Anyone know where I can get a trailer hitch for a sunfire? I'd need an extension to raise it up as well.
I'm tired of putting tires in the car when heading to an autocross, and at my new place I'll have a place to put the trailer when not autocrossing.
I'll be building a tire trailer using the harbor freight base.
-Chris
HiddenHitch and DrawTite both carry a model specifically designed for J's.
Both are Class 1 hitches
http://www.hiddenhitch.com/
HiddenHitch Part # 60973
http://www.draw-tite.com/
Draw-Tite part # 24733
Might be able to get one from eBay or order from a local auto parts place.
Both sites have a dealer locater
Thanks for the links! The websites are pretty much identical, I'd assume its the sme company.
-Chris
No problem.
Different companies, but a similar product.
If you need some pics for install related questions, shoot me a PM. I got one on my car (can't remember which model, though)
if you read in your owners manual, you'll see towing should
ONLY be done using an automatic transmission.
you dont wanna f'up you car.
Good point, however, towing light weight trailers is OK.
Its not so much as burning up the tranny as people burning up the clutch. Since the average bear is smarter than most of the J-body owners out there, that's why GM put that in the manual.
I've towed 1200 lbs with no problems on numerous occasions with my 5 speed. Just have to know what you're doing.
Big Boi -Coloradojbody.org- wrote:if you read in your owners manual, you'll see towing should ONLY be done using an automatic transmission.
you dont wanna f'up you car.
They all say that for most any small car with a manual trasmission.
I'm only towing a tire trailer with a utility box, it won't be a problem. The total weight won't be more than the maximum capactity for a J-body which I believe is 800 lbs, with the trailer and everything I may be pushing 600-700lbs so I'm not worried at all considering I see miatas at autocrosses towing these things.
As Kardain said its a bigge matter of not being stupid.
Kardain: If you could just send me some pics of the bolton points that would be helpfull. Post em here or PM me for my e-mail addy.
Thanks,
Chris
-Chris
Here's the bolt on points. Pardon the dust. Gravel driveway and no rain for a while...:
Driver's side (You have to drop the muffler. No choice)
The bolt goes through the arrowed hole (its the only one big enough for the bolt to pass through) then you have to push it back to the one behind it. (the one just to the left of the stock muffler hanger in the pic) There's space to get it through. I had to flatten out the heat shield, so this pic is deceiving.
Another view of the driver's side:
Here's the bolt on point for the bumper (driver's side) -- passenger side similar:
Here's the passenger side. Same deal as the driver's. Bolt goes through the arrowed hole...:
Turns out I have a Draw-Tite hitch installed. I couldn't remember which one....
I had one installed on my Z. I had to drill 2 holes into the metal underside of the bumper, and 2 more holes through the spare tire well.
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
I installed a Reese low profile Class I hitch on my Z24. You can't even see it. It was quite easy. Had to drill two holes in the underside of the bumper. The New Reese and Hidden Hitch Class I hitches do not require any drilling.
Also, I tow a 14' aluminium boat (approx 600lbs) and I would not do it with an automatic. Towing is MUCH harder on an automatic transmission than a standard. The reason they say you can tow with an automatic is because the torque converter allows an automatic to physically pull more. That does not mean an auto can tow better or safer. My car can tow the boat with ease. The only time I can feel the added weight is on steep grades and in high winds. The engine temperature never changes.
the sunfire part number for hidden hitch is #60960 and 24613 for draw-tite
Its the same hitch. I have a Cavi P/N on my Fire
Now there may be a difference if it's a GT Fire. Haven't looked into it since I have the SE
Thanks for the added info
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Monday, July 03, 2006 10:58 PM
What about a trailer wiring kit with a j-body. I Put the Hidden Hitch on my Sunfire and it worked out great, I'm thinking about getting a wiring kit for it so I can have a fully legal trailer. Has anyone installed one of these, if so, is it easy? I have basic wiring/electronic tools and should be able to do it. I was just wondering how hard of a job it was. Here is a link to a wiring kit that fits j-body. Thanks for the help.
http://www.speedyperformanceparts.com/performance/brands.php?makeid=22&modelid=310&year=2002&partid=1595
Have Fun!
That's a universal kit. You have to splice the wires in rather than using an adapter socket that goes inline with the harness.
You can probably pick up the same wiring kit from WalMart for cheaper, and it will have both ends (car and trailer plugs).
Get a 6 pin kit. It allows you to mount it to the hitch and don't have to worry about dragging wires. You can always get a 6 to whatever adapter if you need to.
Shouldn't take more than an hour, and that's taking your time.
The bigest thing with towing is to make sure you dont pull more than your car can stop. For the most part a 5 speed will keep the engine in its peak tq. range a bit better than an auto can on a j-body. But thats my 2 cents.
_____________________________________________
94 Honda Del Sol
I'm not to worried about the weight caps of trailering. I have an automatic tranny, high performnace carbon metalic brakes, and I will never tow anything even close to 1000lbs. Are the instructions that come with the wiring kits detailed and easy to follow? The time and tools arent a problem for me either it's the techniques and general wiring of the kit that will get me. Like I said, electronics arent really my cup of tea, even though I can solider. Any help would be great!
Have Fun!
The kits usually come with a wiring diagram (ie one color is lt. turn/brake, another color is park, etc....) You would then need to use a test light, multimeter, Haynes/Chiltons to match up to the proper wire on the car.
Kardain I sent you a message about hitches. It goes something like this, in case anyone else can help out.
"I was reading a thread and you seem to know quite a bit about trailer hitches on j-bodies. Im looking at getting a hitch to mount a bike rack, like you see on trucks and SUVs. Someone near (well 125 miles away) is selling a hitch and rack for only $100. She said uhaul told her its only for any year sunfire (she has 2002,2dr), but wont work on cavs (I have '05 2dr). Her receipt says model 24613. Uhaul.com lists the 24733 part for all cavs and most sunfires (the rest of the sunfires say "no parts made"?). It seems that drawtite and uhaul use the same numbering system. I cant seem to figure out why a sunfire and cav hitch would not be exactly the same, and why is uhaul telling her that it would only work on sunfires. You said you have cav hitch on your fire? No problems installing other than dropping the exhaust?"
^^ You've got mail.
(posted for everyone else)
Whoever sold her the hitch isn't too bright. The frames for Cav's and Fire's are the same from 95-05.
24163 is a Draw-Tite part number.
24733 is the Uhaul # (also a Draw-Tite #)
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2005_Chevrolet_Cavalier.htm
So, hers will work on your car, as long as its using existing holes.
Aside from dropping the muffler, and chasing the bolts through the frame rail, it'll bolt up fine. Only took me 45 minutes or so.
