Recommended low profile hitch for Kizashi SLS?

[delusional29]

So, after going back and forth on this, I think I'm going to finally install a hitch on my Kiz. I'm going to be using it to haul an arcade game on a rented Uhaul trailer. (About 500 lbs). I collect/restore arcade games and it's been a pain to have to constantly rent a van to transport them. A $20 Uhaul trailer is cheaper.

But my main question is: Is it too low profile to install one? I recall seeing a picture here once on the forums with one installed, but a search doesn't pull up anything useful.

Anyone have any recommendation on brands that will look great? (please provide links)

My local Autozone has this one (which should fit): https://www.autozone.com/trailer-hitch- ... 3015_15130

Edit: I missed this topic, but figured I'd paste it here for reference: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2305

Thanks in advance for the help!

DeL

[jason.rattle]

I run that same hitch on my car, and have towed about 2,000lb with it (my UTV on my 950lb trailer). The hitch does hit/scrape sometimes when i come out of a gas station or crappy driveway, but that's unavoidable. 5 years and no problems. The engine and cvt are up to it and tow well, and the brakes are more than up to it. I did install a transmission cooler with a fan (Mishimoto i think- got it from summit). Wash not a bad job, but if you are only towing under a 1,000lb you probably do not need it.

[KuroNekko]

I have no experience with a hitch on any car, but I've seen many sedans with Uhaul hitches. I looked up a hitch on Uhaul's site for the Kizashi and they have one. You can even get it installed at a Uhaul location.
Having a hitch not only allows you to have a trailer but also use a hitch-mounted accessory like a bike rack or cargo tray.

https://www.uhaul.com/Trailer-Hitches/

[delusional29]

Thanks guys. I'm hesitant to go to UHaul. I'm not crazy about the bright orange Uhaul sticker they slap on it. I suppose I could always mask everything off and spray black over it, but their price including install are pretty steep!

Total.PNG (3.02 KiB) Viewed 6231 times

Jason.rattle - Do you have any other pics with a closeup of the hitch? I'm assuming the ball comes out and leaves the square hitch showing?

Also, not sure if I need additional cooling, I will be driving 5 hours each way with my game in tow. Is this the kit that you got? How easy is it to install?

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mio-mmoc-f

Thanks!

DeL

[delusional29]

OK, I'm documenting this here for others to use. I got a bit scared off regarding the reverse fish wiring, but once I saw it in action it eased my fear. It's a breeze.

How to use reverse fish wire technique to install hitch:


Hitch parts:
Curt brand Class 1 trailer hitch made for the Suzuki Kizashi:
https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2011_Suzuki_Kizashi.htm

Curt brand Ball mount: (you still need to buy proper ball to put into it)
https://www.etrailer.com/p-C45521.html

Curt brand Ball:
https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Ball/Dra ... 19258.html

Curt brand premium mount and ball kit: Comes with 2 balls and mounts and carrying case.
https://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/et ... 89900.html

Instructions on installation:
https://assets.curtmfg.com/masterlibrar ... 23_INS.PDF

To enlarge the hole, you can simply use a Dremel with this carbide bit that cuts through steel:
https://goo.gl/RKU3j1

Here's the Fish Wire (not sure if the hitch comes with one or not, so just in case here's the link)
https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Curt/C58400.html

Wiring:
Wiring needed that plug right into tail light harness in the trunk. From what I understand you store the wire in the spare tire bay in the trunk until needed, and then you simply hang it out from the bottom and gently close your trunk. (it was designed to do this with a flat wire).
https://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Veh ... =201155361

Here are some pics from the install document above with pics of the hitch after install:

Installed 1.PNG (72.75 KiB) Viewed 6218 times

Installed 2.PNG (65.74 KiB) Viewed 6218 times

Hope this info helps!

DeL

[jason.rattle]

Those pics in your last post are similar to mine, although i could take more this weekend if you wish. I did the install 5 years ago when my car was nearly new, and the hardest part was pulling off the mufflers. Not hard actually. I got a direct fit wiring kit, so that was easy. That looks like the same mishimoto kit i got from summit. I put it on front of the radiator, behind the 'S; emblem (some cutting to the grille/bumper was involved) and did al the wiring to the under hood fuse box by the battery. IT wasn't a bad job, but i'm also a mechanic so if you are not it may be more daunting.

[DiggerDerrik]

My story is almost identical to that of Jason.rattle’s. I put my hitch on probably 6 years ago when I bought a boat (maybe 600lbs boat and trailer). The hardest part was the mufflers. Wiring plugged into the factory tail light harness. All that concerned me was staying well within the GVWR for the car and it’s CVT. I think I paid $250 for mine off of eBay.

Ever since I was rear ended you can see the hitch a lot better