Hitch and bike rack recommendations

[ndbakken]

I've owned by 2008 Rogue for about two years now. I'm looking to add a hitch for my bikes. I know the dealership has a hitch and will install it for me...but I'm wondering if it's something I can do myself by purchasing one myself.

I've found a few from the US (I'm in Alberta, Canada) that are about $140 shipped. Here`s one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.ca/2008-2010-NISSAN-ROG ... 414a7eebb0.

In the instructions in the listing, it says to remove the exhaust before putting the hitch on....Has anyone done this before?

Also, I can see the three holes where the hitch will mount on the right-hand side under the vehicle, but on the left-hand side there`s something already mounted there -- it`s a black cover protecting something -- about 8 in. by 8 in.

Edit -- also found one from etrailer.com http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/N ... 2008106416. Anyone with experience with them?

Any recommendations? Should I go through the dealership or try this out myself to save a couple hundred bucks.

Thanks!

EDIT: Second link to etrailer.com

[philipa_240sx]

Hello ndbakken and welcome to the NICOClub Rogue Forums!

Answers to many of your questions regarding trailer hitches and bike racks can be found in the Rogue FAQ:

the-official-rogue-faq-information-answ ... 07234.html

Check out the following thread:

Tow hitch

In particular, SirBikesAlot who has lots of great photos.

The hitch is easy to install, does not require dropping the exhaust, and yes there is a factory tow hook on the RH side which must be removed to install the hitch. A metric socket set is all you need, no drilling or cutting.

[ndbakken]

Thanks for the info...

I didn't notice a tow hook but did see a box cover on the left-hand side. My wife is out with the Rogue right now but I'll try to get a photo of it. Maybe I'll take it off to see what's underneath -- it's currently using the holes that the hitch would screw in to.

[kerrton]

Hi ndbakken,

As most have stated in the existing hitch threads, this is a very "doable" project for anyone, the most difficult thing is just crawling underneath, lining the hitch up long enough to get the bolts started. For this reason you definately need a second person to hold it up, but it's a simple job and no need to remove the exhaust with the models that I and other members have installed.

[sprocket]

I have installed the Nissan accessory tow hitch on 3 different Rogues and have done it by myself, no need for a 2nd person.

Prep:
1) Remove tow hook on RH side. 4 bolts
2) If your tow hitch does not have a clearance hole for the small bolt for the canister brkt, remove that one bolt too.

Installation:
3) To avoid scratching, I usually lay down cardboard so I can rest the hitch on the ground
4) Lift the left corner up and over the exhaust tip. let the exhaust support it temporarily on the left side.
5) Lift the right side up, line it up with the holes, start the right-side bolts but don't tighten fully.
6) Move to left, start the left bolts. You should have enough play to align it and the right bolts will support it so it doesn't fall.
7) Tighten all.

Re-tighten after you have put some miles on it to make sure the bolts are still torqued down.

Hope this helps.