Trailer Hitch installed!!!

[tom4bren]

those "the side cladding torque screws" you mentioned were the ones that went through tail skirt flanges I broke off on the passenger side.

[tom4bren]

BTW - finished product. SWEET!

[cyronman]

I got my rear hitch step bar thing today, and I'll be getting a bike rack next week, now all I need is the hitch!

So, to double check...IS IT or is it NOT necessary to remove the cladding OR cut it to install the Curt (non-Tone) hitch?
I've been leaning in it's favor a little but if the install work is similar, I might just go for Tone's.

Thanks!

[Ascinder]

Install is fairly similar for both. I have the Curt and what you have to do regarding the cladding is remove several of the rear cladding torx screws and pull on the cladding to get a tool in there if I remember correctly in oder to take it off. I also had to take a pair of needle-nose pliers and peel back some metal in the frame mount area in order to be able to fish in the mount bolts for the hitch. You will also need a large power drill to drill the holes for the hitch. I think the shank on the one I used was larger than the standard 3/8" size. It's a good idea to plan on more time than you think it will take. I haven't done any trailer wiring on mine, so I can't help you there.

[IndianaVX]

i have looked, and im confused......which hitch fits behind the cladding so that only the socket is exposed?? one of the two available from tone, or the curt??
this is something im wanting to do badly, but im wanting mine behind the cladding.
not meant to be a hijack........
thanks
david

[cyronman]

i have looked, and im confused......which hitch fits behind the cladding so that only the socket is exposed?? one of the two available from tone, or the curt??david

David-

Tone had one made, or modified, "specifically" for the VX in which only the receiver pokes out of the cladding. A lot of owners are very pleased with the looks, stating only a time-consuming/pesky install process.

The Curt hitch bolts on underneath, which some owners don't like strictly for the looks of.

Tone sells both.

I was considering the Curt hitch simply because of an offer on a used one and because it seemed easier to install...but that might not be the case afterall.
From what Ascinder describes, even this one isn't just an easy add on.

[etlsport]

not to take away from tones sale.. but spike was telling me the other day that he is going to get a hitch installed by u-haul.. they use the curt hitch as far as i can tell... and they include wiring and a lifetime warranty against rust... i beleive he said 200-250... they did kinda jack up his wiring though (top brake light flashes with the hazards and when the brakes arent on the tail lights flash with the turn signals