GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

In response to posts about finding a hitch for 2009 model year, I was able to mount the Hidden Hitch model 60958 on my '09 FWD model. This is the hitch sold for prior model years, not recommended by HH. It leaves only about 1/4" clearance to muffler at 3 points, but I haven't had any rattles. See attached pics.Update - After a long warm-up, I am getting significant interference and rattle when backing up under load. This is not a good solution. I am tempted to ask a muffler shop to reduce the bend radius in the exhaust pipe going into the muffler. Shifting the muffler 1/2" towards the front should do it. Will see... it's a long way to go for my bike rack and kayak trailer.

Attached files 09VibeHitch.pdf (159.7 KB) 

That DOES look pretty damn close to the exhaust.....My pontiac dealer couldn't redirect me toward any 3rd party component for the 09 vibe, like pretty much every accessories I would want for my 09 vibe...The Toyota website advertises a smaller, less wide hitch, I wonder if a similar model could be found in a 3rd party catalogue...On a lighter note, my dealer has FINALLY found me locking nuts for my 17 inches alloys.... it only took 3½ months..... you guessed it, they bought them from the local Toyota dealer....

I have the same Hidden Hitch installed on my 2009 Vibe 2.4L. And I have the same problems as everyone when backing up. But I called the vendor yesterday and he told me he finally received the new Hitch specifically made for the 2009 model. I'll get mine replaced next Monday.

I see there are now a few hitches available from Curt (models 12221 & 12228), & Hidden Hitch (model 60898). It looks like they are visible below the bumper cover. Anyone have any pics?

Just cut the exhaust off, you dont need it anyways

Just wondering if anyone has installed the Curt 12228 or the HH 60898 on there 2009 Non GT ?? Has the fitment issues been resolved ?? These are the newer versions available to stop the rattle of the older model hitches ??Thanks,,

I'm looking for a retailer of Curt Hitch in canada. Do someone know if there's a list of retailers ?I live in Quebec city area.The Curt hitch 12228 looks interesting

I have an 09 vibe 2.4 AWD base model Tried 2 different hitches from Curt the Ret or square tube part # 12228 Rattled most of the timeThey replaced it with another one of same part #12228 Finally had to go with the tube hangs down a little further part # 12221 but no rattlesCurt worked with me replaced all hitches with no extra cost to meHope this helps They claim the 12228 is made for the 2.4 engine I was not happy with it at all. Go luck on your choice

Well I have the 12228 Curt now installed and it's great on my 2009 FWD 1.8L - no rattles lots of clearance between the tailpipe and hanger..and Curt includes a tow bar which is a nice bonus - great product quality I kept thinking the powder coating was wet...oh and you can't see anything hanging down at all except the receiver.. Cheers

Why can't they just make one that fits right?

1) Interested if you can send a photo of the Curt 12228 installed?How does it look? any problems?2)Has anyone located a 2 inch receiver instead of the 1 1/4 inch? Want to continue to use my existing plug-in bike rack.

Adapters work. Most hitches I've seen for Vibes use a 1 1/4" receiver.

I am having trouble finding a trailer hitch for my new 09 Vibe GT. I am finding most hitches fit everything BUT a GT. Any ideas out there?

check U-haul and use a non-GT model... I would be VERY surprised if they were different..

I am finding the same thing. Need one for an 09 GT buteverthing says "09 except GT". I agree, I do not see what the difference would be, but the manufacturers are saying that for some reason. I dont know why they would say that if there is not an issue... Anyone have one on a GT yet? I pick up my new Vibe on Saturday and would like a hitch ASAP. Thanks guys.

A non GT hitch should work, same mounting points - the issue will be the clearance of the muffler - have a look at the exhaust at a non GT to see if there is a difference from yours - if not I'd try the non GT version - just a thought...I have an '09 hitch on a non GT from Curt and it works great... 1100lbs and 900km this weekend dirt biking and the Vibe handled it flawlessly....

Uhaul sells a 1 1/4" receiver that accepts 2" inserts. Handy. I use my 1 1/4" and sometimes my 2" for the bike rack. Last time I checked it was $24.95. Good luck!

""""Uhaul sells a 1 1/4" receiver that accepts 2" inserts. Handy. I use my 1 1/4" and sometimes my 2" for the bike rack. Last time I checked it was $24.95. Good luck! """Just be aware that using a 1 1/4" to 2" receiver bar adapter, reduces towing capacity .