I'm thinking of buying a 4th generation Maxima and I would need to put a trailer hitch on it tow a couple motorcycles.

Does this seem like a good idea? Anybody have good or bad stories about putting a hitch on their Maxima? I'm hoping to get a hitch that has a socket so I can remove the ball attachment easily (I live in Chicago and have to parallel park often...not cool with a steel ball sticking out from your bumper).

Any suggestions on where to buy the hitch? How easy is the install?

Cheers,
Doug McLennan

 

I have a Uhaul (Hidden Hitches) class I hitch installed and I've towed a completely full uhaul 4x8' trailer (probably about 1000lbs) with no problem. I have a 5-speed which might make a difference. Power is no problem even climbing the Los Angeles grapevine, it didn't slow me down at all. And I can use just engine braking in 3rd and 4th on the downhill portions to slow down, I barely had to touch the brakes at all.

Having an automatic might make things a little more difficult due to tranny overheating issues. But then again towing 1000lbs is just like having 5 big guys in your car, as long as your hitch can hold. But the hitch is really strong, and I even managed full throttle acceleration with the full trailer with no problems.

Just make sure you don't overload the tounge weight, let it have about 50-100lbs, and you should be good.

I really like the Hidden Hitches hitch a lot, it's almost completely hidden, with only a small hitch arm mount resessed under the bumper, its really well designed. It's almost completely invisible with the arm and ball removed. The only problem with the hitch is your rear tow hooks wil have to be removed, meaning flatbed towing your car might become more of a hassle.