Thank you. I did not think of ground clearance. I now know the value of ground clearance. I will also buy an OEM, because it will be the correct application. Towing can be dangerous and your help will make my towing experience better. Thanks
My 2016 Toyota Avalon did not have the option of a hitch from the factory, so an aftermarket option was the only option. We tow, use a cargo carrier, and also use a bike carrier pretty frequently. The scrapes are pretty funny to be honest and just a reality of a sedan with a low tow hitch.
Good video. I thank you for taking the time to explain what needs to be consider before buying. You helped me out before I went down the “regret road”.👍
❤❤❤. I am so glad I watched your video- Before I let anyone stick a hitch on my car!!! I am just now researching for a hitch package for my Toyota Highlander and found your video. Although this is an SUV, I would have never thought of ground clearance. Husband says he would have never thought of that either. 🎉
Spot on advice! Clearance and how it sat under my bumper was a huge factor for my new (used) truck. I had the experience you mentioned with the Uhaul hitch on my 2006 Jetta tdi (Jack😉) where it would scrape in and out of areas.... super frustrating😂
It is super frustrating for sure. 1. your scraping up the hitch 2 - it can be LOUD and EVERYONE turns to look your way 3. you can really dig up a driveway with repeated passes. Did you find different manufacturers hitches sat at different heights with your truck?
Another thing to consider: On my car the OEM hitch gives the car a 4500lb tow rating and aftermarket tow hitches lower the tow rating to 2000lb. The reason why is that the tow package on my car comes also with anti sway software, the higher hitch that you talked about and a separate oil cooler. If you take my car without the tow package and put an aftermarket hitch, you lose ground clearance and 2500lb of capacity. I don't know if this is similar to other cars, but it was a big deal when I was shopping for my used car. I specifically looked for one with a factory tow package installed. It took a lot of shopping but eventually found one with all the options, trim package and tow package that we wanted.
You are absolutely correct - additional items like transmission coolers, software, and beefed up suspensions can definitely change the towing and payload for each vehicle. When I was researching trucks there was a 6,000# towing capacity difference between same model trucks just based on optional equipment in addition to the hitch itself!
Ground clearance usually means a difference in installation you're right - but getting it tucked up in there more is definitely helpful after installation is complete!
The hitch tightner aka (hitch anti rattle device) is great to have when towing any trailer especially an empty one, it takes out all that annoying and loud rattling caused by the gap between hitch and drawbar
I wish I had seen this video BEFORE I bought my aftermarket hitch and had it installed. YES... mine sits lower than the bumper now. AND.... they put the wiring harness inside the vehicle's spare tire area, UNDER the cover. I keep my work tools and more on top of that cover. Everything must come out to use that wire now. Yes, I can leave a loop inside the cargo area, BUT.... I also have to feed the wire out the rear hatch and over the bumper now. There is very little clearance for error where that wire goes. I'm kicking myself for not asking more questions BEFORE I did this. $500+ later... oh well. Oh yes, this 2018 Ford Escape Titanium has the "Lift-Gate Assist" under the bumper for hands-free operation of the hatch. That is very sketchy whether it works or not now. ARRGH!!
Bummer Bill - sorry to hear you've had a frustrating experience with it. You could look at re-routing the wires on your own to solve one of your issues.
I was told long ago that if you don’t buy a factory installed hitch that came with the car or truck and you have one installed after the fact, you will screw up the alignment of your vehicle. True or false?
I'm not an expert so I can't give a definitive answer - but I also can't see how OEM or aftermarket would mess with the alignment at all. I've never heard that.
As long as you have the properly sized hitch the towing capacity between oem and aftermarket will be the same. Thats going to be determined by engine size and payload capacity among other things and will be set by the manufacturer. You can find a towing chart on the vehicle manufacturers website to get specifics on your vehicle.
Ok thank you i recently bought a 2021 durango sxt but doesnt have tow setup but i want to at some point get a small travel trailer but dont know what size to get hearing different things about it is so confusing lol
Find the Dodge 2021 towing pdf on google - then youll find a table that will give you tow capacities most likely based on motor size. Just remember- youll most likely run out of CARGO CAPACITY before you reach towing capacity when towing a trailer, so that will be your limiting factor
Got a 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and deciding whether to go OEM hitch vs aftermarket. Aftermarket is cheaper and simpler to install but located below the bumper. An OEM hitch like the one on the Trailsport Model costs like 4-5x more because have to also replace a lower trim panel on the plastic bumper. So dealers want to charge $1000-1200 for an OEM parts and labor. 😢. Granted OEM looks better and doesn’t take away from any departure angle if you take it off-roading anytime.
⭐⭐ *Examples of Products Used In This Video* ⭐⭐⠀
🔷 Hitch Tightener: amzn.to/42KyFqe
Thank you. I did not think of ground clearance. I now know the value of ground clearance. I will also buy an OEM, because it will be the correct application. Towing can be dangerous and your help will make my towing experience better. Thanks
My 2016 Toyota Avalon did not have the option of a hitch from the factory, so an aftermarket option was the only option. We tow, use a cargo carrier, and also use a bike carrier pretty frequently. The scrapes are pretty funny to be honest and just a reality of a sedan with a low tow hitch.
Excellent! NO, I had not thought about the aftermarket being LOWER!! Excellent info . Kudos on your video!
