Bike rack for the '13 FFH?

[jmellen]

Here are two pictures of the hitch receiver that I had installed. It has worked great with my bike rack once I cut the 2 3/8 inch square. I don't plan to tow anything with my FFH. The installing dealer recommended 150 pound maximum weight including the bike rack due to it being 'bouncy' weight. Spec for this hitch receiver says tongue weight is 350.

[pbulling]

I have looked at a Curt and a Hidden Hitch brand hitch that have been mounted on a 13 FFH and both had the panel removed. The instructions for a Hidden Hitch brand says to trim opposed to remove the panel. This is why I am looking for pictures of how the hitches have been mounted.

 

I still believe if you remove the inner lower panel, you will degrade the structural integrity of the lower part of the rear bumper. There is a YouTube video of a Hidden Hitch hitch installation and this shows the removal of the panel. I believe it is easier this way even if the instructions for the Hidden Hitch show just trimming of the panel. I would think that with this method, the rear bumper may catch wind and flap some while driving.

I share your concern about degrading the bumper. E-Trailer rep told me that the Draw Tite Hitch (hitch #24897 http://www.etrailer.com/p-24897.html#review87167) could be trimmed in. Did you install a hitch or pursue futher? Thanks, Paul

[jeffo65]

I share your concern about degrading the bumper. E-Trailer rep told me that the Draw Tite Hitch (hitch #24897 http://www.etrailer.com/p-24897.html#review87167[/size])[/size] could be trimmed in. Did you install a hitch or pursue futher? Thanks, Paul

 

I spoke with etrailer and we discussed the situation and have decided in the upcoming months I would go to etrailer and we would try a few hitches to see what can be done. I live about 20 minutes from etrailer.

 

Right now using the truck top bike rack on the Xterra for the mountain bikes. But come summer time, my wife rides with a group of women and she wants a rack on the Fusion.

[pbulling]

I spoke with etrailer and we discussed the situation and have decided in the upcoming months I would go to etrailer and we would try a few hitches to see what can be done. I live about 20 minutes from etrailer.

 

Right now using the truck top bike rack on the Xterra for the mountain bikes. But come summer time, my wife rides with a group of women and she wants a rack on the Fusion.

I rode today and transported my bike inside the car with the seats down. Rear rack would be a lot easier. Sounds like you're in a pretty good spot to come up with some ideas. If you do, please post. Thanks, Paul