Trailer hitches???

[gsrthebomb]

Has anyone ever heard (or seen) of a trailer hitch (draw bar) installation for a G35 or 350Z. My son (who drives the Z) and I have become reasonably avid racers in the SCCA Solo2 events in our local districts. We've now come to the realization that one or both of us need a lightweight hitch to pull a small utility trailer with racing wheels and tires, jacks, tools, etc., to the tracks. I've actually found a manufacturer who possibly builds a hitch but my local installer says he can't touch the electrical system in either car for fear of totally screwing up the various relays, computers, etc., in the car(s) which, of course, means that even with an hitch, there will be no operative trailer lights. Anyway, I thought it was worth asking here before giving up. TIA for any ideas.

[snwbrdr435]

Suggest against that and vote for getting a pickup and trailer just to go to the track and back. You won't be able to tow alot with your cars they are not meant for it.

[oldandslow]

I think it is a great idea.I have seen lots of people towing small trailers built just to carry their race tires to the track.Check this out http://www.mainstreet-data.com/trailer/index.htmThe whole thing would probably be less than 200 lbs fully loaded,so You would not need much of a hitch.

[C-Kwik]

I knew a guy who had a trailer hitch attached to his 240sx. The receiver was hidden behind his license plate and the plate was mounted to 2 of the old spring loaded plate mounts from a car that you fill the gas behind the rear plate. The plate mounts were modified to lock so that it sits upright above the trailer hitch. It was a pretty good way to hide the receiver when not in use.

It shouldn't be a problem using a small trailer like oldandslow mentioned, though, both of you might have to run a hitch and trailer as it may only fit one set of wheels.

As for wiring, I doubt there would be too much issue in tapping into the taillights. Perhaps if it worries you a lot, use a relay on any LED lights you are tapping into. The hardware for standard bulbs should be able to handle the small load an extra set of taillights will add.

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

that is a big

LOL but that would be nice to have something like that... I have a jeep for my towing lmao.. oh yea and for off roading!

DJ

[gsrthebomb]

Bingo, Oldandslow! That's exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, it's been all of the Miatas that we've seen in the past few months that caused us to consider the whole thing. So now that we've got the trailer part figured out all we have to do is find the right hitch and do something about lights. Many thanks to everyone!

[zozoka1212]

I would hate to see my car like that but it is personal preference.

zozo

Look at this.



I have no idea what type of hitch that is. Sorry.

[ArizonaG35]

I see motorcycles with trailers all the time out in AZ... I would think that if a Honda Goldwing can be fitted with a trailer hitch, then most certainly a G35 could as well. You may want to talk to your local harley dealer to see who they recommend... I bet it's light weight and can be fitted pretty easily on the G... just a thought... afterall, you're not towing a boat or anything...



Good luck and keep us posted.

Dave

[oldandslow]

Bingo, Oldandslow! That's exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, it's been all of the Miatas that we've seen in the past few months that caused us to consider the whole thing. So now that we've got the trailer part figured out all we have to do is find the right hitch and do something about lights. Many thanks to everyone!

Lights should be easy.Just use feed from brake,tail,etc. to trigger relays like C-Kwik said.You would only need 1 common +12v ,and 1 ground to do the whole thing.On the hitch,You dont even need a conventional receiver, just a bar to hold the ball.If You balance the items on the trailer right, You wont have much tongue weight.Trailers tow best with 10%-15% of the gross weight on the tongue,so Your only talking maybe 25-30lbs. of tongue weight.A piece of Aluminum bar stock about 1/2" x 2 1/2" bolted underneith somewhere should do the trick.If You wanted to do a hidden receiver,You could use a piece of aluminum rectagular tubing that the bar stock would fit inside.

[G35autocrosser]

Has anyone ever heard (or seen) of a trailer hitch (draw bar) installation for a G35 or 350Z. My son (who drives the Z) and I have become reasonably avid racers in the SCCA Solo2 events in our local districts. We've now come to the realization that one or both of us need a lightweight hitch to pull a small utility trailer with racing wheels and tires, jacks, tools, etc., to the tracks. I've actually found a manufacturer who possibly builds a hitch but my local installer says he can't touch the electrical system in either car for fear of totally screwing up the various relays, computers, etc., in the car(s) which, of course, means that even with an hitch, there will be no operative trailer lights. Anyway, I thought it was worth asking here before giving up. TIA for any ideas.

i have a G37 coupe and am in need of the same exact thing. the miata's use the trailers often, but many of them also just have a hitch off the back that only mounts the 4 tires (no wheels/lights). i am open to either one. please let me know if you find out how to attach the hitch.

[oldandslow]

In My opinion, the small trailer would be better,because You would have less tongue weight.Those racks that mount directly on the car ,put ALL their weight on the car.