Hitch question

[jabawaki]

Ok, OK, I'm not going to ugly up my 2005 convert with a
nasty hitch - which is why I'm positing here.

I have a little trailer 4x8 which I use to haul light loads of
plants or lumbar from home depot. I also have used it once
in a while to tow my motorcycle which is under 600lbs with
fluids.

When I ordered my PT, I specified the MOPAR hitch available for
$173.00, but the dealer told me it wasn't available. I was told
this in the past when buying a car, but found out they don't like to order them this
way so they can charge you $200+ in labor at the dealer later.

Anyway, does anyone have any experience with hitches and PTs?
What brand would be 'clean' looking and is this something that
can be installed in my garage with my limited car knowledge?

Jay

[satellite66]

I will getting one for mine before Carlisle and it seems fairly simple according to this. I won't be using mine for towing. I want it to put a cargo tray on. Free up some space inside.

http://www.ptdoityourself.net/pthiddenhguide.html

[jabawaki]

Originally Posted by jabawaki

Ok, OK, I'm not going to ugly up my 2005 convert with a
nasty hitch - which is why I'm positing here.

I have a little trailer 4x8 which I use to haul light loads of
plants or lumbar from home depot. I also have used it once
in a while to tow my motorcycle which is under 600lbs with
fluids.

When I ordered my PT, I specified the MOPAR hitch available for
$173.00, but the dealer told me it wasn't available. I was told
this in the past when buying a car, but found out they don't like to order them this
way so they can charge you $200+ in labor at the dealer later.

Anyway, does anyone have any experience with hitches and PTs?
What brand would be 'clean' looking and is this something that
can be installed in my garage with my limited car knowledge?

Jay

Also, any thoughts if a 2004 hitch will fit the new 2005?

[jabawaki]

Originally Posted by satellite66

I will getting one for mine before Carlisle and it seems fairly simple according to this. I won't be using mine for towing. I want it to put a cargo tray on. Free up some space inside.

http://www.ptdoityourself.net/pthiddenhguide.html

I've got on of those cargo units too. They really can come in handy if you're not putting very much weight.

I called a hith dealer, they didn't mention anything about removing the
exhaust. It's doesn't seem like to big of a job though.

[aquacruisersteve]

I installed a hidden hitch on my 01 will probably get one for the 05 convertible if it works. Anywho had to remove the spare and lower the muffler to install it. But then it all went back into place. I have towed a trailer many times with my 01 with no problems. Want to use it on the convertible for storage as it's not as big inside. The hidden hitch is easy to install only mod to the frame is to elongate two of the holes on the bottom of the subframe. It took about two hours if I remember correctly and I got it from THAT French place JC Whitney's.

[CTFrank]

I installed a Mopar hitch on my '02 Touring last year. Took me about an hour total to install it because I had to drop the dual exhaust out of the way. I doubt if the '05 is all that much different so install shouldn't be a big problem. Doesn't make much difference which brand you use (Mopar, Hidden Hitch, U-Haul) since they all fit about the same. Just go for the best price.

[Mike Whyte]

I have a 2002 limited and have the Mopar hitch. It took around an hour to install and all that shows is the 1 1/4" hole for the tongue and ball. Very neat and clean. Not sure about other brands but you can be sure of a good fit with Mopar. You just have to make sure about the spare tire access. Also if you have dual exhaust, you 'll have to take that down to install.

[PT_Sean]

I have installed a few- Hidden Hitch brand, AND Reese brand. The hidden hitch can be installed with the most ease, it uses existing bolt holes on the rear rails, accessable after you remove the shipping hold-downs.

The Reese one requires a drilled-hole, for a third nut/bolt on each side. Personally, I liked that extra bolt idea best.

Both hitches came with removeable DRAW BARS so they could be removed and the resulting RECEIVER BLOCK covered with a plastic cover, or third brake lite, or whatever cover you want.

I wrote those instructions that are on the ptdit.net site. If anything is not clear, just ask.

ptdiy.net and I MAY do another do-it-yourself clinic at CTF4, perhaps we could do a hitch install.

Pics? Sure- click here.


P.S. registration is now open, 223 PTs are IN THE HOUSE after 4 days.

Originally Posted by jabawaki

Anyway, does anyone have any experience with hitches and PTs?
What brand would be 'clean' looking and is this something that
can be installed in my garage with my limited car knowledge?

Jay

[lisa]

Originally Posted by jabawaki

I've got on of those cargo units too. They really can come in handy if you're not putting very much weight.

I called a hith dealer, they didn't mention anything about removing the
exhaust. It's doesn't seem like to big of a job though.

What is a "cargo tray"? I have the mopar hidden hitch on the dreamer and she has the mopar fold down (crooked ) chrome rack. It may look pretty (mmmmmm...chrome ) but it did save my rear hatch when the dreamer got hit from behind. I would rather replace that rack a dozen times than have to try to get the hatch replaced!

[jabawaki]

Originally Posted by lisa

What is a "cargo tray"? I have the mopar hidden hitch on the dreamer and she has the mopar fold down (crooked ) chrome rack. It may look pretty (mmmmmm...chrome ) but it did save my rear hatch when the dreamer got hit from behind. I would rather replace that rack a dozen times than have to try to get the hatch replaced!

A cargo trailer : Well think of a big flat tray with a pipe sticking out
that will fit into you hitch reciever. It's a bout 2 feet deep and about as wide as your car. It comes in really handy when you need to move some light duty things that you don't want to put into your car, or maybe some extra luggage, or a couple of bikes.

go to jcwhitney.com and search on cargo. They are usually under $40.00 also.