recommendation on tow package for a bike rack

[Z31toZ32]

hey guys ive got a 99 QX4 and Id like to look into putting on a tow hitch so i can hookup a bike rack to the rear. a top mount bike rack wont work due to roof clearance in the garage so im looking into this route. is there one that you guys would recommend? im not looking to tow anything with it currently, but wanted to explore that option as well. if i was looking to tow something with it, would you recommend a different tow setup, or would there be no difference? thanks for the input.

[Chuck Tribolet]

I've had a Hidden Hitch, the Nissan parts counter hitch, and a Draw Tite on my three Pathfinders. They have all been fine. Get a hitch with a 2" receiver, your bike rack will be more stable. Get a 5000 pound capacity hitch if available.

There are a couple of other major brands which are also probably fine.

I think I bought all three locally. You can save some money on the web, but in all three cases I wanted to get the
hitch on ASAP.

Install is not bad, and a LOT easier if you have a buddy to help hold things while you install the bolts. I had the first
installed (didn't know better), did the second two by myself. A floor jack is handy to lift the hitch into position.

Chuck

[fueler]

Yup, 2" receiver. I got mine at the local RV & Trailer supply.

[Z31toZ32]

nice. thanks for the input guys.

[donald]

I have the Curt Mfg. class3 trailer hitch for about $170 from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturin ... automotive

I'm not 100% sure if there is much difference in chasis between 99 and 01. I have Curt model # 13156 and it works great. Also 2" and tow rated
I tried entering your Q's year in there and it says it fits... as well as curt mfg website
http://www.curtmfg.com/HitchLookup/find ... lass3hitch

I've towed my 400lb motorcycle on a 200-300lb trailer for a round trip of about 200mi or so. no problems.

Of course, if you do plan to tow trailers, do make sure to get a trailer hitch wiring kit to power the brake lights and turn signals on the trailer. You'll also need your own hitch mount and ball to connect to the trailer. But if all you're doing is the bike rack, you'll be more than fine with just the hitch itself.
Also - again if you're towing trailers - check your suspension to make sure it can handle the tongue weight while towing (tongue weight is the downward force at the hitch mount/ball)

[Chuck Tribolet]

BTW, I've used those hitches to tow my boat trailer (about 2000 pounds total) about 70,000 miles. And with the '87 PF,
I twice towed a '68 Firebird (sans engine and transmission) on a rather massive rental car trailer. I figure that one was about
4000 pounds.

Chuck