Just got my hitch installed by Trailer Hitch Inc in Redwood City Ca. (Bay Area). It took them a day and a half. They sandwitched a plate around the bumper with 6 bolts and stiffened the bumper to the frame. The bumper cover was removed to allow access to the internal aluminum bumper.The 1 1/4 " reciever was cut into the bumper and just sticks out about two inches byond. Painted black it is not obtrusive to me. I am very satisfied. They said it went well and would be willing to do more If anyone want do it. The installer took pictures with his camera phone and is planning to send them to me. I will post them when I get them. I am also pricing a trailer through this group to see if a custom version is that much more.

Install included three wire connection tucked inside under the mats, a 17/8 ball and adapter to install in the reciever. Total cost $650.

All in all a first class job and no damage to the bumper cover.

 

Sounds cool, surely a bunch of us have thought about making a hitch too. I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures!

 

Very cool, sure beats driving two cars. Need some pics!

 

C Ray Z: If your mounting to the aluminum brace behind the bumper cover, be very careful. The aluminum brace is not well supported. I had a custom piece from an experienced auto-xer. However, after a year and about 30 events, the brace started to move - since it's only attached by thin straps. My new hitch is the way to go. With a Stillen exhaust - we cut mounting plated to go under the exhaust hanger plates on both sides, then used 1.25" square tubing as the hitch bar - bent down from the hangers w/ the receiver hitch just under the bumber cover. I'll try to post some pics. I driven about 30K miles over the eastrn US and about 10K with the new version. Just be carefull. You can find a trailer kit at Northern Tool (4' X 3') to use for tires and tools. Clean set-up if you're towing the equipment behind you.

 

I have also bracing from both ends tied to the side frame member on both sides to protect from the twisting of the bumper. If I could get this thing up on a rack I woujld take some pictures. It is well support. The hitch designer had the same concerns so this support was included. It is really a professional install.

 

I'm really interested in seeing the pictures!

 

That sounds close to what I've got. What are you estimating for maximum tongue wt.? W/ the trailer, all tools and 3 18' stock rims w/ Hoosier 275/35/18 the tongue wt. is 40-50 lbs. So far the ride is un-noticeable with the trailer on the back. The next issue is the wiring - you have to go to u-haul and get a special conversion. this is due to the rear lighting set-up of the Z. The lights and wires are in separate areas.

 

First the wireing is in the well with the wheel and a long pig tail allows putting it out for towing only. This was included in the install.
I figure 200 lbs for tires and wheels but I will locate them in the rear. Tools 50 lbs, jack 40 lbs, Trailer 120 lbs, Aluminum 30" long tool box 17 lbs. Pluss miselanious probably 500 lbs total. I can control toung weight based on how I load the trailer so 50 to 100 lbs is my first guess. But it will be trial and error.

Ray

 

Sorry, I meant to say that the lights are separated meaning the parking & brake are in one section with reverse and turn in another. You are correct in that the wires are located down and beneath the wheel well & the rear cover. What a pain to locate the lights. It took a long time to wire it correctly with the trailer wiring harness. Finally, I had to give up a not follow the trailer's directions on how to wire. I still have a problem w/ turn indicator it stays on constant and does not flicker.

 

I have had a problem with the flashing of the turnd signal on older vehicles I had to install a new module that makes the light flash because of the different load with the new lights added for the trailer.


I would try some of the new LED lights on the trailer. They will draw so little current that it should work.