Trailer Hitch Reciever help

[rangerdanger]

Hey guys, looking for some help in finding a trailer hitch reciever for my 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara. I found these online:

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2006_Suzuki_Grand+Vitara.htm

Wanted to get some advice though before I went and bought one. Want to try and make sure I'm getting the right one. My dealership wants about $300 just for the mount and wiring harness, not including install. I'd like to avoid that if at all possible. And if I can install it myself, that would be awesome. I have some mechanic friends that can are able to help out with the wiring harness and probably the hitch. Want to get a 2" receiver. Thanks for the help!

 

[NeTree]

What do you plan on towing?

 

[Paul B]

a 2" receiver for a Grand Vitara? As Eric asks, what are you planning on towing?
I had a fore runner a few years ago with a hitch, it was an oddball size, 1.25 inch or something, about the only thing that ever hauled was a bike rack for 2 mountain bikes, I wouldn't have even considered hauling anything heavier.

ps, I still have the receiver mount bike rack, if anyone is interested

 

[NeTree]

According to Edmunds, the towing capacity for all 2006 models of Grand Vitara is 3,000 pounds.

Of course, anything over 2,000 pounds should have brakes. With a curb weight of only 3,400 pounds, and a narrow wheelbase, keep in mind any trailer over 1,000 pounds has a lot of potential to give you extreme handling headaches, and greatly decreased braking performance. So basically, anything that "requires" a class III hitch should be avoided; you could do fine with a simple ball mount, or class II hitch, both of which would be cheaper, and are still rated for 2,000 pounds- which is more than I'd pull with it, if it were me.

 

[Al Smith]

Places like Autozone used to sell bolt on recievers for 99 bucks or so .Those were for frame mount things like pick up trucks .

You get into things like the uniframe Jeep Grand Cherokee and the like the price goes up considerabley .I have not one clue what the construction of a Suzuki is .

 

[NeTree]

I thought I saw frame mentioned when I was looking for the specs; I don't think it's unibody.

 

[Al Smith]

If that's the case then I'd look at Autozone,Pep Boys or some other discount parts store .Mounting one is pretty simple . Use grade 8 bolts and get them tight .

 

[rangerdanger]

Not planning on anything heavy. Just a trailer I can move stuff with.(lawn mower, furniture, stacks of brush, some firewood, a motorcycle/ATV when I get the $$$ for one). Nothing too serious or heavy.

As far as 2", all the stuff Dad runs has 2" receivers(expect for chip truck) and I'd like to keep it all the same. Most of the people I've borrowed a trailer from and had to borrow a ball hitch from ran 2". Just seems most common around here.

 

[lumberjack]

Buy any of those hitches in your link, install, and you're done.

 

[rangerdanger]

Sweet, thanks Carl!! Just wanted to make sure I had it right.

 

[Fiddler]

According to Edmunds, the towing capacity for all 2006 models of Grand Vitara is 3,000 pounds.

Of course, anything over 2,000 pounds should have brakes. With a curb weight of only 3,400 pounds, and a narrow wheelbase, keep in mind any trailer over 1,000 pounds has a lot of potential to give you extreme handling headaches, and greatly decreased braking performance. So basically, anything that "requires" a class III hitch should be avoided; you could do fine with a simple ball mount, or class II hitch, both of which would be cheaper, and are still rated for 2,000 pounds- which is more than I'd pull with it, if it were me.

Good Advice!