Any recommendation on Hitch??

E

EnjoyDriving

Member
Location
MN
I'm looking for a hitch for my 07 FX35. The primary usage would be bike rack and hopefully jetski towing at some point in the future :eek.:

I've read that the OEM hitch has better look but it does require some bumper trimming which I hate to do. So far, the most common one i've seen is the CURT Class 3, and the cheapest i've seen is about $140.

Besides the recommendations, if you have one up for sale, please PM me with pictures!!

Thank You So Much... :tongue (2):
 
I've got the same question :)

I am looking for a hitch that is hidden like the OEM one, but don't want to pay $400+ PITA install for the OEM.

Has anyone used this hitch HERE?

90074_2_500.jpg

It looks like it would hide well... anyone have a picture?

Also, do I even need to be concerned about it being a 1 1/4 size and not a 2" mount?
 
If you are going to use either of two most popular platform racks (Thule T2 and Yakima Holdup) you're not going to be able to fold the rack up when not in use as it hits the rear bumper with the OEM hitch (unless you don't mind). The thule will fit with minor trimming, the yakima I confirmed this past weekend touches the rear bumper.

I don't know about the Kuat, Rackster, or 1upUSA working with the OEM hitch just yet. THe Rackster shows an FX with the rack folded on their site, so it should work.
As you can see I am still searching for the best solution. Non platform racks will all work.

2" would be better IMO if you would like to carry more weight, meaning more than 2 bikes. Other than OEM go with the Curt, get it installed at UHaul if you are not going to do it yourself.
 
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SexualChocolate said:
If you are going to use either of two most popular platform racks (Thule T2 and Yakima Holdup) you're not going to be able to fold the rack up when not in use as it hits the rear bumper with the OEM hitch (unless you don't mind). The thule will fit with minor trimming, the yakima I confirmed this past weekend touches the rear bumper.

I don't know about the Kuat, Rackster, or 1upUSA working with the OEM hitch just yet. THe Rackster shows an FX with the rack folded on their site, so it should work.
As you can see I am still searching for the best solution. Non platform racks will all work.

2" would be better IMO if you would like to carry more weight, meaning more than 2 bikes. Other than OEM go with the Curt, get it installed at UHaul if you are not going to do it yourself.
Click to expand...

Wow I didn't think about hitting the bumper when folding up the rack; that sucks! I have a holdup 1 1/4 that I used with a Curt hitch on my (believe it or not) Z to carry my DH bikes. My plan was to convert to 2" so I could go 4 bikes. I go to B.C. a lot with the boys and need the 4 bike option. Not folding up sucks! How about an extender?

The best option would be spending big bucks and buying the Yakima trailer. Then you could rack many bikes.

I see you have a bike racked up top, but how heavy is that bike? Trying to go up top with 2 or more 48 pound bike scares me. I don't think I can eat enough Wheaties to pull that off.
 
370Z said:
Wow I didn't think about hitting the bumper when folding up the rack; that sucks! I have a holdup 1 1/4 that I used with a Curt hitch on my (believe it or not) Z to carry my DH bikes. My plan was to convert to 2" so I could go 4 bikes. I go to B.C. a lot with the boys and need the 4 bike option. Not folding up sucks! How about an extender?

The best option would be spending big bucks and buying the Yakima trailer. Then you could rack many bikes.

I see you have a bike racked up top, but how heavy is that bike? Trying to go up top with 2 or more 48 pound bike scares me. I don't think I can eat enough Wheaties to pull that off.
Click to expand...

Well if you need 4 bikes on the back it will not be able to fold anyway with the 2 bike addition...right? I have the Sporkworks T2 (before Thule bought them out) and it doesn't fold. without using a 12" extender, but that puts the bikes way out back. It also wiggles around a lot as I don't have anything to take up the slack. There are options to take out the slack though and was looking into them but it has held up fine to assinine driving and some stints into the nether regions of triple digits.

The Chumba VF2 comes in around 32 lbs and lifting it isn't a big deal, unless I am really tired...all 5'8" of me has to climb up holding the bike up in the air anyway. The full rigid steel 29er and I have had a couple problems when getting her up there lol. I couldn't imagine trying with 2 DHers.

With all of that said....your best bet....
http://www.northshoreracks.com/

They are in BC and you might be able to pick one up in person as they are in North Shore BC by Kamloops. Shoot I want one myself but will not be heading that way to visit family for at least another year. I miss Vancouver and Vancouver Island!!!!
 
Yeah I see a lot of those racks in use around Fernie where I ride, it's dope. I'm heading to Whistler end of Sept for last hurrah, gotta get me some A-Line and Dirt Merchant.

I wanted to utilize the holdup I already own. Yakima told me to convert to 2 inch is $185 US. The Yakima +2 option will still fold up. I have to post a few more before I can show some pictures of my Z with my bike racked.

---------- Post added at 10:45 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:56 AM ----------

Here's my holdup mounted on my Z:

26722909.jpg
 
370Z said:
Yeah I see a lot of those racks in use around Fernie where I ride, it's dope. I'm heading to Whistler end of Sept for last hurrah, gotta get me some A-Line and Dirt Merchant.

I wanted to utilize the holdup I already own. Yakima told me to convert to 2 inch is $185 US. The Yakima +2 option will still fold up. I have to post a few more before I can show some pictures of my Z with my bike racked.
Click to expand...

