I put a hitch on the back of my SS to carry my new bike rack (draftMaster).
It's a Curt hitch, and is currently pushing up on the plastic bumper (see photo)

I know some people here have trimmed around the hitch and it looks very clean.
But question: Doesn't that make the bumper come down and cover up the hole for the hitch pin? It sure looks like it would for me, but I'm imagining where it would fall if I *did* trim it. (A bit scared since I can't un-trim the plastic)

Opinions?

 

I'm very interested. I, too, have a hitch, but it is not yet installed to my SS. I wonder if there would be any way to safely shim the hitch assembly so it is slightly lower.

 

I think that would be the way to go. How does the hitch attach to the car?
Maybe get some square tube and sandwich it between the mounting point?? I was wanting to get a hitch for mine but wasnt sure if there would be clearance issues. I will definitely NOT cut up my bumper.

 

I thought I had sent you a reply, maybe it didn't go thru? sorry if that's the case. Def no problems or interference on my hitch. I posted a pic in my gallery from underneath so you could see. I can't see not cutting it, looks not so good to me just being bent up like that.

 

rom a normal iewing stance its not that noticable...if you cut and the hitch ever came off..well..you have a hole that will be noticable..(ex: a newer or different HHR that u may want to keep the hitch for)

 

I think there may be a big difference between how far a Curt vs Hidden Hitch comes out.

I went with the Curt on the basis of the rack shop's recommendation (their experience with finish quality etc.) But perhaps I should have stuck to my original plans of the cheaper Hidden Hitch of which I had seen pictures here.

musicguy put up a good picture from below on how far back the hidden hitch comes, so I can see why the notch works well for you.
The Curt seems to come back almost even with the rear-most edge of the bumper, and the hitch pin hole is right there, thus I think it would interfere.

My biggest concern leaving it the way it is (other than I think it looks dorky and *I* notice it, though nobody else would) is the possible wear on the plastic bumper over time, perhaps breaking as it ages.

For those still figuring this out I'll try to take a similar photo to musicguy's and also measure the extension of the hitch from the rear of the gas tank or something. (Has to wait for my wife to bring the car back!)

@musicguy thanks for the response - I did see it finally - not sure why the site didn't send me email for a personal response.

 

Now that you mention it paulBvtn, I should add that I have the same hitch as you. (Curt) I may break open the box and see what I need to shim it given that I can easily examine the hardware at this time. I'll post up anything helpful I find out.

 

As much as I wish my hitch would clear the bumper, I can't imagine it being any lower.

I use it to mount a bike rack and I've already hit my driveway multiple times with it - the SS is already pretty low.

 

Okay, here's a picture of the mounting hardware. It looks to me like slightly longer bolts are needed. On the paper behind the hardware, I diagrammed the assembly. The spacers would go between the car and the hitch. To maintain firm contact between the body and the hitch, I would think that a bar of metal spanning the bolt holes on each side would be preferrable to using washers which would leave a gap between the car and the hitch. I have no fabrication skills, so I'll see what I can find.

 

I need to take a picture or two of mine. The previous owner somehow ran it through the middle of the bumper cleanly. It looked fine to me, so I decided to get the car. I don't know anything else about it, but maybe pictures will help. I would rather have what I have than go so low that it will hit on dips in the road and such.