Well I just got my hitch and just put it in .... It was relatively easy to install for all you DIY'ers but here are a couple of notes ... You have to loosen up the muffler, if stock. The hitch has a tab with a hole to attach the plastic straps under the bumper, it needs to be drilled out to 3/8's. And be careful, ups bent my brackets so we had to get brutish on it for a bit. Otherwise here are some pics .. Enjoy !! PM me with any questions ...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Trikkonceptz/Misc%20Parts/P1010031.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Trikkonceptz/Misc%20Parts/P1010032.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Trikkonceptz/Misc%20Parts/P1010033.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Trikkonceptz/Misc%20Parts/P1010034.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Trikkonceptz/Misc%20Parts/P1010030.jpg

I just never thought of the box being a towing machine, how does it tow?

if you read the manual they highly suggest that you do not tow with your xb so I would do it at your own risk.

Hitches on the box? Isn't that the wrong car for the job?

A lot of folks want a hitch to put a bike rack on. I'd probably do the same thing.

oh i see... that makes more sense...

all you need now is a push bar and some step sides
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

if you read the manual they highly suggest that you do not tow with your xb so I would do it at your own risk.

Yeah, I thought so. Well, if anyone can figure out how to tow with a Box, it would be Ivan.

But I'm still not so sure about it, and the braking power needed...Remember kids, when towing, when you stop, all that force comes into play...and if the frame, and brakes can't handle it...Trouble, me thinks.

Now, bikes are light...but...ah, hell. Just let Ivan figure it out. He'll tell ya if it can work.

Or not. He's honest that way.

how much was the hitch?

is it to pull the bikes? or the mini coopers?

A lot of folks want a hitch to put a bike rack on. I'd probably do the same thing.
thats what im looking for, im short so a roof rack is difficult

A lot of folks want a hitch to put a bike rack on. I'd probably do the same thing.
thats what im looking for, im short so a roof rack is difficult

True. The thin paint on these things doesn't bode well having a roof rack either. Plus I hate having my bikes way up in the air like that. I much prefer them in the back of my truck, but its not running right now. :(

I'm using the hitch to tow my mini choppers and the occassional Custom chopper... Otherwise ... picture this :

TC Motor .... Upgraded brakes .... BRING ON THE 30' Cigarette ... :rofl:

nice

I am waiting for my hitch to come in. Glad to see it should fit with my custom exhaust. Thanx for the pix. As far as towing, I used to pull sailboats with a '67 VW bus. The xB should easily handle the same load.

As far as towing, I used to pull sailboats with a '67 VW bus. The xB should easily handle the same load.Ah, no. It won't. Hell, you should have never towed anything with a '67 VW BUS. The frame was not designed for that, nor were the brakes. But back to the xB. The manual, says, :no: (ZERO, ZIP, NADA) to towing.

So, tow at your own risk.

pretty cool, dose it bolt up in the midle anywhere, it looks like there can be allot of leverage on those 10mm bolts after the hitch is extended out. I was looking at making one to tow a small trailer with a couple kayaks or mtn bikes i like the concept. You may consider upgrading to a 12.9 grade bolt with a large area hard washer for the mounting bolts. the factory 8.8 bolts are good, but overkill, kills less. Thanks for the post! i was looking all over for something like it.

The kit does not come with any hardware as it utilizes the satock bolts from the tie down brackets... So if toyota says they are strong enough, they are strong enough .. i guess ... :rofl:

you might want to connect your exhaust bracket back onto the muffler

Believe it or not I didn't fix it until I noticed my own post ..lol But thanks ..

do you think that the box could pull a small trailer with 1 or 2 dirt bikes??

Could you please post a pic of a rear view with the receiver empty? I want to put one on my box for my bike rack, but don't want it to stick out like a sore thumb....

How much and where'd ya get it? Thanks for doing this first and posting pics so we could all benefit.

Where can i get one?? How much?? what size is the receiver??

As far as the owners manual, it doesn't say to install CAI's or lower your springs or install larger wheels. And a VW bus is fine for pulling small boats, as is the xB. I know, I've done it and you hardly know it's back there.

