Myrv

Does anyone know if the Hidden Hitch will fit an AE?

I did a search but couldn't find anything specific.

Thanks

jjs

Go to a hidden hitch dealer and have them hold one in place and check...I don't think it will be a major issue since the rear lip doesn't extend way down, but still...that is an area where a test fit can save alot of aggravation and disappointment.

MS 2K1 AE

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I have heard of the hidden hitch...but I went with a Draw-Tite instead. Alot of people told me it would be too noticeable, but you can barely see mine.

CIRCO

iTrader: (1)

Damn guys I hope you know towing with the max will severly damage your car! You may not notice it today, but give it time.

mdeal

iTrader: (2)

Maybe it's for a bicycle rack. I don't that would hurt too much. Pulling a car trailer might, though, if the hitch doesn't fall off first.

Tony Fernandes

Would you happen to have some pics of your Draw-Tite?

Tony

Myrv

Yes, I just want it for a bike rack. I have no intention of "towing" anything with it.

I have concerns about roof racks leaving marks on my roof so I figured a trailer hitch carrier would be the best bet.

mdeal

iTrader: (2)

I had two different roof racks on my last car (Thule and Yakima) and both left some after effects.

I fold down the seats and cram my bike in the trunk (with the front wheel off).

jlageman

Hidden hitch works very well with the AE kit. the hitch is almost totally hidden as they say you can only see the small square hole from the back, also there is enough room to put in a bike rack with no rubbing . I have this set up, sorry no pics, But you will not be sorry if you get it.

MS 2K1 AE

The Max is capable of towing up to 1100lbs (I believe this is correct...from the owners manual). I would not recommend doing it daily...but there shouldn't be any trouble. I know my clutch will wear out more quickly, maybe my brakes...but that's OK. The wave runner has to get to the lake!

MS 2K1 AE

Tony...I have several pics, but can't post them. Do you want me to email them to you? I'm heading out of town for the rest of the weekend though...mybe Sunday?

Tony Fernandes

Yes, that would be nice. Thank you! Also, where did you buy it and for how much?

beanpie71@charter.net

Tony

Tony Fernandes

Where did you buy it? Do they have a website or an online dealer somewhere? I've never heard of the Hidden hitch or the Draw-Tite. I don't want a roof mount, and although I'm not thrilled about a trunk-mount, I was looking at this one: Trunk bike rack

Tony

jkratzer

I have the hidden hitch on my 2K1 SE. It is a great product and you can hardly see it. The receiver bar is well hidden by the bumper and with the hitch cover on it is not noticeable. I use it for my hitch-mounted Rhode Gear bike rack as well.

Hidden hitch installed

Triple8Sol

iTrader: (29)

That's cool you can barely see it. Where does it mount? And how much does it weight...I wonder if it would help the weight distribution a little.

jkratzer

I'm not sure how much it weighs but it is not light. It attaches to the frame. On the driver side there is a tow hook point that it bolts to. On the passenger side there is no tow hook point so carriage bolts need to be fished thru the frame. It's not hard and I did the install myself by putting the rear of the car up on ramps to allow enough room to work.

Here is their web site:
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/Home

SSandMaxima

Does that have the 1 1/4" receiver or the 2"? I am wondering if there is much bike rack movement with a 1 1/4" receiver compared to a 2"

jkratzer

1 1/4"

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

How much? I might consider that for my 2K2 along with a rack.

jkratzer

$90 for hidden hitch, $100 for hitch mounted bike rack.

Tony Fernandes

I noticed there are a LOT more bike racks out there with the 2" hitch-mount than the 1-1/4".

Tony

SSandMaxima

I have noticed that as well. Im not sure if it is because the 2" is more stable or if it is because the vast majority of SUVs on the road have 2" hitches.

PrinzII

iTrader: (2)

...and $300 for the mountain bike.

SSandMaxima

Actually, No. Specialized Stumpjumper ~$1000, Litespeed titanium Road bike... $2600. Y2K Maxima, $17000. so, $180 for hitch and rack is not bad at all to keep bikes and Max intact.

MS 2K1 AE

Tony-

Check your email...Draw Tite pics are there. Also, the Draw Tite site is http://www.draw-tite.com/ The hitch shown under their site does not look like the hitch I ordered, however.

Saris hitch rack is awesome...mine come standard to hold two bikes, but is upgradeable to four. Watch your tongue weight with four bikes though. The Draw-Tite only has a 150lb tongue weight if I recall correctly. The rack weighs about 40 lbs. If you have 4 30lb bikes, you're over the limit. My Specialized is 26lbs, which is pretty light. I won't do more than 3 bikes on my rack.

I'm pretty sure I didn't go with the Hidden Hitch because the tongue weight was only 100lbs. I can't remember exactly, just be sure to check the numbers. I posted the specifics in another hitch thread this past winter. You may want to try searching for it.

jkratzer

Here are some specs on the Hidden Hitch model #60945 for Nissan Maxima 1995-2002 models.

Hitch Weight: 30 lbs
Tongue weight: 200 lbs
Tow weight: 2000 lbs
Install time: 20 minutes

MS 2K1 AE

Thanks for the correction...now I can't remember why I didn't go with the Hidden Hitch??? I'll look up the specs for the Draw Tite in my paperwork for comparison.