Fascia Trimming Required for Hitch? Also: My First Post

glanga said:
i think you should just take a sawzall to your back bumper. its only plastic. make sure to do it freehand because measuring and templates are for women. i think youll get surprising results.
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LMAO! :lol:
 
Well, I just ordered the hitch from etrailers. it should be here on Friday. Looks like I've got my weekend planned!!
 
I vote for a cheap small pickup too. You can store at least your race bike and some other stuff in the back of it since that is what you are using it for. I bet you can pick one up for the price of renting that Home Sleezo truck 3-4 times. A third vehicle is also handy if something happens to one of your other rides. Twice now I've been grateful that I own 3 when something (wrecks) have happened to my other cars. And insurance on a rarely used veh is only like $160/yr.
 
chriswells78 said:
I vote for a cheap small pickup too. You can store at least your race bike and some other stuff in the back of it since that is what you are using it for. I bet you can pick one up for the price of renting that Home Sleezo truck 3-4 times. A third vehicle is also handy if something happens to one of your other rides. Twice now I've been grateful that I own 3 when something (wrecks) have happened to my other cars. And insurance on a rarely used veh is only like $160/yr.
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I shudder to think of the truck I could get for $92 ($23 x 4 rentals)!!

During the summer, I've got my street bike as a back up vehicle if anything happens to the car. During the winter, if it's just general maintenance, the dealership will take me to work (about 1 mile). Or if it's major, god forbid, they'll give me a loaner. Worst case scenario, I drop the wife off at work and take her car.

I know where you're coming from, but it just isn't going to happen.
 
Hitch prices run all over the place. Be careful what you get for the el cheapos. You really don't want a hitch failing while you haul a trailer down the freeway.

Looks like the two hitches on that website are reputable name brands so you are probably OK. Make sure what freight is, that could make the difference in cost.

Quit whining about the hitch costing $212. Heck just the stinger on my truck costs over $150 ;^) That is the little piece that plugs into the reciever.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson
 
Yikes!! That must be one heavy duty receiver!!

I figured either of those 2 hitches would be OK since I've heard of the name brand before. Shipping was $.99 for orders over $150. Thanks for looking out, though!
 
I have a hitch on my LS. I put it on myself and didn't have to cut anything to install it. I orginally put it on to tow my jetski and it towed it fine. I also tow my 17ft boston whaler multiple times with no problems and the ramp I use to put it in is rather steap. So you should have no problems
 
PM80 said:
I have a hitch on my LS. I put it on myself and didn't have to cut anything to install it. I orginally put it on to tow my jetski and it towed it fine. I also tow my 17ft boston whaler multiple times with no problems and the ramp I use to put it in is rather steap. So you should have no problems
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Thank you!! Finally some feedback from someone that actually tows with their LS. It looks like I'll have a busy weekend of installing the hitch and trailer shopping (I've got a race the following weekend. nothing like waiting until the final minute...).
 
I have a 2002 LS sport V6 and last year I successfully towed my motorcycle from NJ to TN and back without developing powertrain problems.
My hitch did not require triming, it just squeaks by the rear bumper cover.

I think the biggest thing with towing anything (even my new lightweight trailer) successfully is your attitude (and as a result your driving) as the driver.
I kept my speed down and used the sst a lot (shift down and let the engine work in its power band, A lot!). Be prepared to vigilantly monitor the vehicle and don't rush stops for gas, food, bathroom breaks or more.
I drove steadily for two hours then stopped for a minimum of 15 minutes, If it was at a gas station, I raised the hood.
The car did not overheat, the transmission did not burn up.

Patience is your best friend.

It can be done, just be prepared to go easy.
 
yeah, I just saw that! Pretty clever! But I need something a little more stout (more trailer weight).

Actually, over the weekend, I bolted a Draw Tite hitch and wiring harness to my car. The installation was a breeze with the exception of getting the black fascia piece back on. What a nightmare that was. It just didn't want to cooperate. But I finally got it. I did end up having to trim the fascia, too, but it was a piece of cake and you can't really even tell. I picked up a trailer last night from Northern Tool and will be towing a load with it this weekend. I lost my digital camera so I can't get any pics right now but I'll be sure to get some this weekend and provide a full report!
 
Well, I just returned from my maiden voyage with the trailer. 340 miles round trip and I avered 18.2 MPG with speeds of 65-70 MPH. I was pretty happy with that since the exact same trip in my old F150 garnered about 11-12 MPG. So far so good!
 
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