Trailer Hitch Installation

[benjamin_r_smit]

I'm trying to install a Draw-Tite trailer hitch on my 2003 Protege. The instructions are pretty simple, but the one thing I can't figure out is how to manuever the bolts around inside the frame and get the bolts into the right holes with only those tiny holes that my fingers can barely fit into. Does anyone have any tips?

[kickniteasy]

since the protege owners manual specifically says not to tow anything with our car I'd say it's no wonder you're having trouble installing a hitch.....I suggest asking a friend to borrow a truck if you can

[DiS]

w3rd. Protege manual DOES say that. Highly recommend to get someones truck or rent one. Protege was not meant for that kind of abuse

[Reitrof]

The kit should of had coiled wires that attach to the threaded bolts and you use them to pull the bolts thru the frame.

[benjamin_r_smit]

The kit should of had coiled wires that attach to the threaded bolts and you use them to pull the bolts thru the frame.

Thanks, I figured that out yesterday when I called a trailer supply store.

[Canucker]

I don't think anyone would really tow anything with at Protege. I hope not anyway.

I too am getting one to put my bike rack on.

[Reitrof]

No issues. Have towed a boat and a small trailer. No problems.

[kickniteasy]

wow, good stuff

[Foolish]

Hey, what did you pay for the trailer hitch? Is it for a sedan or P5? Did you happen to see if it's available for both?

[Reitrof]

Hey, what did you pay for the trailer hitch? Is it for a sedan or P5? Did you happen to see if it's available for both?

Not sure who you are asking. Mine is a P5, was about $100 or so from HiddenHitch.

They make one for both the P5 and Sedan models.

[Buck]

reviving the thread! Well I know It is ill advised to tow anything with our cars but....What would be the difference between having a car full of 4 adults (7 to 8 hundred pounds) and say towing a 4-wheeler?

[DE31]

i'd say since the passengers are right above if not, a little forward of the wheel towards the center of the car. the weight distribution is a big problem. say you have 40 pounds in your hand and your holding up at a 90* angle, then if you move it down to say 45* it feels significantly heavier. and since the hitch would be at almost level to the wheel caps and about a foot or so away the amount of force on the rear is multiplied. i forgot the equation but it would be alot harder on the car.

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

i just want to add a hitch to carry bikes on the back, would something like this work?

http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=s-1547&bool=AND&category=c_DT_sportframe&maxhits=1&keywords=dt2354&GO=GO%21

and then a bike rack to fit it...

http://www.hidden-hitch.com/prod.asp?pc=51946

i know nothing about this stuff so thanks for the help:)

[Buck]

I still don't see the difference. I mean, its a fwd car, all the weight is behind the drive wheels anyways. I see that having all the weight in between the 4 wheels is best, but if u center the weight of something like a four wheeler directly over the trailer's axle, like u are supposed to do when towing, then their would be minimal downward force on the back of the car resulting in it just pulling some extra weight which is basically what a fwd car filled with passengers and luggage is doing in the first place.

[Buck]

and actually when holding something heavy up with your arms it feels just as heavy and is just as hard to hold up at any angle (at or below 90 degrees)I tried it:). Now if I were to hold it directly above my head it would be easier to hold up than at the 90 dgreee angle because it is directed right over my center of gravity. But being a front wheel drive I would think that any load on this car, whether it be passengers or towing something would be like the 90 degree thing u were talking about. same effect I would think, as long as the weight on the trailer is distributed correctly (over the axles to eliminate as much downward force on the rear end as possible). When towing something if u put the load too far forward of the axles then there is a lot of weight being forced downward on the vehicle creating more friction between the tires and the road causing more resistence on the motor. put it this way, do u think it is easier to carry 800 lbs directly on the car(car full of people) or 800 lbs on its own set of wheels behind it? I know I could pull 800 pounds in a wagon behind me but I couldn't walk around with it on my back.

sorry for the physics analogies :)

[DE31]

i meant verticle near your head. i just didnt know how to word it at the time. happens alot for me i just blank out even though i know i've used the word before.

[Buck]

gotchya. Do u understand where I am coming from though?

[DE31]

kinda, but it puts alot of stress on the rear suspension, unless trailer is balanced like you mentioned. the problem is most trailers arent, thats why trucks usually have either stiffer rear leaf springs, and also why heavy duty trucks have 4 tires on the rear axle.

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

if you do it, put the load on the hitch then shift and balance it before you drive until you can visibly see the load coming off your car until you car sits slightly lower that it usually does and you should be fine...unless you tow over 2000 pounds:)

ok what about my ?

i just want to tow a few bikes and i have a 2003.5 with no roof rack

adding a rack to the roof is a PITA so i just wanna install a hitch and a bike rack, but i want an easy cheesy install and stuff, what the best route to go on a decent budget?

thanks:)

[DE31]

although its easier to lift, or remove the bikes from a trailer bike rack, i dont think its that great. the bikes may block visibility of your tail lights and personally will never really have a clean look. You can always put the bike in the car, but im guessing it would be some sort of mountain bike and you would probably get it dirty alot.

[Mazdacub]

Get a hitch for the bikes!!!! You will never regret it. I have the hidden hitch for mine and I love it. It was easy to install and it has a cool little black plastic cover that slides over it when not in use. I cant exactly remember what bike rack i got but it holds 3 bikes and folds down if you need into the hatch. You in no way what so ever totally block out the rear lights of your car. Also if you need something to hold your bike when doing repairs or just tuning it up in the mountains it works just perfect. (see pic)

[NoRotor,NoMotor]

Get a hitch for the bikes!!!! You will never regret it. I have the hidden hitch for mine and I love it. It was easy to install and it has a cool little black plastic cover that slides over it when not in use. I cant exactly remember what bike rack i got but it holds 3 bikes and folds down if you need into the hatch. You in no way what so ever totally block out the rear lights of your car. Also if you need something to hold your bike when doing repairs or just tuning it up in the mountains it works just perfect. (see pic)

that would be perfect, do you know what model hitch that is exactly?

i am only going to use it a few time a year to tow 2-3 bikes about 50 miles so i dont need anything too expensive

[UnNaturalinc]

I was thinking about doing this myself... To hook a bike rack up to or tow a small motorcycle trailer.

I don't think a few hundred pounds would really be a big deal.