[Slorocket]

Per request, this is my hitch. I took it off my 08. Had a uhaul sticker on it, so not sure if they have their own brand so to say. But i needed to get it put on my rs8. And as most of us know, the rs8 has a full body kit. I first tried to make spacers to drop it the couple of inches needed to clear the rear bumper cover. That didnt work as i couldnt for the life of me find bolts long enough to do that. So after multiple tries n thoughts i said effit, and looked up the nearest fabrication shop (welder). Told em what i needed. Had it back a couple days later, for $50. Then sent it across the street to have it powdercoated $85. Bolted her right up as the last one. Only issue is that my measuering was off and the very bottom edge rests right on the hitch. I'd say if anyone does this, have it lowered 2.5 inches. And double check of the clearance from the inside bottom edge. The way the frame was on mine, i shoulda had it more of a notch like.

Heres the only pics i got:

 

[lele73]

Love it!

 

[gs_aristo]

Thanks for the picture. Car looks great!

 

[Slorocket]

Thanks guys.

Not what I ideally would like, but i dont work in a machine shop anymore. Or it'd be a real hidden hitch.

 

[jimmykicker]

Does look good. How does it pull? My owners manual says not even to put a bike rack on the back (which I think is ludicrous and just plain stupid). I plan on putting one on my 2009...don't care what they say.

 

[TartanJack]

In regards to the hitch/towing . . .
With the US's tendency toward litigation and owners who do WAY beyond advised limits, I would probably do THE SAME if I was Yota.

For the Australian and Japanese models, there ARE limits given, but they are only 500-600kg. That is 1200 pounds max, MUCH less than the typical amount pulled by folks. Yet, that is WELL within that typical in Europe, Japan, and other parts of the world.
Americans would likely try to pull a 3,000-5,000 pound trailer with either a car, boat, or other heavy load on it. That is WAY too much for a 3,000 pound car . . .
The same for hitch-mounted cargo and bike carriers. Most are rated for 500 pounds. I'd not put more that 250-300 pounds on it total and wouldn't like more that 100-150 pounds for anything more than a SHORT, slow, smooth level trip.
Think limits for a "class 1" hitch . . .
Trailer Hitch Classes Review | etrailer.com

• Towing capacities up to 2,000 lbs GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) and 200 lbs TW (Tongue Weight)
• 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" receiver hitch opening.
• Works with only class I accessories, such as bike racks, cargo carriers, ball mounts and tube covers
  • 1-1/4" x 1-1/4" class II accessories will not work with class I hitches
• Requires a drawbar or ball mount to tow a trailer, may be included or sold seperately
  • Uses a 1/2" pin to secure ball mount into place
  • Manufacturer-recommended drawbar or ball mount should be used for each specific hitch
• Will work with hitch balls with 3/4" diameter shank
• Available in square and round tube designs

I got a Curt class 2 hitch, which is rated for DOUBLE the max I'd even think of trying . . .
I just wanted the hitch not to be the "weak point" in a towing system, even if I am significantly under the class 2 specs. So, I'm using a class 2 hitch as if its a class 1 one.

 

[Slorocket]

Jimmy, it pulls just as you would think. My brother has quite a heavy duty bike carrier on his xB and loves it.

I think one of the main issues to watch for in any towing/hitch for our cars is tongue weight. If you cant pick it up by yourself, its too heavy. Center your load like youre supposed to. ZThen you can concentrate on your overall weight.

 

[jimmykicker]

Yeah, all I want to do is throw my bike on a rack on the back. I have trucks if I want to pull something. Just 50lbs including the rack...at the most. Probably more like 40. I thought that was crazy too. I mean...it's a bicycle for crying out loud..

Thanks for the info though guys.