09 GT Curt C12221 Trailer Hitch Install (Pics)

[josholiver1]

Finished installation of a Curt Trailer Hitch on my Vibe from etrailer.com. It was relatively easy to put on and the tolerances are FAR better than I expected, it looks great and fits snug with the body effects. The only additional purchase I made was a Metric Tap at NAPA Auto to clean out the threads. No modification (heat shield/body) for my vibe was needed. Trailer wiring kit was also high quality and easy to install. Costumer service through etrailer.com was also excellent and standard shipment was really fast. I have attached a few pictures of the finished product (Sorry for the poor angles it was snowing out ). Planning on towing my 13' Waverunner this summer


Heres a copy of the pricing/invoice:
Code Item Quantity Price/Ea. Total
C12221 Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" 1 $156.26 $156.26

118460 T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4 Pole Trailer Connector 1 $53.95 $53.95

C45501 Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-1/8" Rise, 2-3/4" Drop - 7-1/2" Long - 3,500 lbs 3 $13.75 $41.25

Shipping: UPS Ground: $24.62
FreeShipping: ($24.62)

Total: $251.46







View is looking over tail pipe exhaust:

[trb]

Looks good! I bought a used one meant for the 03-08 and also the base 09-10 models (it was only $75) and it was not low enough to clear the ground effects, so I had to remove the black trim when I towed a U-Haul trailer a couple of months ago. Was not a bad job to install and remove it, but I'll probably grab the right one if I need to tow anything else. Good luck with it!

[vibenvy]

Looks good! I bought a used one meant for the 03-08 and also the base 09-10 models (it was only $75) and it was not low enough to clear the ground effects, so I had to remove the black trim when I towed a U-Haul trailer a couple of months ago. Was not a bad job to install and remove it, but I'll probably grab the right one if I need to tow anything else. Good luck with it!

I think a how-to for removing the lower rear fascia is in order Thomas! I am considering painting mine eventually (probably with some matte Krylon Fusion) and it'd be nice to know what I'd be up against.

[Th17kit]

Thanks for posting pictures, this was helpful with knowing which hitch to get! I got lucky with the threads, they were completely clean and open!!

[tpollauf]

I'll add my recent installation pics to this post . First off, I don't care how little your Vibe may have been driven, you're going to have to tap out the threads in the frame in order to properly install this hitch. The tap is a real odd ball one and generally NOT part of a complete tap/die set. I ended up just purchasing the tap by itself just so I could install this hitch.


The "tapping" part of this job took the longest. Due to the muffler piping being in the way, I was only able to use my cordless drill on ONE hole! The other three I had to use a small crescent wrench and do 1/4 to 1/2 turns at a time. What a job!


After the holes were back to original CLEAN threads, the rest of this installation was a breeze! Note LOTS of "Never Seize" compound used everywhere so that if this hitch needs to come off, it WILL !!!!!




Finally the completed installation. Looks GREAT!