The pic with the Z is awesome!!! Now remember I also have the OEM hitch on my FX. It is tucked under the FX, if you went with aftermarket there may be one that isn't buried so far under and it should fit just fine. All I need is about 1/2 an inch...give or take to make it fold. The guy that helped me get the Holdup on was starting to puch it hard against my bumper to make it fold, at that point I said very loudly "It's not going to fit AT ALL, just let me pull it off". So I didn't really give it a good look as to where was hitting on the Holdup.
 
I put a Curt Class III on my '04 FX35 - it fit quite well. Lots of suppliers out there, but I got mine from JC Whitney. As others have noted, some of the hitches are recessed far enough that you'll need an extender for some things like bike racks - I got my extender @ Princess Auto in Regina, SK. The one I picked up is a double receiver - so I can mount the bike rack on the upper receiver and still use the bottom one to pull a trailer.
 
I've done some research also and I've decided to go with the OEM one due to the appearance. Also the part of the bumper that you have to "trim" can only be seen if you go underneath the car if that makes any difference. I think it all boils down to how much you are willing to spend and how much you care about the look. Good luck! :)

Here are some pictures of hitches I found on the Org (if I need to remove these pictures for whatever reasons, please let me know and I will do so immediately!)

OEM Hitch:
OEMhitch.jpg

CURT Hitch:
Curthitch1.jpg

U-Haul Hitch:
May2005036.jpg

Hidden Hitch:
hhclose.jpg
 
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eJay said:
I've done some research also and I've decided to go with the OEM one due to the appearance. Also the part of the bumper that you have to "trim" can only be seen if you go underneath the car if that makes any difference. I think it all boils down to how much you are willing to spend and how much you care about the look. Good luck! :)

Here are some pictures of hitches I found on the Org (if I need to remove these pictures for whatever reasons, please let me know and I will do so immediately!)

OEM Hitch:
file.php


CURT Hitch:
file.php


U-Haul Hitch:
file.php


Hidden Hitch:
file.php
Click to expand...


the pictures dont work for me. is it possible to pm me some links?
 
That last picture, the hidden hitch picture...where did that receiver cover come from...I just had one installed and I did not get a cover like that
 
Maddog said:
That last picture, the hidden hitch picture...where did that receiver cover come from...I just had one installed and I did not get a cover like that
Click to expand...

They usually come with it. Perhaps yours was missing? Did the guys at the shop that installed it lose it? Either way, I would check back with them on it. I have a hidden hitch as well and mine came with it.

David
 
I actually got a hold of hidden hitch support and they indicated that that part is no longer ordered and has not been for 2 years. They just have the plug now. I was kinda bummed since it looks like the old cover covers up the holes for a much cleaner look.

I did get the part number from them which is 90035 and found it on etrailer.com for $3.00 so I ordered one.

also looking for a nice Infiniti logo hitch cover but all I can find is for a 2" receiver unless someone knows where you can get them for the 1.25 receiver. Little help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

rob

DavidBlaine said:
They usually come with it. Perhaps yours was missing? Did the guys at the shop that installed it lose it? Either way, I would check back with them on it. I have a hidden hitch as well and mine came with it.

David
Click to expand...
 
Maddog said:
I actually got a hold of hidden hitch support and they indicated that that part is no longer ordered and has not been for 2 years. They just have the plug now. I was kinda bummed since it looks like the old cover covers up the holes for a much cleaner look.

I did get the part number from them which is 90035 and found it on etrailer.com for $3.00 so I ordered one.

also looking for a nice Infiniti logo hitch cover but all I can find is for a 2" receiver unless someone knows where you can get them for the 1.25 receiver. Little help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

rob
Click to expand...

So the cover came in and the look is much cleaner...now I like it. The cover makes a big difference in cleaning up and hiding the exposed receiver and tow plate.
 
Any variety of pics from different angles?
I'm assuming the Hidden Hitch pic above is a 2". Does your 1.25" look much different?
I've been looking into a 2" OEM, but maybe a 2" Hidden Hitch is a good alternative.
 
porkandbeans said:
Any variety of pics from different angles?
I'm assuming the Hidden Hitch pic above is a 2". Does your 1.25" look much different?
I've been looking into a 2" OEM, but maybe a 2" Hidden Hitch is a good alternative.
Click to expand...

The Hidden Hitch above on the FX is a class 2 1.25" receiver...same as mine is. The cover is identical to the picture and the install is identical as this is a custom fit for the FX...it will not differ in where it sits. With the cover that I ordered, the whole thing is a bit more inconspicuous and looks a lot cleaner than just putting in a rubber plug. If you do go with the Hidden hitch, I would recommend getting the cover from etrailer, you will be much happier. The OEM hitch, which I understand is made by Hidden Hitch, was ridiculously priced installed ($750...and that was cutting me a deal due to some other issues). The Hidden Hitch installed was $350. I am pretty happy going this route. It is only for my Yakima Double Down Bike Carrier for me and my wife's mountain bikes. We don't have a boat or jet ski to pull....dont own one and we are lucky to have a dock in the back yard so nothing to haul. I would go with the Hidden Hitch and the $3.00 cover...unless you need a class 3 for some reason although the hauling specs on the 3 are the same I believe, just a 2" receiver.

rob
 
Thanks for the input. I understand it's a debatable subject, but I'm looking at the 2"er with a clean look and OEM look. I'm wondering if the 2" HH looks as clean as the OEM.
 
As far as I know...there is no 2" HH option for the FX...but not positive...

good luck either way

porkandbeans said:
Thanks for the input. I understand it's a debatable subject, but I'm looking at the 2"er with a clean look and OEM look. I'm wondering if the 2" HH looks as clean as the OEM.
Click to expand...
 
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