Class 1 hitch from U-Haul (For my Bike rack)

[shadowlady1997]

I have been in touch with the research and development department at U-Haul about the availability of a hitch for my BRZ. I must have been at the right place at the right time because just yesterday I received a hitch sent directly from their headquarters to try out on my car. I have an appointment tomorrow to have it installed. I'll keep you posted as to the fitment and how it looks after the installation.

Currently U-Haul is listing this hitch as:
Part number U-Haul: 2013 Scion FR-S Rear Wheel Drive trailer hitch components. #25927 $199.00

Here are a few pictures before installation. (Well I guess I'll have to read up on how to post pictures because I received an error that my dimensions are too large in my jpeg file to load properly) Pictures to follow.

I can't wait to be able to attach my bike rack and transport my bikes again.

[BRZfan]

That's great. This should put an end to (at least, in part, resolve) all the threads on trailer hitches, roof racks, bike racks, kayak racks.

I found that the best solution (not my BRZ) has been a trailer hitch which allows one to keep the bike rack as different cars come into use.

When you get to modifying your JPG use a 'medium' size.

[yberther]

Interested in pictures compared to the 'offroad' one sold by one of the members on here.

How much did it set you back?
How does it attach?

[RandyP]

I got mine last week after a 6 week wait. It was about 18lbs and pretty heavy duty with a max tongue weight of 150lbs. No cutting of the car is needed and it attaches to the bumper support area like the off-road hitch but uses thicker material. Only real complaint is that I had to use an angle-grinder on the hitch to get it to mount on my FR-S bumper studs. Just like the off-road hitch, it is close to the stock muffler, but the 1/4" of clearance seems to be enough. Standard receiver just below the bumper cover makes for easy connections.

[leon78]

Subbed b/c I need a hitch.

[RandyP]

Here's the installed pics showing the tight clearance to the muffler.

[vinh]

wash your car :P
any pics of the hitch not installed?

[shadowlady1997]

I had my hitch installed today by a locally owned hitch installer and over all the hitch just needed "a little persuading" but otherwise went flawlessly.

The installer said the instructions could have been more clear. This is what he wrote down for me to report back to U-Haul.

Add to instructions:

Step 1 - Lower exhaust four rubber isolators.

Step 2 - Remove two fascia brackets and reinstall after hitch is installed.

His suggestion to U-Haul is to notch around the fascia brackets.

Here are some pictures I took of the hitch both before and after installation. I am sorry if they are out of order, I am trying to learn the new Windows 8 program.

I will be emailing U-Haul with my experience having the hitch installed on my BRZ. If I were you I would place my order for one of U-Haul's hitches listed for the Scion FRS. I believe it will take 10 days to receive your order.$199.00

Good luck. I am off to go take my bikes on a road trip with me.
PS You can't see the U-Haul stickers after the hitch is installed.

[ArgentoAtl]

So, is this hitch installed by removing the rear bumper like Kast's in another thread? In that thread, some folks had to trim off a flange and in some cases needed to mash the muffler so the hitch does not touch. Was that required here?

Also, do you mind giving the installation cost?

Thanks,

[wrussi]

awesome! i will be buying this soon!

[imom]

I wonder if the stock height or if the car is lowered by an inch or more if the hitch will drag onto the driveway or street? I like that one, but I wish they had one where the hitch receiver was removable so it doesn't affect anything when not in use.

What would be even more cool is the red triangle is removable and the hitch receiver is behind that...hidden away.

BTW, thank you for the post

[BRZfan]

Can't have everything. For instance, if one 'lowers' their car (without adjustments available), I wouldn't plan on any off-roading.

Originally Posted by imom

I wonder if the stock height or if the car is lowered by an inch or more if the hitch will drag onto the driveway or street? I like that one, but I wish they had one where the hitch receiver was removable so it doesn't affect anything when not in use.

What would be even more cool is the red triangle is removable and the hitch receiver is behind that...hidden away.

BTW, thank you for the post

[RandyP]

Originally Posted by ArgentoAtl

So, is this hitch installed by removing the rear bumper like Kast's in another thread? In that thread, some folks had to trim off a flange and in some cases needed to mash the muffler so the hitch does not touch. Was that required here?

Also, do you mind giving the installation cost?

Thanks,

No flange trimming because it uses thicker metal rather than the gusset support. Muffler clearance is a problem as I heard a new exhaust noise this morning. The hot exhaust pipe expanded enough to touch the hitch at the muffler. I used a crow-bar to flatten the muffler a little where it was touching.

[shadowlady1997]

Originally Posted by ArgentoAtl

So, is this hitch installed by removing the rear bumper like Kast's in another thread? In that thread, some folks had to trim off a flange and in some cases needed to mash the muffler so the hitch does not touch. Was that required here?

Also, do you mind giving the installation cost?

Thanks,

I didn't watch the installation but I believe they would have to have taken the bumper off. They did not have to manipulate the muffler and so far I haven't heard any type of rattle or noise from the hitch coming in contact with the muffler. I should be receiving my new Kuat Sherpa bike rack in the mail tomorrow and I am hoping this is the hot set up for this car.

I paid $80 (flat fee charged at this shop for a hitch installation) and it took them 50 minutes to install it. I hope all this information helps you out some.