Hitch question !

[Steven_C17]

Hello !<br /><br />Well I am just getting ready to obtain the underbody hitch for my car.<br /><br />I have a thundderbird LX 1996. It has been mod with a oversized air chip, a special change to the back and a few other mod's.<br />Was already setup that way as the other owner was going to toe, <br /><br />but either removed the toe package or never had it installed. <br /><br />I am a bit concerned on a bit of info I am not sure about. <br /><br />First the book said the car can handle 2000 LBS, and a 200 frount load. I was informed by a ford tech that the changes made will handle 2500, 250 respective. <br /><br />Ok on the hitch I heard from a few friend that they had some problems with special packages from U-haul and other places they had made. Would it be best to stay away from these places or not ? <br /><br />Next what maker/model would be go for a frame under body package ? <br /><br />Next is should I install ro have it installed as I never hooked up a toe system on a car before ?<br /><br />Also should I have the wiring down bya expert or installed ?<br /><br />As noted I am planning on a 14' to 16' boat. Most likly will be one of the firbeglass light weights used with a trailer. Total weight should not execed 2,500 fully loaded down.<br /><br />Any suggestion and help would be helpful and I thank you in advance !<br /><br />

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Hitch question !

Reese makes a decent hitch you can install yourself. The hitch wiring can also be purchased and it plugs directly into your exsisting harness with a "T" connection.<br /><br />More than likely you will end up with a small receiver (1-1/2" to 1-3/4") that will support a MAX of 300 lb tongue weight. This is to prevent smaller vehicles from towing huge loads and discourages attempts at using the "heavy duty" receivers.<br /><br />You can go to u-haul but ask around first. I have seen both ends of the spectrum from u-haul from poor to excellant.<br /><br />Your car will handle the boat trailer w/o much problem. Have your brakes checked due to the increased weight to stop.<br /><br />Bob

 

[DaleT]

Re: Hitch question !

I don't know exactly where you're at in se michigan, but there are a couple of good trailer shops in St. Clair Shores, as well, I'm sure there, are many more up and down the eastern edge of the state. I installed my own hitch though and it was relatively easy. <br /> Like Bob said ask around, you could even go to a couple of launches and ask some people where they had theirs installed.

 

[Steven_C17]

Re: Hitch question !

Thanks for the reply !<br /><br />I have found a hitch on enay and is a draw-tite.<br /><br />Fits my also and is only $45.00 !<br /><br />Here is the link !<br /><br /> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1839440588 <br /><br />Anyone have feedback ???

 

[Arnold96]

Re: Hitch question !

Keep in mind that the Thunderbird has independant rear wheel drive, which means it basically has the same setup as a front wheel drive, only different(yogiism). I would not want to pull very much over 2000# for very far or very long with the T-Bird(previous owner). For short trips to a lake though it should be OK.

 

[Jango]

Re: Hitch question !

What does the Independant Rear Suspension have to do with Limiting the amount to Tow? I would think springs, sway bars, shocks would be most important. <br />The NEW Lincoln Navigator and Big Ford SUV'S have independant Rear Suspension. I doubt they are weight limited for towing.<br />Just curious

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Hitch question !

Michigan_Fishing, Reese, DrawTite and Valley are the quality hitch manufacturers in the US. When you buy, make sure you know what tow load and tonque load the hitch is rated for.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Hitch question !

TOW TOW T - O - W<br /><br />toe on a foot, tow on a truck....<br />sorry, just had to get that out of my system<br /><br />Cheers

 

[JRJ]

Re: Hitch question !

Hay ndemge, tanks. Me two.

 

[Arnold96]

Re: Hitch question !

The reason that the T-bird ind. suspension is a concern is that the rear end is not made like a conventional axle. It is basically a rear housing with axles similar to the front wheel drive portion of a 4X4. Most of those are somewhat limited in there tow capacity.