[VIDEO] Draw-Tite Hidden Hitch and Yakima FullSwing 4 install and demo!

[scoopman]

I had a busy day yesterday. I made a video of it.

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[BigMach-E]

Good stuff! DIY ethic is fine, but I agree, sometimes it's best to have the people who do the thing day in day out do it.

 

[rpowell]

Can you get a measurement of how close the hitch gets to the farthest back plane of the vehicle? Or would you be interested in putting on a quikrstuff rack to confirm clearance?

 

[scoopman]

Can you get a measurement of how close the hitch gets to the farthest back plane of the vehicle? Or would you be interested in putting on a quikrstuff rack to confirm clearance?

I'll take a photo with a tape measure tomorrow... I just looked at the rack you mention and I doubt it would have any problems with clearance.

Looks like you're local to me - you have this rack but no hitch installed yourself?

 

[rpowell]

thanks! i dont even have the car yet but i do have the rack. id like to get the hitch sorted before the car arrives in late september so everything is ready to go.

 

[scoopman]

thanks! i dont even have the car yet but i do have the rack. id like to get the hitch sorted before the car arrives in late september so everything is ready to go.

Got it. Side view:

TIL the hitch receiver is magnetic, so here's a tape measure absolutely flush with the receiver. Looks like it has exactly 2 " (EDIT) between the receiver and the bumper.

@rpowell so long as we don't scratch my bumper (I have a moving blanket I can put on it so this doesn't happen) you're welcome to come by next weekend to try your contraption. DM me if you want.

I've seen other shelf-style racks installed on the MME, so I'm betting this is a pretty standard clearance and you should have no problems. The Yakima hanging rack I got didn't have an issue...

 

[rpowell]

thanks - 2 inches should be plenty to fit! also nice photo skills too. i appreciate your help.

 

[scoopman]

There have been some questions about the hole cut into my bumper (and a little in the diaper) and how the hitch fits in.

Here's the hole cut in my bumper looking straight up to it (rear of the car is at the bottom of frame):

Here's how the hitch fits in. It's really easy, and even faster when you're not worried about the hitch hitting your phone right underneath it:

Here's the hitch installed. You'll notice that the clearance is needed on the right side to be able to turn and release the hitch via the blue knob when you want to take it out. Also, on either side of the adapter bar just inside the hole that's cut are holes in the adapter bar that would probably serve as good winch points if you needed to grab the car from the back for a tow.

Finally, I wanted to find something to cover the hole when the hitch was out. I bought some different types of plastic on Amazon and wound up keeping this rigid type and cutting it down to a size that fits pretty well and securely to cover-up the hole when not in use:

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

@scoopman Thanks for making the video. I have been thinking of putting on a hitch to allow for extra carrying capacity when I go camping and for the rear towing emergency. Let the forum know if you come up with a clean method of cover the hole in the rear for the receiver hitch.

 

[scoopman]

@scoopman Thanks for making the video. I have been thinking of putting on a hitch to allow for extra carrying capacity when I go camping and for the rear towing emergency. Let the forum know if you come up with a clean method of cover the hole in the rear for the receiver hitch.

I have! I got various plastic pieces from Amazon and experimented. This is the winner. I have extra pieces if you want to pick one up since your local. Will measure and post exact dimensions to which you need to cut the piece down.

Zuvas Black ABS Plastic Sheet 12" x 16" x 0.06" 6 Pack, Flexible Than Plexiglass Sheet, Moldable Than Acrylic Sheet, DIY Materials for Home Decor, Handcrafts (Matte & Textured Finish) https://a.co/d/iP9UtWJ

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

I have! I got various plastic pieces from Amazon and experimented. This is the winner. I have extra pieces if you want to pick one up since your local. Will measure and post exact dimensions to which you need to cut the piece down.

Zuvas Black ABS Plastic Sheet 12" x 16" x 0.06" 6 Pack, Flexible Than Plexiglass Sheet, Moldable Than Acrylic Sheet, DIY Materials for Home Decor, Handcrafts (Matte & Textured Finish) https://a.co/d/iP9UtWJ

@scoopman The plastic looks like a good contrasting fix. If your coming to the Bay Area meet up on the 20th, bring a piece. I will gladly contribute to the travel fund in exchange.

 

[Logal727]

How do you think this hitch and bike rack would hold up carrying two 70lb ebikes?

 

[scoopman]

How do you think this hitch and bike rack would hold up carrying two 70lb ebikes?

Max weight for all bikes on the rack is 150lbs according to Yakima -- they'll definitely be moving a bit but should hold. With heavy e-bikes, I would consider a "shelf" style rack more, it's easier for heavier bikes because less lifting. We went with a hanging rack because shelf racks basically don't work with little kids' bikes.

 

[scoopman]

@scoopman The plastic looks like a good contrasting fix. If your coming to the Bay Area meet up on the 20th, bring a piece. I will gladly contribute to the travel fund in exchange.

Unfortunately, my kid is off from school on that monday and we're going away that weekend, so won't be able to make it on the 24th, which is when the meet up is now scheduled :-(

 

[MyLittlePony2022]

Unfortunately, my kid is off from school on that monday and we're going away that weekend, so won't be able to make it on the 24th, which is when the meet up is now scheduled :-(

@scoopman Bummer, I was hoping to meet you. Our cars have met but we have not. ? We can catch up later, since you live in Sunnyvale and I work there. Save me a piece of that plastic.

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