It all depends on the model, but some of them are close to 6 inches lower!
Good video. I thank you for taking the time to explain what needs to be consider before buying. You helped me out before I went down the “regret road”.👍
Glad it was helpful!
❤❤❤. I am so glad I watched your video- Before I let anyone stick a hitch on my car!!! I am just now researching for a hitch package for my Toyota Highlander and found your video. Although this is an SUV, I would have never thought of ground clearance. Husband says he would have never thought of that either. 🎉
Can definitely make a difference on certain vehicles - glad it was helpful - thanks for watching Isabella!
Spot on advice! Clearance and how it sat under my bumper was a huge factor for my new (used) truck. I had the experience you mentioned with the Uhaul hitch on my 2006 Jetta tdi (Jack😉) where it would scrape in and out of areas.... super frustrating😂
It is super frustrating for sure. 1. your scraping up the hitch 2 - it can be LOUD and EVERYONE turns to look your way 3. you can really dig up a driveway with repeated passes. Did you find different manufacturers hitches sat at different heights with your truck?
Didn’t consider this until now. Thank you.
This is exactly what I was worried about. Good rule of thumb about the exhaust.
Once someone points it out to you, you see low hitch bars EVERYwhere
Another thing to consider: On my car the OEM hitch gives the car a 4500lb tow rating and aftermarket tow hitches lower the tow rating to 2000lb. The reason why is that the tow package on my car comes also with anti sway software, the higher hitch that you talked about and a separate oil cooler. If you take my car without the tow package and put an aftermarket hitch, you lose ground clearance and 2500lb of capacity. I don't know if this is similar to other cars, but it was a big deal when I was shopping for my used car. I specifically looked for one with a factory tow package installed. It took a lot of shopping but eventually found one with all the options, trim package and tow package that we wanted.
You are absolutely correct - additional items like transmission coolers, software, and beefed up suspensions can definitely change the towing and payload for each vehicle. When I was researching trucks there was a 6,000# towing capacity difference between same model trucks just based on optional equipment in addition to the hitch itself!
what car is it
I had not thought of the ground clearance; I was thinking more of the installation of original vs aftermarket.
Ground clearance usually means a difference in installation you're right - but getting it tucked up in there more is definitely helpful after installation is complete!
Very helpful and definitely useful video. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Keep Making. God Bless.
Thanks! I appreciate the kind words Jared!
The hitch tightner aka (hitch anti rattle device) is great to have when towing any trailer especially an empty one, it takes out all that annoying and loud rattling caused by the gap between hitch and drawbar
I absolutely agree! I use on on our bike rack and it helps tremendously! ruclips.net/video/J_fHQmeOEGs/видео.html
Can my Bmw 325I had a hitch and how much can I tow and how do I add the hitch?
Good video. Good information.
Thanks!
Straight to helpful infos.
Thank you & liked.
Thanks for watching!
Great thoughts- thanks!
No problem!
Are there certain brand better than others?
Thank you! This was helpful
Absolutely Erin!
I wish I had seen this video BEFORE I bought my aftermarket hitch and had it installed. YES... mine sits lower than the bumper now. AND.... they put the wiring harness inside the vehicle's spare tire area, UNDER the cover. I keep my work tools and more on top of that cover. Everything must come out to use that wire now. Yes, I can leave a loop inside the cargo area, BUT.... I also have to feed the wire out the rear hatch and over the bumper now. There is very little clearance for error where that wire goes. I'm kicking myself for not asking more questions BEFORE I did this. $500+ later... oh well. Oh yes, this 2018 Ford Escape Titanium has the "Lift-Gate Assist" under the bumper for hands-free operation of the hatch. That is very sketchy whether it works or not now. ARRGH!!
Bummer Bill - sorry to hear you've had a frustrating experience with it. You could look at re-routing the wires on your own to solve one of your issues.
I was told long ago that if you don’t buy a factory installed hitch that came with the car or truck and you have one installed after the fact, you will screw up the alignment of your vehicle. True or false?
I'm not an expert so I can't give a definitive answer - but I also can't see how OEM or aftermarket would mess with the alignment at all. I've never heard that.
Does the aftermarket decrease tow capacity
As long as you have the properly sized hitch the towing capacity between oem and aftermarket will be the same. Thats going to be determined by engine size and payload capacity among other things and will be set by the manufacturer. You can find a towing chart on the vehicle manufacturers website to get specifics on your vehicle.
Ok thank you i recently bought a 2021 durango sxt but doesnt have tow setup but i want to at some point get a small travel trailer but dont know what size to get hearing different things about it is so confusing lol
Find the Dodge 2021 towing pdf on google - then youll find a table that will give you tow capacities most likely based on motor size.
Just remember- youll most likely run out of CARGO CAPACITY before you reach towing capacity when towing a trailer, so that will be your limiting factor
Got a 2024 Honda Pilot Touring and deciding whether to go OEM hitch vs aftermarket. Aftermarket is cheaper and simpler to install but located below the bumper. An OEM hitch like the one on the Trailsport Model costs like 4-5x more because have to also replace a lower trim panel on the plastic bumper. So dealers want to charge $1000-1200 for an OEM parts and labor. 😢. Granted OEM looks better and doesn’t take away from any departure angle if you take it off-roading anytime.
good fcukin video
Hope it was helpful◡̈