As far as the owners manual, it doesn't say to install CAI's or lower your springs or install larger wheels. And a VW bus is fine for pulling small boats, as is the xB. I know, I've done it and you hardly know it's back there.Hmm.

Well, the big difference is that the dealer will install the CAI, springs, and larger wheels. I have done the first two.

And the manual says not to install a hitch. I figure they have a very good reason. You know, having designed the car and all.

Oh, that's right. It's a CAR, not a TRUCk, as some might think. Car. Not truck.

VW Bus, for pulling a small boat? Okay. Not a smart idea, but hey, it was your car. Just because the BUS back in the day was built on the same frame as the Beetle, and used the same brakes...ah, but what do you care?

You have the Cartman attitude, which is, 'Whatever, I do what I want'.

Carry on.

http://www.cs.kent.edu/~akatromp/Images/ani_cartman.gif

a picture of you towing something would be amazing...to say the least. :nope:

I wouldn't tow a ski boat or anything behind my xB. But a 500 pound catamaran? Why not. Obviously there is plenty enough stopping power with a full load of fat people in my car, I don't see how a small towed item would hurt much. To each their own though. If you don't feel safe doing it, then don't do it. Quoting the paperwork from Scion about how it says not to tow is getting really old. I'm sure they don't recommend racing your car or putting air bags on it either....

I wouldn't tow a ski boat or anything behind my xB. But a 500 pound catamaran? Why not. Obviously there is plenty enough stopping power with a full load of fat people in my car, I don't see how a small towed item would hurt much. To each their own though. If you don't feel safe doing it, then don't do it. Quoting the paperwork from Scion about how it says not to tow is getting really old. I'm sure they don't recommend racing your car or putting air bags on it either....
I agree, I don't see anything wrong with what he's doing or wanting to pull. Something small like he wants to pull is fine IMO. All that "Scion" paperwork is getting old and besides it's there so they don't get sued mostly! IMO

It's just a matter of using common sense. Don't load the trailer and the car both full. Just cuz something can be dangerous doesn't mean it is always dangerous...

Thankyou guys. I DO tow a small sailboat with my xB. It's not like I superglued a frame to my car to pull a gulfstream trailer. The Curt Hitch is well designed and made. Some people like to argue. Speaking of which, a VW bus has the same engine, not the same pan (VW for frame to the uninformed) :lalala:

Some people like to argue. Speaking of which, a VW bus has the same engine, not the same pan (VW for frame to the uninformed) :lalala:Wrong, oh, mis informed one.
The BUS was built on the same pan as the BEETLE. Same brakes. Same trans. Same motor, for a while, untill they put a pancake one in there.

Check it out, you want. Go ahead. Now, I know that at some point, the Bus got it's own frame (that may have been in the mid '70s...) But it was the same frame/pan for a long time.

Some people like to argue; I like a debate. .And some people have owned over 30 cars, with over 13 of those being VW's, and amongst those, at least two Buses.


Now, that someone is me.

:lalala:

Looking in my '05 owners manual, I noticed an interesting thing. Right before the recommendation against towing, it mentions Total Load Capacity: 375 kg ( 875lb.)
"Total load capacity means combined weight of occupants, cargo, and luggage. Tongue weight is include when trailer towing" So the have it both waysw. Sounds like they are trying to cover their ___. Remember few people in Japan have cars, and even fewer pull things with them. Cartman don't sail, Charley don't surf.

Do you remember the reduction gears on the pre-68 Busses? The Beetle never had any. I could argue VW's all day. I had 4 busses from '67 thru '72, and I built engines and transaxles for every one of them. But this is a Scion forum.

It's your Box, do what you want.

Just don't sue TOYOTA if/when you do damage to your Box. At least they warned ya.

Look TJ, let's stop this bickering. Al I am saying is The xB is a well behaved little car. I pull my Hobie cat (400lbs), and you can hardly tell its back there. My point is I have pulled the same kinds of loads with VW for yars. Stopping is not an issue with those light loads. You have pictures of your nb on the beach with a trailer near it. Do you sail? Tell you what, I'll be in Jupiter may 24th thru the 29th. I'd be happy to show you the Curt hitch .

