Curt, Drawtite or Reese Hitch?

[cybercruiser]

I had the Mazda hitch installed as part of the purchase deal of the vehicle. What a pain the arse, took them at least three tries, three trips in to the dealer. They couldn't get one of the nuts inside the frame to thread, it came loose, and they eventually ended up having to spot-weld that bolt/nut since they couldn't get it the threads to take.

Also, not thrilled that they had to cut the plastic bumper cover, you'd think the stock hitch would fit without having to cut-up the bumper molding.

 

[nXt]

Is anyone using anything special with the rubber muffler hangers as a lubricant? I thought some types of spray like PB-Blaster might break down the rubber in hangers. Or is this a moot point since it is just a one time thing.

Just a little spray with WD-40 is all it takes, use some work gloves and you can wiggle it out easily.

 

[nXt]

Thanks! It sounds like you were able to pull off hangers with your hands versus the tools I see in many videos?

Yup, the first time I installed the Curt Class II, I was very surprised how easily it came off.
Did it again when I removed it and put on the Class III.

Just spray on both sides, turn it back and forth, then just wiggle and pull it off.

 

[flymo]

I installed the Curt Class III this weekend. Very nice product, really fits the vehicle well and you don't see anything below the bumper except the actual 2" receiver. Install was pretty easy - watch the video at etrailer and read the instructions carefully. I could have done it alone, but it was much easier with 2 people.

The hardest part was getting the muffler hangers off - even with silicone spray they were hard to budge. I then tried a pair of large Channellocks - put one jaw on the flared end of the metal hanger, the other on the rubber piece, and squeeze! Once the rubber piece was started over the flare it slid off pretty easily by hand.

Also, be sure to leave the rubber pieces on the hanger on the car side.

Flymo