Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

[htchbck]

Looks good Dustin, though I would recommend using standard ft/lb settings on the torque wrench, rather than psi. Unless of course you are using the torque wrench to inflate your tires or check compression . Need to find me one of those hitches for Green Car.

[DriverOne]

Re: Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

My apologies. I mistook pounds per square inch with ft.-lbs. Would you change that for me? I don't want to mislead anyone.

[htchbck]

^^ Fixed!

[Damkid]

Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

That's the first time I ever seen a convert a ball, that's pretty neat and i may order one

[DriverOne]

Re: Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

According to Curt, the hitch should be mounted behind the pinch weld. That way you don't need to cut the bolts or trim up the cover. However, if you do that, you will lose an inch and a half of reach, and you will score the cover whenever you attempt to attach a trailer. Prafeston, I hope that answers your question. Check the pics in the last steps to see the trimming from a different viewpoint.

[DriverOne]

Re: Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

[Safety Guy]

Looking good!

D1, I take it that those squared off "U" bolts are only available from Curt? They certainly make installation a little easier. When I did mine I used regular bolts and nuts (4 each) and had to punch two access holes (cold chisel) in the rear of the bumper beam to get a finger in to tighten all four. I also put mine behind the bumper beam weld seam and didn't have to trim as much bumper cover. It's sturdy enough, but I've only used it with a bike rack. No trailers yet.

I might contact Curt and see about ordering several bumper mount hardware kits to save on shipping costs. Those squared off "U" bolts look like they'd be handy for some other purposes as well.

Thanks for the write up!

Karl

[Charlie1717]

Looking good!

D1, I take it that those squared off "U" bolts are only available from Curt? They certainly make installation a little easier. When I did mine I used regular bolts and nuts (4 each) and had to punch two access holes (cold chisel) in the rear of the bumper beam to get a finger in to tighten all four. I also put mine behind the bumper beam weld seam and didn't have to trim as much bumper cover. It's sturdy enough, but I've only used it with a bike rack. No trailers yet.

I might contact Curt and see about ordering several bumper mount hardware kits to save on shipping costs. Those squared off "U" bolts look like they'd be handy for some other purposes as well.

Thanks for the write up!

Karl

You can buy square U bolts from Fastenal (and I'd imagine other hardware stores).
Here is an example

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=0156438

If I had the exact size I can get them for pretty cheap for anyone interested.

[DriverOne]

Re: Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

They're an unusual size. None of the local specialty stores had them. That being said, I'll measure the bolts and get back to you on it.

Karl, did you have similar results with your installation? I would like to see pictures of the finished product up close.

[Charlie1717]

They're an unusual size. None of the local specialty stores had them. That being said, I'll measure the bolts and get back to you on it.

Karl, did you have similar results with your installation? I would like to see pictures of the finished product up close.

Yeah, just let me know the dimensions and I'll see if I can get them for anyone interested.

[Safety Guy]

Here are two pictures:





I can stand on the tongue and it supports my weight fine (215#) with no detectable movement. When I rebuild Luxstiva I want to redo this and use a less rusty rear bumper beam and refinish the hitch like the OP here.

Karl

[Festevil3]

looks good!

[DriverOne]

Re: Installing the Curt 11566 Hitch

Thanks! Karl, that looks good. Covering the hitch with the Line-X was probably the best thing I could have done. I expect it to last indefinitely. One notable item, the bedliner seems to muffle the vibration from the trailer. I liken it to a Chihuahua playing tug of war with a bus.

[Safety Guy]

That bedliner finish certainly looks great. I may be cheap and do a DIY bedliner kit finish.

Karl

[DriverOne]

This is the wiring harness you'll need to add to the vehicle: Hopkins #48895