best fitting aftermarket 2" reciever hitch?

[dtbaker61]

I would like to add a 2" receiver hitch... not towing big stuff, but a hitch-mounted bike rack and occasional small trailer with building supplies. I'd like to find something that tucks up nice and high. Once again, I cannot bear the Dealer price on OEM options.

I got an aftermarket hitch for a van once, and it was designed to hang so low I was bashing it on the ground a lot.

 

[ceric]

How about Hidden Hitch? See picture.

How about Hidden Hitch?
Got mine at eTrailer.com.
Installation was about 1/2 hr.

 

[pyroMark]

I used the Curt hitch - fits and looks great.

 

[pyroMark]

Not the greatest pictures, but here's the Curt. It's barely noticable - I like it a bit better than the Hidden Hitch, though both are fine.

 

[ceric]

Differences btw Curt and Hidden:
- Curt/square tube, Hidden/round tube
- Curt/\__/ shape, Hidden/ \/ shape
- Hidden/ 2 more bolts
(according to my research bofore I bought)

 

[danz75]

Differences btw Curt and Hidden:
- Curt/square tube, Hidden/round tube
- Curt/\__/ shape, Hidden/ \/ shape
- Hidden/ 2 more bolts
(according to my research bofore I bought)

Curt has 8 bolts(6 M12 and 2 M8)

 

[ceric]

Curt has 8 bolts(6 M12 and 2 M8)

My bad.
I knew one other hitch has only 6.
Is it Valley?

 

[Snowshoe]

Seen a few posts where some hitches fit (assemble) better than others. Any comments on that?
I like the Hidden hitch, any issue with the fit on installation?

 

[ceric]

Hidden Hitchs shows less from behind due to the V shape.
However, some people and I noticed that our hitches had a 1/2" gap in fitment,
making them a bit difficult to put on thanks to the short bolts (still doable, but a bit challenging).
Maybe Curt is better in that sense.

 

[Snowshoe]

Any issue getting it snug up to the frame once you got the bolts started?

 

[nuru]

You should not have any issues once you get the bolts started.

 

[SashaPave]

I just finished putting on a Curt hitch (etrailer.com) and I'm using it to carry a motorcycle hauler. I opted for the curt hitch because it looked like it extended out a bit more than the hidden hitch (according to pics), it had the extra 2 mounting bolts, and it was about 20 bucks cheaper.

Installation was easy, I just rolled the front two wheels into the street from my driveway and it gave me the clearance I needed. It helps to have a buddy and get under the car to do it. Remove the spare tire first and it's pretty easy to fit a torque wrench in there. You have to angle it to squeeze past the heat shields.

Good luck!

 

[rickmillertx]

I went with the Curt hitch on my car. Install was pretty easy. I left the wiring up to a professional and let them install that. It looks clean.

 

[cx9gtguy]

I also need to get one for my bike carrier.
I actually like the way Hidden Hitch looks, because, well, it is more hidden

Anyone tried Draw-Tite hitch? Seems identical to Hidden Hitch in appearance (and price). I wonder if it has same gap issue as the Hidden Hitch one.
I think I will have to install it by myself and want it to be as painless as possible.

 

[ceric]

The gap is really not that big an issue.
You will need an extra pair of hands to hold it for you while installing anyway (or use a jack stand)
If you find a gap (about 1/3" wide), try to tighten bolts on both side alternatively and progressively

 

[cx9gtguy]

Thanks for the info. I did order the Hidden Hitch tonight.
Hopefully will not take long to get it - can't miss on my bike rides

 

[cx9gtguy]

Installed the Hidden Hitch today. Used a couple of paver stones to raise the back of the car. This, and a slight slope of the driveway gave me enough clearance. I did have a gap of about 1/3" on each side, so it was a bit tedious to tighten the screws, especially since I could not use a socket wrench on two screws on the passenger side.

Looks good. Thanks to good weather today took my bike for a ride!

Here are some pictures, in case anyone interested:

 

[SashaPave]

Here's a shot of the Curt hitch in action: