FZ1riderNY
Moderator
Yep! That's right! After almost 8 months I finally got around to installing the E-Trailer Hitch on the Grand Prix. Normally I wouldn't make a thread about installing a hitch, but I just wanted to tell everyone just how nice this particular hitch is. Tony could tell you what we had to do on the Oldsmobile with the standard universal hitch, drilling, fishing backing plates, etc. This E-Trailer Hitch was "specific" to the Pontiac, and was a 30 minute job from start to finish. Also, Patrick at E-trailer was such a nice guy, very helpful, and a pleasure to do business with. It's so nice to work with a quality product and a company that stands by their product with great customer service. Here's a few pics from Saturday's install.
After removing the spare tire and jack and equipment from the rear tub, it was just a matter of removing two rubber drainage grommets, and replacing them with a steel plate and Grade 8 Hardware.
Once you drop the 1/2" bolts through the plate, you only have to lift the hitch into place and start the two nuts. I opted to use Grade 8 Lock Washers and a dose of Locktite to make me feel better.
Next you turn to the rear of the bumper. You use two existing holes which accept another set of thick steel plates above, and drop through two 3/8" Grade 8 Bolts from the top down. Again I used lock washers and Locktite to make sure nothing comes loose down the road.
I tightened everything down and was finished with the install. The Jack, Tire Iron, and Spare, all fits back in it's original place and remains just as it was before. Wiring was a 4 wire job and was done in 10 minutes time.
I now have everything ready to once again tow the bike around. This particular hitch has a 200lb. tongue rating and a 2,000lb. tow rating. With the trailer weighing less than 200lbs. total, and the bike less than 500lbs., I'm well under the load limits. So if your in the market for a really decent and well designed trailer hitch, check out Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 They have hitches for all kinds of applications and top notched customer service. I'm not usually looking to advertise for anyone but every so often you come across an exceptional product or company that just deserves mention. E-Trailer is one of those companies. Check them out!
After removing the spare tire and jack and equipment from the rear tub, it was just a matter of removing two rubber drainage grommets, and replacing them with a steel plate and Grade 8 Hardware.
Once you drop the 1/2" bolts through the plate, you only have to lift the hitch into place and start the two nuts. I opted to use Grade 8 Lock Washers and a dose of Locktite to make me feel better.
Next you turn to the rear of the bumper. You use two existing holes which accept another set of thick steel plates above, and drop through two 3/8" Grade 8 Bolts from the top down. Again I used lock washers and Locktite to make sure nothing comes loose down the road.
I tightened everything down and was finished with the install. The Jack, Tire Iron, and Spare, all fits back in it's original place and remains just as it was before. Wiring was a 4 wire job and was done in 10 minutes time.
I now have everything ready to once again tow the bike around. This particular hitch has a 200lb. tongue rating and a 2,000lb. tow rating. With the trailer weighing less than 200lbs. total, and the bike less than 500lbs., I'm well under the load limits. So if your in the market for a really decent and well designed trailer hitch, check out Trailer hitch, hitches and bike rack (800)298-8924 They have hitches for all kinds of applications and top notched customer service. I'm not usually looking to advertise for anyone but every so often you come across an exceptional product or company that just deserves mention. E-Trailer is one of those companies. Check them out!
