pcy

epilithic, can you give details about that hitch mount? I think it's 2" receiver. What brand, where did you buy it (I think you said U-haul installed it) and how much is the hitch receiver (without the installation). I can drill holes and install it myself. Thanks.

justoracle

Here's mine, it looks a lot like epilithic's. No cutting of the bumper but you must drill 4 holes on the spare tire sheetmetal, it's supposed to be rated up to 2000 lbs, but I'm only planning to haul two bikes.

It's a 1.25 inch, it's made by curt, Part Number: 11498

epilithic

The hitch mount i have installed on my 5 is an inch and a quarter. Uhaul said it was the only size they carried for my car. My best advice i have is for you to find a local uhaul custom hitch store and ask them to sell you one. If i remember correctly i paid $120 for the hitch itself. I watched them install it and regretted not doing it myself. It is an easy DIY. I opted not to have them install the wiring because i dont plan on towing anything but if you were interested in the wiring they sell that too. Here are a few pics of it.

donpb

about how much did that cost?

donpb

nevermind, i read further down.

or_550i

Ack. Every time I see one of these Curtis style hitches it makes me shiver; bolting onto the spare tire well and other non-designated metals. The factory Westfalia tow bar looks cleaner and can tow a _lot_ more weight.

There are trailer/tow ball bike racks/carriers.

pcy

or_550i, if the ONLY purpose of the hitch is to haul bicycles; then the curt receiver should be ok. On the other hand, if the intended use is to attach anything else (like a trailer), then curt receiver won't hold up.

epilithic

+1, i only thing i will haul is my bike. I couldnt imagine hauling anything with my twin turbos. I do understand where or_550i is coming from though,when they were installing the hitch it just felt wrong to hear the drill going through the trunk plate. but when i weigh out the options: 1.) a few holes for bolts underneath the car out of sight or 2.) a trunk strap bike rack that could possibly cause paint and body damage. I would go with the first option any day. Just my .02 cents

donpb

i hear ya there.

i had a trunk mount rack on another car of mine and it jacked the paint all up.

i see guys at the beach with trunk mount racks on nicer cars and their paint is really jacked up.

i guess some people just don't care.

ottawarealtor

Having the same hitch put on this week at U-haul.The 1.5" Curtis style mount is the only model they sell for my 535.should be fine for the bike rack-I hope!