Another Hidden Hitch Installed

Body kits, spoilers, lights, and anything on the exterior of the vehicle
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lombard
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2002 12:44 am

Another Hidden Hitch Installed

Post by lombard »

Well, last weekend I finally got around to installing the Hidden Hitch I ordered. What an awesome product! Fit up without any problems at all.OK, maybe one problem. The bolts it came with were something like 18 mm heads. I didn't have the right sized socket, but my 3/4" fit them loosely. Even managed to torque them down to 100 ft-lb without stripping them!Only other problem was tightening the bolts on the driver's side. Because they're right above the tail pipe, I couldn't fit my rachet up there with my 2 1/2" extension, and without it I could only ratchet it back about 2 clicks. Took FOREVER to get those bolts tightened. If I were to do it again, I'd just go buy a deep socket the right size. I think it would fit in there perfectly.Oh, and thanks to cohocarl's post, wiring up the trailer lights was a breeze. I also bought a fold up 4x8 utility trailer and put it together this weekend. It's going to be my home depot trailer...having a house means lots and lots of trips there.
Pump233ca
Posts: 77
Joined: Sun Jul 07, 2002 9:10 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (lombard)

Post by Pump233ca »

You got off lucky my friend.......I installed a Reese (hidden type) hitch, it has 3 bolts per side.......and the frame holes with the weld nuts had salt and sand in them....all in all got it installed and looks good, lets see how it handles my new camper..will post pics when the trailers gets picked up.
lombard
Posts: 33
Joined: Tue Dec 03, 2002 12:44 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (Pump233ca)

Post by lombard »

Yeah, I had a fair amount of road grime too. Luckily, it's only seen 4 weeks of salty roads in its life (2 christmas trips "home" to Minnesota). Several of the bolts were a little tough to get started, but after that I was home free.How heavy is the camper you're planning to tow? I'd think anything approaching the vibe's rated 1500 lbs would be pushing it. I'd be looking in to upgrading the brakes and getting the supercharger (assuming yours isn't a GT). The most I think I'll ever end up towing is maybe my motorcycle (~650 lb), plus the 200 lb trailer.Definitely let me know how everything goes with the camper.
NSimkins
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Posts: 3091
Joined: Sat Jun 08, 2002 5:43 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (lombard)

Post by NSimkins »

Quote, originally posted by lombard »Only other problem was tightening the bolts on the driver's side. Because they're right above the tail pipe, I couldn't fit my rachet up there with my 2 1/2" extension, and without it I could only ratchet it back about 2 clicks. Took FOREVER to get those bolts tightened. If I were to do it again, I'd just go buy a deep socket the right size. I think it would fit in there perfectly.I'm a fellow Hidden Hitch owner and had the same problem during installation as you had with the exhaust. I ended up tying the exhaust off to the right enough to pull it out of the way to tighten up the bolts. Still wasn't complete clearance but enough to get the job done.
johnsoax
Posts: 398
Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2003 5:10 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (NSimkins)

Post by johnsoax »

I had the same problem
Stereo Mod - Cargo carpet - Phone on ash tray. - Hidden HitchProjects: Fix CELMileage - 50050 - 31.41 MPG Ave
Pills_53716
Posts: 15
Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2004 9:06 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (lombard)

Post by Pills_53716 »

Where did you order your hidden hitch from?
2004 Base Vibe5 SPDMoons+ Tunes Injen CAI MagnaFlox Catback
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joatmon
Posts: 10176
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:19 am
Location: Room 101

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (Pills_53716)

Post by joatmon »

seems like a number of members ordered it from http://etrailer.comDoes anyone know if "genvibe" still works for a discount from etrailer?
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DopeVibeGT
Posts: 1027
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 6:35 am
Location: PA

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed

Post by DopeVibeGT »

Just be careful if you have an aftermarket exhaust, like Thermal R&D. The tailpipe will hit the hitch and drive you crazy. I'm still trying to figure an easy way to fix this.
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
DopeVibeGT
Posts: 1027
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 6:35 am
Location: PA

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (Salsa!)

Post by DopeVibeGT »

Thats what I figured. Just have to find a piece of rubber that will work. Maybe an old bicycle tube...
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
DopeVibeGT
Posts: 1027
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 6:35 am
Location: PA

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (silverawd26)

Post by DopeVibeGT »

If its a thick rubber, it should be ok. The hangers are made of rubber.
Pictures of my ride!!'03 Vibe GTMy AED GA!Work in progress
ullbergm
Posts: 554
Joined: Sun Jul 21, 2002 9:27 am

Re: Another Hidden Hitch Installed (joatmon)

Post by ullbergm »

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »seems like a number of members ordered it from http://etrailer.comDoes anyone know if "genvibe" still works for a discount from etrailer?I got mine in today and got it installed by myself, piece of cake (except for tightening the bolts like other people mentioned above..)The genvibe code still works fine, it basically payed for the wiring harness.
Car: Two-tone Base Abyss, Moons and tunes, Power packageMods: 20% tint, Reflective Black GrafxWerks Overlays, German Hella Horns, Hardwired Valentine One, red interior dome lights, custom cargo floormat, police scanner, ham radio, cellphone kit and a bunch of antennas on topWishlist: Rubber floormats, million dollars
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