts and nuts. Damages to your arms and fingers may occur (ask me how I know :lol: ).

Overall, I am happy with the way it came out. Looks good and hope will work well too.

[hawker800mech]

Looks good!

[Magic Marker]

Installed OEM hitch couple of days ago. I installed the harness as well even though I don't have any trailers at the moment and we will be using hitch to have bike rack on the Beca.

Some suggestions to other people :

- run bolts and nuts BEFORE you proceed to installation itself. Mine had one bolt that was hard to tighten due to excessive amount of paint on the threads (I checked with flashlight to make sure I am not chewing threads).

- do use safety glasses - plastic clips that hold storage tray in cargo area fire off like little rockets. They have sharp edges too, so be careful. I would cover them with cloth or something before you pull the tray up - I still can't find 1 clip :(

- using gloves is suggested as hitch frame is heavy and you will have to tighten quite a few of bolts and nuts. Damages to your arms and fingers may occur (ask me how I know :lol: ).

Overall, I am happy with the way it came out. Looks good and hope will work well too.
Did you do the transmission fluid cooler as well?

[SubOperator]

Did you do the transmission fluid cooler as well?
yes, I did install the tranny cooler as well. It was easy, pretty much just following the installation instruction included with the kit. And then making sure hoses do not touch each other so they do not grind over time.

We just came back from Cape Cod and we used hitch to carry 4 bikes on Thule rack; I am sure tranny cooler helped our Beca enjoy the ride as well.

[kmahon]

Just bought a 2006 Tribecca and want to add a hitch. How long did take you to install the oem hitch? Did you have to remove any of the exhaust to install? Thanks

[hawker800mech]

Just bought a 2006 Tribecca and want to add a hitch. How long did take you to install the oem hitch? Did you have to remove any of the exhaust to install? Thanks

I took my time and it took me two to three hours. The exhaust stayed in place.

[kmahon]

The oem hitch kit comes with the wiring harness? and includes all the directions? Thanks again.

[hawker800mech]

The oem hitch kit comes with the wiring harness? and includes all the directions? Thanks again.

Yes and yes. Very easy to install.

[kmahon]

I assume the installation is the same on an 06 vs an 07?? Just want to eliminate any surprises. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks

[SubOperator]

I assume the installation is the same on an 06 vs an 07?? Just want to eliminate any surprises. Can anyone confirm this? Thanks

I can't confirm it 100% but there should be no differences between 06 and 07 as far as hitch goes. afaik 07 got softer springs but that's about it. It's the same body.

[kmahon]

I am getting ready to purchase the oem hitch and am questioning the amount of work to remove the bumper skin; Does just the lower 'black' portion of the skin need to be removed or does the whole skin up to hatch need to be removed? Thanks for your help!

[kmartin]

I bought the Draw-Tite hitch from etrailer.com plus the wiring harness. Then I had a local hitch/bumper installer do the dirty work for me for $70. It took them all of 45 minutes, and they had never seen a Tribeca before. I took the printed out install sheet with me, but they never needed it :) Nice and clean, and glad I didn't attempt it myself (although I have done a bunch of other "easier" mods).

-Karen in AZ-

[SubOperator]

I am getting ready to purchase the oem hitch and am questioning the amount of work to remove the bumper skin; Does just the lower 'black' portion of the skin need to be removed or does the whole skin up to hatch need to be removed? Thanks for your help!

the whole thing comes off. Be carefull with side ends of bumper skin where it connects to lower part of body under C-pillar - plastic ears can brake off quite easily if excessive force is applied. Just take your time and prey whole thing off slow.

[Val Demar]

I'm contemplating to buy and install the OEM hitch myself on my 09 Tribeca.

1. What are the steps required?
2. Is there a guide groove of some kind in the back of the bumper skirt that eliminates the possibility of cutting the hole in the wrong place?
3. Will reverse sensors make the install more difficult?

Thanks!

[tommyt37]

yes, I did install the tranny cooler as well. It was easy, pretty much just following the installation instruction included with the kit. And then making sure hoses do not touch each other so they do not grind over time.

We just came back from Cape Cod and we used hitch to carry 4 bikes on Thule rack; I am sure tranny cooler helped our Beca enjoy the ride as well.
Quick question here... when you cut out the bumper does it all ready have a line for it like the puddle light install? Does the trim that goes around the hole come with the kit?

[zoomdog]

I bought a Curt Class I hitch online for a bike trailer application. Plan is to tackle the install this weekend. Anyone has experience with the Curt hitch?

[zoomdog]

Update: The Curt Class 1 hitch (model 11494) is an easy install. Just a series of bolt-ons. Two bumper holes need to be drilled out larger and two handle-nuts need to be fished in from the side of the bumper (I didn't drill a new 1.5" hole as indicated in the directions). No need to remove the bumper fascia as with the OEM hitch. This is just a bike rack for me, no electrical hookup. Paid $176 online.

[Val Demar]

Update: The Curt Class 1 hitch (model 11494) is an easy install. Just a series of bolt-ons. Two bumper holes need to be drilled out larger and two handle-nuts need to be fished in from the side of the bumper (I didn't drill a new 1.5" hole as indicated in the directions). No need to remove the bumper fascia as with the OEM hitch. This is just a bike rack for me, no electrical hookup. Paid $176 online.

Do you have a pic of the hitch installed you can post here?

[kmahon]

Last question, the spare tire tray removal is not a big deal?? I was just reading through the installation instructions and it doesn't look too bad.

[tommyt37]

Installed OEM hitch couple of days ago. I installed the harness as well even though I don't have any trailers at the moment and we will be using hitch to have bike rack on the Beca.

Some suggestions to other people :

- run bolts and nuts BEFORE you proceed to installation itself. Mine had one bolt that was hard to tighten due to excessive amount of paint on the threads (I checked with flashlight to make sure I am not chewing threads).

- do use safety glasses - plastic clips that hold storage tray in cargo area fire off like little rockets. They have sharp edges too, so be careful. I would cover them with cloth or something before you pull the tray up - I still can't find 1 clip :(

- using gloves is suggested as hitch frame is heavy and you will have to tighten quite a few of bolts and nuts. Damages to your arms and fingers may occur (ask me how I know :lol: ).

Overall, I am happy with the way it came out. Looks good and hope will work well too.

Did you have to cut out that hole yourself? If so does it come with that trim? Or did you have to get a whole new skirt with a hole in it?
Tnanks

[Val Demar]

Did you have to cut out that hole yourself? If so does it come with that trim? Or did you have to get a whole new skirt with a hole in it?
Tnanks

Yes. Yes. No.

The cut-line is marked on the inside of the skirt, rear bumper is one-piece construction.

[SubOperator]

What he said ^^^^