Trailer hitch for a car?

[heypete]

Hi folks,

I have a 2006 Toyota Camry LE. I may be moving to a different state next year, and am considering getting a hitch for my car so as to tow a small U-Haul-type trailer. Nothing too heavy, and no more than about 1,500 miles. Everything would be well within the specified limits put forth by Toyota.

I know next to nothing about hitches, other than how they mechanically work. I don't know of any quality installers, brands, etc.

Thus, I seek the advice of this august forum: What hitch would be appropriate for this vehicle? Where do you recommend I get it installed (I'm in Tucson, AZ)? Any particular manufacturers that are good?

Price is a bit of a factor, but I'm willing to shell out a bit to buy quality if it means it'll last for the expected life of the vehicle.

Thanks!

 

[Herz]

I have had U-haul install hitches on my trucks and work astro van before, they seem to have done a good job. As for the brand I really dont remember.

 

[E365]

Hidden Hitch, Curt, U-Haul, etc. I bet they all are very similar in quality. I'd just look around for what brand give the cleanest install look.

I have a Da'Lan on my four-cylinder BMW. I think the same hitch has a Curt label on it now. Quite frankly it's a piece of junk. The fit between the receiver and ball mount is terrible. Mine's a vertical/hidden design which makes it even worse. It's all just made of lower quality steel that's crudly welded together. Almost all aftermarket hitches for passenger cars I see are like this. It gets the job done when you're pulling 1,000 - 1,500 lbs or so though.

I had to add shims to reduce the slop which otherwise translates to terrible clunking noises and extra stress on the entire assembly.

The aftermarket European hitches like Westfalia (they make factory hitches too for BMW, VW, etc...) are the only very high quality hitches I've seem for the passenger car market. The removeable ball mounts are single piece, forged steel unit with an integrated ball. The attachment system is also much better than sliding one square tube in side another loosely and using a simple hitch pin. They are no slop, very secure designs. Terribly expensive though!

 

[Herz]

I just took a look at all my hitches, they are all hidden hitch.

 

[el_zorro]

Draw-Tite. Best hitch on the market.

 

[E365]

Factory BMW swivel hitch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBp5GSwxXes

 

[Black_Thunder]

very satisfied with my Curt Hitch on my explorer, direct fit, easy to install.

dont' know about the fitments on cars though, everything was pre-drilled on mine just had to bolt on.


sometimes no matter what some drilling is required etc.


but go with a custom fit hitch not some [censored] multiple fit hitch that you have to put together.

 

[IndyIan]

I have a hidden hitch on my tracker, it bolted up to the factory nuts welded into the frame. Its very solid but the paint is poor so its rusting but still will last longer than the truck.
You'll need a wiring harness too, which may just plug into your car or may need to be spliced in. The trailer hitch guy will be able to look it up or you can online.
The other thing is don't get a ball for it until you know what the trailer needs. There are a couple different sizes common for light trailers.

 

[wapacz]

Also make sure your breaks are in good order.

 

[wantin150]

My Hidden Hitch bolted right up to my Matrix. No problem.