Look TJ, let's stop this bickering. Al I am saying is The xB is a well behaved little car. I pull my Hobie cat (400lbs), and you can hardly tell its back there. My point is I have pulled the same kinds of loads with VW for yars. Stopping is not an issue with those light loads. You have pictures of your nb on the beach with a trailer near it. Do you sail? Tell you what, I'll be in Jupiter may 24th thru the 29th. I'd be happy to show you the Curt hitch .

Agreed.

I got mine here:
http://www.etrailer.com/products.asp?model=xB&category=hitch&year=2005&make=Scion&t1=&h=e&image1.x=8&image1.y=13

I don't pull an Airstream trailer or anything, but I do have a 4' by 8' fold-up utility trailer I got from Harbor Freight for $215. The box will pull alot of stuff with out a problem. Just use common sense.

I hauled a new fridge, and patio furniture with it. No, not at 65mph on the highway, but at about 35 all the way home. Nothing heavy like a car or anything, but the box is perfect for those easy haul jobs we all need from time to time. Just use common sense.

Just don't sue TOYOTA if/when you do damage to your Box. At least they warned ya.
Why do you even care? Just let it go man, Dang!!! Let him do what he wants to do. I mean you could have stated your opinion and left it at that, end of story, but you just kept on and on. He's going to tow something with his xB cause he wants to, end of story! :blah: It's not like he's building a freaking bomb or something!

He never said he was going to sue anyone for anything. And btw this is a "Scion" forum not a VW bus forum.

Look TJ, let's stop this bickering. Al I am saying is The xB is a well behaved little car. I pull my Hobie cat (400lbs), and you can hardly tell its back there. My point is I have pulled the same kinds of loads with VW for yars. Stopping is not an issue with those light loads.


And I have stopped. I said, do what you want. Just don't sue, I added, since that happens a lot in this country, especially after someone has been warned not to do something, they do it anyway, and then they sue. Really, that's all. No hidden agenda. Nothing up my sleeve. If you think you can tow, tow. You don't need anyone's permission at all, least of all mine.

Would I tow? No. Not at all. But, then again, I'm old and like to respect the manual., just a bit. It's there to save my Box, in many ways. If the manual did not want TRD springs, or an AEM CAI, or anything like that, I would take it's advice, since you would think/hope that those who wrote it knew what they were talking about.

I paid a lot of $$ to buy my BOX, (in cash), and then, to mod it out (also in cash). So I have made an investment in it, and just (mind you, this only pertains to me), I just would not want to screw it up. It would ____ me off if I did something that the manufacture of the car did not recommend, and then screwed up my ride. That's all.


You have pictures of your nb on the beach with a trailer near it. Do you sail? Tell you what, I'll be in Jupiter may 24th thru the 29th. I'd be happy to show you the Curt hitch .

:rofl:
Sorry. But that shot of my old nB? That was on the beach, and it just happened to have that trailer behind it; it was not in any way hooked up to my Bug. I'm not even sure the nB can handle a hitch.

I'll say it again, so everyone gets it. My friend IVAN, (you remember IVAN; he started this thread), he put a hitch on his Box. IF anyone can make it work, with out busting the Box, he can. I said that.
However, I have my doubts as to the possibility of realistically towing anything with a Box, since it's not really built for it, in the frames, in the brakes, the torque of the engine...It's a small CAR not a small TRUCK.

IF you want to tow, be my guest, and if you succeed, without long term damage to the Box, great. More power to you.

BUT, if you don't, all I ask, (again), is don't sue the company for your foolishness. We have enough nuisance lawsuits around this country.

Just don't sue TOYOTA if/when you do damage to your Box. At least they warned ya.
Why do you even care? Just let it go man, Dang!!! Let him do what he wants to do. I mean you could have stated your opinion and left it at that, end of story, but you just kept on and on. He's going to tow something with his xB cause he wants to, end of story!
Why do I care? Because it's people who constantly do what they want to, then screw up, and then refuse to accept blame, even if they were warned before hand, that bug me. It's like, 'oh look, fire burns your hand, so don't put it the flame', and everyone one just has to put it in the flame, since they can't believe it themselves.

