Tow Hitch Advice For Newbie

[quadmd]

hey folks.
need some major help.
i have a 2003 x se 4wd
i wanted to get a tow hitch put on for a bike rack

Questions:

1) what is the best place to buy a tow hitch and what is the best one to buy - and doest it really matter. I like the nissan style ones
http://www.xterraparts.com/Merchant2...de=999T5-00003

cause you have the step.

2) are these tow hitches something that even the most uninclined can install. most of the websites say that the diffiulty level is like 3 out of 10 - i.e a moron like me can do it. or where is a generic place to get them installed if even i cant do it? I have seen the instructions and it seems pretty damn complicated.

3) what is the upper limit of reasonable for cost of buying one.

thanks folks..
super appreciate all the help from this forum i have gotten in the past. this place is where to go for answers.

[OffroadX]

The Nissan hitch is pricey, but it installs easily enough. You can get cheaper ones like Curt, Draw-Tite, Reese, etc. and they install similarly. The bumper must be removed, but it's really easy. U-Haul will sell one and install it for less than the cost of the Nissan hitch alone. The Nissan one is nice in that it includes frame rail reinforcements, but for a bike rack you won't miss them.

Brent

[Schludwiller]

Yes, you only need the frame reinforcements if you're doing some heavy work. But if you end up doing so, definitely get them. Skid Row (skidsplates.com) makes them if you go with a non-nissan hitch.

[ScottyB1]

I have an '02 and ordered a Draw Tite hitch off the internet. I can't find the information so I can't tell you exactly which site I ordered it off of. The installation took about 45min and was extremely simple. It was styled like the nissan hitch, but did not have the step plate on the top. I still step on it though. I think it ran about 125 dollars. No more than 150. I will try to find the website for you. It seems like it was hitches r us or something. Good luck.

sb