DIY install TorkLift hitch for bike rack, etc

[dtbaker61]

Ok I need to ask, Is that a Tiger or standard Sunbeam? If a Tiger how much are you asking?

Tony

just an alpine... I was going to convert to an eTiger... but I got bogged down in other projects, and never got to it. I'm more of a 'mod/performance' guy than a restoration type, so I sold April'22 to a guy that wants to restore it.

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[sgriffin130]

Just saw that the TorkLift hinge is on sale for $284 on the trailer.com site

 

[sgriffin130]

Just saw that the TorkLift hinge is on sale for $284 on the trailer.com site

That's "etrailer.com"

 

[Merien36]

That's "etrailer.com"

Cannot find it. Do you have a link?

 

[EpicMachE]

I'm curious, mine didn't have a speaker foam baffle like yours. Does anyone else have it?

I did mine today , No Speaker on mine either!

 

[EpicMachE]

took less than 2 hours, even stopping for pictures.... install instructions were 'ok'. only real issues were:

- 4 plastic fasteners holding rear 'diaper' pan up probably will break on removal, and you 'll need replacements. You might want to get exact replacements if you have a decent hardware store nearby that carries automotive fasteners.... or, use 'regular' anchor bolts with a fender washer under the screw head so that it will be easy to remove the diaper in the future.

- the 4 included carriage bolt heads *barely* fit thru holes in chassis rails, and you *probably* will need to grid them down to fit thru holes. Or, try sticking the head in FIRST; but be careful not to lose the fish wire off the thread end!

I got my hitch from Torkliftcentral.com directly, it is the 2" steel version.
...I think they are now offering a stainless version, and may offer a 1-1/4" version. At the time I ordered, there was only a 2" version.... very beefy at 42.5# including hardware.

There are NO electronics included for wiring lights... but perfect for a bike rack

took less than 2 hours, even stopping for pictures.... install instructions were 'ok'. only real issues were:

- 4 plastic fasteners holding rear 'diaper' pan up probably will break on removal, and you 'll need replacements. You might want to get exact replacements if you have a decent hardware store nearby that carries automotive fasteners.... or, use 'regular' anchor bolts with a fender washer under the screw head so that it will be easy to remove the diaper in the future.

- the 4 included carriage bolt heads *barely* fit thru holes in chassis rails, and you *probably* will need to grid them down to fit thru holes. Or, try sticking the head in FIRST; but be careful not to lose the fish wire off the thread end!

I got my hitch from Torkliftcentral.com directly, it is the 2" steel version.
...I think they are now offering a stainless version, and may offer a 1-1/4" version. At the time I ordered, there was only a 2" version.... very beefy at 42.5# including hardware.

There are NO electronics included for wiring lights... but perfect for a bike rack

Thank You for the info and tips. Did mine yesterday and it came out great !

 

[emichnov]

I just installed my torklift last night. Took a little while, but wasn't too bad. A couple of revelations for me:

• Step 2: I didn't break any of the plastics fasteners on the under body panel ("diaper") - just have the use the pull top (on 2 of them), and gently wiggle out the other 2. Why Ford needed to use 3 different types of fasteners on 1 panel is beyond me.
• Step 4: 7" cut into the rear bumper cover was more than needed - try 5" as the cover only really needs to clear the back of the receiver. You can always cut more later, but there is no way to cut less.
• I did it by myself, so I did step 10 before steps 6, 7, and 9. (i.e. install the 2 rear brackets first, then lift the hitch in place and slide a 3/8" bolt through the hitch into the rear bracket to hold the hitch in place, and THEN fish the 1/2" bolts through). That way, there is no need to worry about pushing the 1/2" bolts back into the frame when lifting the hitch into place.

Overall, very happy with the hitch as it looks good and feels solid.

 

[AEtherScythe]

Sorry I won't be able to help anyone in this thread who has already had a hitch installed. But for anyone else reading, my work may help you.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/thr...l-cutting-guide-and-covers.25995/#post-599644

 

[Mallthus]

When I got the car I received a formal Ford instruction (VP21 A 037) about load....

SR max bikes and bike-rack 75kg max 2 persons front and 2 passengers back
ER max bikes and bike-rack 75kg max 2 persons front and 1 Passenger back
GT max bikes and bike-rack 75kg max 2 persons front and 0 passengers back

For me no problem, could be though!

Ford has been very conservative with their roof loading limits (vs competitors) on all of their SUV/CUV since the Explorer rollover scandal in the mid-2000s. Their goal, I believe, has been to limit weight in locations that significantly raise the CoG so as to limit their exposure in a rollover accident. I’d say that, versus structural capacity, is the reason for the 75kg/150lb roof limits. My 2020 Explorer with the panoramic roof has an even lower 20kg roof rack published capacity (not including factory crossbars).

 

[dtbaker61]

Ford has been very conservative with their roof loading limits (vs competitors) on all of their SUV/CUV since the Explorer rollover scandal in the mid-2000s. Their goal, I believe, has been to limit weight in locations that significantly raise the CoG so as to limit their exposure in a rollover accident. I’d say that, versus structural capacity, is the reason for the 75kg/150lb roof limits. My 2020 Explorer with the panoramic roof has an even lower 20kg roof rack published capacity (not including factory crossbars).

I think a receiver hitch & bike rack is a far better way to go....
+ aero better
+ easier to load/unload
+ hitch provides 'reasonable' emergency rear tow points
- ... but is not encouraged/endorsed by Ford AT ALL for towing

 

[dtbaker61]

just a little update to show my car 'at work'.... I use my little utility trailer probably once a week or so to pick up materials, or deliver stuff to job sites.... like this little 'off-grid generator' set-up.... a 400watt solar module, and a rolling toolbox with 2kWhr battery, charge controller, and 3000watt inverter

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