In this case, TOYOTA wants to warn you that towing with the xB is a bad thing, but to some, at least, they want to anyway. It's as if they need to prove a point, or something. Maybe TOYOTA is afraid of a lawsuit; and with good reason, since so many people sue today for stupid reasons. Coffee is hot, so where do you put it while driving? Between your legs, of course. Oh, it spilled on you, burning you. So who is responsible, you cry out? Why, the fast food place that sold you the coffee! They should have told you! How dare they! So, you sue them, they change their ways, and the cost of things go up across the board. Why do things go up? Because the company need to make more money to protect themselves from future stupid frivolous lawsuits.

TOYOTA is trying to cut that off at the pass, so to speak, by issuing that warning. It covers their ___. And yet, they might really believe that it could hurt the car. They may have done stress tests to the car, to find out it's breaking point. They may have thought this out before they just said, willy nilly, not to tow.

But for some, that is not enough, they have to try it out themselves. SO, that is why I asked said people not to sue, if/when it breaks their car.

He never said he was going to sue anyone for anything, sure, but others have said the same thing at first, then sued away later.

And, I know this is a SCION forum. However, plenty of other things(non SCION things), get talked aobut on this site, so why not 'lay off' on that, okay?

Just don't sue TOYOTA if/when you do damage to your Box. At least they warned ya.
I f I were to sue Toyota, it would be over the cheap-___ paper thin paint they use on their cars. That's one way to change the topic!

Look TJ, let's stop this bickering. Al I am saying is The xB is a well behaved little car. I pull my Hobie cat (400lbs), and you can hardly tell its back there. My point is I have pulled the same kinds of loads with VW for yars. Stopping is not an issue with those light loads.


And I have stopped. I said, do what you want. Just don't sue, I added, since that happens a lot in this country, especially after someone has been warned not to do something, they do it anyway, and then they sue. Really, that's all. No hidden agenda. Nothing up my sleeve. If you think you can tow, tow. You don't need anyone's permission at all, least of all mine.
Um no you didn't stop! You wrote two books on the subject! Who cares! You've stated your thoughts now go away! You act like these cars are really expensive or something. My xB hardly cost more than my 4 wheeler!! :rofl: I also paid cash for those too. As I do with most anything.

You wrote two books on the subject! Who cares! You've stated your thoughts now go away! You act like these cars are really expensive or something. My xB hardly cost more than my 4 wheeler!!

Oh, those posts were 'books' Sorry...I forgot, that anything more then a sentance is too long for most folks on the internet.

It requires reading, sorry. And, maybe you act like the cars are not too expensive, but I can recall when a new car was under six grand, and came with more options then this car.

Well, that is more then two sentances. Best be off. Have a great day.

You wrote two books on the subject! Who cares! You've stated your thoughts now go away! You act like these cars are really expensive or something. My xB hardly cost more than my 4 wheeler!!

Oh, those posts were 'books' Sorry...I forgot, that anything more then a sentance is too long for most folks on the internet.

It requires reading, sorry. And, maybe you act like the cars are not too expensive, but I can recall when a new car was under six grand, and came with more options then this car.

Well, that is more then two sentances. Best be off. Have a great day.
I was saying nobody cares about what you posted. He's going to do what he wants! His car not yours. His problem if something happens, not yours. You have made your opinion, now leave! :clap:
And I don't "act" like these cars are not that expensive, they're not. We're talking about present day car prices not years and years ago.

Heh, they tow trailers with motorcycles and VW bugs.

Hitches on the box? Isn't that the wrong car for the job?

what do you tow?

You'd be happy to know the XB flexed some muscle this past weekend .. I actually towed my 1959 Impala, all be it around the block, but I did put the bumper hitch on the impala and attached it to the box. At 4800 lbs the impala is no sloutch and the box really felt it. Not so much the tranny as the brakes, so I left it at home and called a tow truck. If brakes are upgraded to crossdrilled and or slotted and you drive cautiously, on ideal sunny days on flat roads the XB would tow fine ... :rofl: . For now its great to haul motorcycles and jet ski's or wha I really wanted the hitch for .... to make a set of seats to sit behind the truck at car shows ...

