Any interest in hidden bike hitch/carrier??

fuct · 05-08-2012, 02:21 PM

yea i did this maybe 4 times........... too much trouble.

gy954 · 05-08-2012, 02:39 PM

I just finished installing an EVO-R fog light. I also have the Stillen cat-back exhaust, which is way bigger than the OEM muffler.

Since either one of those items will not work with the hitch, I can't be a customer. If you designed a hitch that would work with both those items, that would be a different story. And here's the critical part: I don't care if the hitch is hidden or not. Sure, hiding the hitch is a more elegant solution...except you lose customers because of the restrictions (assuming I'm not the only one that feels this way

). Just my $0.02. Good luck.

IMWEZL · 05-08-2012, 06:54 PM

I would be interested if it weren't for my Stillen CBE. Too bad I need a way to get an extra set of wheels with race tires to and from an event.

Shark Diver · 05-09-2012, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

Unit weights 10-15lbs, with the accessories 20lbs at the tops. I tow up to 750lbs, it seems fine. For liability reason, he would sell it as a bike hitch, probably rate it somewhere between 50-100lbs. You should upgrade your hardware on your bumper for towing. Curt sells theirs in pretty much the same setup with a rating of 100 tongue and 2000 towing.

Very cool. Will he do one offs? What would be the price?

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 09:04 AM

I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60.

The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models.

One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time.

The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY.

cossie1600 · 05-09-2012, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Diver

Very cool. Will he do one offs? What would be the price?

He would only do it if the price is right. I can ask him, but it will probably be higher than what people are willing to pay. I am guessing about 500 each. I paid around that myself.

There are definitely existing hitches you can use, but you will have to cut your bumper or at least the bottom of the fog light frame. Remember you have to also leave enough room fpr the hitch pin. Lastly, dont just use two bolts if you plan to mount it to the bumper, use 4

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60.

The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models.

One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time.

The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY.

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 09:29 AM

Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives.

And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car.

tommyguns · 05-09-2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives.

And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car.

Wow this is great news! I was just about to clunck down the $$$ for the SeaSucker mount. I'll be watching.

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 09:59 AM

All my preliminary measurements show that the hitch will fit. I have even fabricated the hitch out of card board and it fits. The only potential issue is the width of the rear bumper beam. I have measured it at exactly 2 inches which would make this hitch a perfect fit.

However, if the bumper beam is actually wider than 2 inches I may have a problem. Remember: no obstacles…only challenges

cossie1600 · 05-09-2012, 11:08 AM

Nice, good luck

Shark Diver · 05-09-2012, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

He would only do it if the price is right. I can ask him, but it will probably be higher than what people are willing to pay. I am guessing about 500 each. I paid around that myself.

There are definitely existing hitches you can use, but you will have to cut your bumper or at least the bottom of the fog light frame. Remember you have to also leave enough room fpr the hitch pin. Lastly, dont just use two bolts if you plan to mount it to the bumper, use 4

Worth the $ if no cutting involved. I will follow this. Would like to do something at by the end of the month. Thanks, d.

ResIpsa · 05-09-2012, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shark Diver

Worth the $ if no cutting involved. I will follow this. Would like to do something at by the end of the month. Thanks, d.

I should have the hitch on the 15th of this month ($56 w/ free shipping!). I will let you know if it fits or not.

ResIpsa · 05-17-2012, 05:21 PM

Well the hitch receiver arrived and it did not fit as I hoped. It turns out that the bumper bar is a little over 2 inches.

With that said, I am going to make it fit. However, it is going to require some considerable work.

tommyguns · 05-17-2012, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Well the hitch receiver arrived and it did not fit as I hoped. It turns out that the bumper bar is a little over 2 inches.

With that said, I am going to make it fit. However, it is going to require some considerable work.

Thank you for pursuing this and going the extra mile. I'm sure you'll get it right and the rest of us will be in debt to you, I know I will be.

Staying tuned.

cossie1600 · 05-17-2012, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ResIpsa

Well the hitch receiver arrived and it did not fit as I hoped. It turns out that the bumper bar is a little over 2 inches.

With that said, I am going to make it fit. However, it is going to require some considerable work.

Don't go too crazy modifying an existing one. You can do a new one with about $75 of material and a few hours of work. We were going to modify a 350z hitch, it ended up being more expensive than building one from scratch.

btw, the g37 or even the 350 hitch should fit if you are willing to cut your rear bumper. You have to cut the bottom portion of the fog light off in order for the hitch to come out properly

05-08-2012, 02:39 PM	#17 (permalink)
gy954 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 163 Drives: 2011 370Z Rep Power: 181	Sorry, No, and here's why: I just finished installing an EVO-R fog light. I also have the Stillen cat-back exhaust, which is way bigger than the OEM muffler. Since either one of those items will not work with the hitch, I can't be a customer. If you designed a hitch that would work with both those items, that would be a different story. And here's the critical part: I don't care if the hitch is hidden or not. Sure, hiding the hitch is a more elegant solution...except you lose customers because of the restrictions (assuming I'm not the only one that feels this way ). Just my $0.02. Good luck.

05-09-2012, 09:04 AM	#20 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	I have spent the last two weeks studying the design of our rear bumper cover, bumper beam, and existing trailer hitches for other vehicles. I think that I have found a solution that will fit for around $60. The hitch will be completely hidden and the receiver extension tube will exit through the hole where the fog light was. Although, I believe that it will extend out farther than Cossie’s. This design will easily clear the stock exhaust and leave plenty of room for aftermarket models. One caveat, my design attaches with only two bolts (but theoretically you could add additional bolts if you have a drill that can cut hardened steel) and I don’t plan on adding any additional bracing at this time. The hitch arrives on the 15th. If it fits, I will create a DIY. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-09-2012, 09:29 AM	#22 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	Actually, I think I found one that will require no cutting of the hitch, bumper, or bumper cover. I will not know for sure until it arrives. And it is not a G35/G37/350Z hitch. Hint. It is not even a hitch designed for a car. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-09-2012, 09:59 AM	#24 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	All my preliminary measurements show that the hitch will fit. I have even fabricated the hitch out of card board and it fits. The only potential issue is the width of the rear bumper beam. I have measured it at exactly 2 inches which would make this hitch a perfect fit. However, if the bumper beam is actually wider than 2 inches I may have a problem. Remember: no obstacles…only challenges __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-17-2012, 05:21 PM	#28 (permalink)
ResIpsa Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Virginia Posts: 564 Drives: 09 RACING HEN Rep Power: 338	Well the hitch receiver arrived and it did not fit as I hoped. It turns out that the bumper bar is a little over 2 inches. With that said, I am going to make it fit. However, it is going to require some considerable work. __________________ The Reed Law Firm; Michael Fasano VA Attorney and Counselor at Law: A Virginia Traffic, Criminal, and Family Lawyer.https://reedlawva.com/

05-08-2012, 02:21 PM	#16 (permalink)
fuct A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sugar Land Posts: 3,692 Drives: 97' Ranger :) Rep Power: 24	yea i did this maybe 4 times........... too much trouble.

05-08-2012, 06:54 PM	#18 (permalink)
IMWEZL Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: HNL Posts: 603 Drives: 370Z/MKVII GTI Rep Power: 17	I would be interested if it weren't for my Stillen CBE. Too bad I need a way to get an extra set of wheels with race tires to and from an event.

05-09-2012, 11:08 AM	#25 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	Nice, good luck

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