Laterz ...

P.S. Our boxes are meant to be towed not tow ..

Just so people know a toyota echo can haul 900 lbs I believe , same motor and crappier gears for towing , yes I know the xb has a slightly stretched frame compared to the echo but I would use the echo's allotted weight as the guideline for towing with an xa or xb.

You'd be happy to know the XB flexed some muscle this past weekend .. I actually towed my 1959 Impala, all be it around the block, but I did put the bumper hitch on the impala and attached it to the box. At 4800 lbs the impala is no sloutch and the box really felt it. Not so much the tranny as the brakes, so I left it at home and called a tow truck. If brakes are upgraded to crossdrilled and or slotted and you drive cautiously, on ideal sunny days on flat roads the XB would tow fine ... :rofl: . For now its great to haul motorcycles and jet ski's or wha I really wanted the hitch for .... to make a set of seats to sit behind the truck at car shows ...

Laterz ...

P.S. Our boxes are meant to be towed not tow ..

Thanks for the update. AS I mentioned oh so long ago, if anyone could do it, it would be you.
And, I like this line from you: P.S. Our boxes are meant to be towed not tow ..

Yup.

I was saying nobody cares about what you posted. He's going to do what he wants! His car not yours. His problem if something happens, not yours. You have made your opinion, now leave! :clap:
Um, I didn't leave yet...oh oh.
:P


And I don't "act" like these cars are not that expensive, they're not. We're talking about present day car prices not years and years ago.

Years and years ago...in 1989 I bought a new Mercury Tracer, with five speed, A/C, top of the line Stereo, Cruise Control, and much, much more. Yet, new, it was only a bit over $6,000.00

I guess that was way before your time...IT was not that cheap then...

yeah hmm i dont want to get killed when u cant stop ur box cuz of the trailer in the back...

As far as the owners manual, it doesn't say to install CAI's or lower your springs or install larger wheels. And a VW bus is fine for pulling small boats, as is the xB. I know, I've done it and you hardly know it's back there.Hmm.

Well, the big difference is that the dealer will install the CAI, springs, and larger wheels. I have done the first two.

And the manual says not to install a hitch. I figure they have a very good reason. You know, having designed the car and all.

Oh, that's right. It's a CAR, not a TRUCk, as some might think. Car. Not truck.

VW Bus, for pulling a small boat? Okay. Not a smart idea, but hey, it was your car. Just because the BUS back in the day was built on the same frame as the Beetle, and used the same brakes...ah, but what do you care?

You have the Cartman attitude, which is, 'Whatever, I do what I want'.

Carry on.

http://www.cs.kent.edu/~akatromp/Images/ani_cartman.gif


If you would only take the time and do alittle research you will find out that the Microbus VW was designed originally for utility purposes. I know, I have an original VW Microbus Crew Cab truck. It has a towing capacity of 3/4 tonage. The Beetle was a completely different chassy. Check out WWW.TheSamba.com There are some reaaly cool pics on this site. But I will agree that an XB should not be towing more than it could handle inside the cab. I'm getting one asap. I need to tow my Sunfish, and a Vespa. Take care

Well hell, I don't know how I got on to this account. I guess they used my pc last. Anyhow, I was not trying to kick sand into anyones face. Just wanted to defend one of my other hobbies. By the way I have had more VW's than I can remember. Ten of them were pre 67 Type 2's Including a 58 23 window. It's funny how a lot of us have progressed into Scions, and Jeeps by the way. :)


My real account is XBrett

If you would only take the time and do alittle research you will find out that the Microbus VW was designed originally for utility purposes. I know, I have an original VW Microbus Crew Cab truck. It has a towing capacity of 3/4 tonage. The Beetle was a completely different chassy. Check out WWW.TheSamba.com There are some reaaly cool pics on this site. But I will agree that an XB should not be towing more than it could handle inside the cab. I'm getting one asap. I need to tow my Sunfish, and a Vespa. Take care

I have had 13 VW's in my life. I have owned two VW Buses, among them. The way the VW MICRO BUS, got it's start, is a bit different then the utility vehicles that VW had back in the day. Sure, in Germany, they had trucks and all , still built on the VW Beetle frame, back in the 50's, and '60's. But they were augmented to be stronger then the Bug. Now, the Bus, it was not meant to be any stronger then the Beetle, not at first. In fact, that was part of it's problem. All that weight, same small VW four banger.

Until sometime, was it late '60s, early '70s, that they changed the motor in the Bus. Then it got stronger.

So, your crew cab was stronger, in some ways, then the Bus. But the Micro Bus, was a weak cousin, to them.

i would but brakes on a trailer and have an ebc on the box if i ever even thought about towing something

[quote=luvmyxb]

:rofl:
Sorry. But that shot of my old nB? That was on the beach, and it just happened to have that trailer behind it; it was not in any way hooked up to my Bug. I'm not even sure the nB can handle a hitch.

.

Have you looked under your New Beetle. IT's a beefy frame for a small car. Why do you think it weighs like 300 pounds more than the Xb. And VW's have a ton of stopping power. Like the Xb, or any small car, loads of up to 600 pounds (including the trailer) should be okay. As long as the trailer hitch is properly secured, it's all good. Of course you have to drive like a Grandma when you've got a trailer on one of these cars.

You are right though. I would never put a trailer hitch on my Xb, or my Fiancee's VW Beetle either. But I am lucky enough to have a bunch of friends who have SUV's and can help me haul or tow things. I love my Xb and I get hectic when I get a scratch on it. So yeah, I wouldn't do anything that could mess with it either.

But heck, I've seen trailer hitches on Corollas and Civics before, why not an Xb?

i am interestered in getting a hitch for towing my motorcycles (2). My only concern is the wiring for the trailer. is there any way to get wiring for the trailer to hook up to? if not, i guess night driving is our of the question. also, has anyone towed a motorcycle in their xb? how does it do up hills? your help is appreciated

i am interestered in getting a hitch for towing my motorcycles (2). My only concern is the wiring for the trailer. is there any way to get wiring for the trailer to hook up to?


This is usually refered to as a 4-wire with converter. http://www.etrailer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E&Product_Code=18130&Category_Code=ELEB
Any good trailer sales/installer can get you the correct one. I recommend that you have them install it, if not correct then they will have to replace it. This happened when wiring my MINI Cooper.

As an aside: Take a look at this tow vehicle.
http://www.trikenest.freeserve.co.uk/tearout1.jpg
It has about 1/4 the weight of an XB, maybe 3/4 of the HP and torque and no electric brakes on the trailer. I am sure that the tow vehicle manufacturer would not recommend towing with it here in the US. However, it is being done in Dorset, U.K. where it is not at all unusual for small vehicles to tow trailers. The biggest difference in the UK and Europe is that people have experience towing with small vehicles, do so responsibly and don't expect to drive the same as when they are not towing. The lack of that experience, responsibility,expectations, and law suites, are the biggest reasons for no tow recommendations here in the US not the cabability of the vehicle.

You know what's really interesting in the xB and many other cars "not recommended for towing" is that they include a "L" or "1" gear setting on the Automatic tranny.... now what else would you possibly use that gear for on an automatic, outside of seriously inclement weather (probably also recommended to be not driving in...), except downshifting on a hill?

Hell... just to throw this in.. I've seen Kia Rio's (my wife has one) hauling fridges on the freeway in utility trailers... and that beast has barely a 95 HP engine in the 2001/02 models (my wife has an '02).

Here's a couple pics of a box towing a bike.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/stick_1nz/DSC00634.jpg

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c281/stick_1nz/DSC00633.jpg

I bought a new Honda Accord way back when, second year car came out. 5 Spead, 4 cylinder, towed a 14 Foot boat with it for years. Always babyed it, and im sure motor was bit bigger than the Xb.

The car definitely is not designed for this duty, and after reading posts about Engine MODs and Clutch troubles an upgrade would be in order if you really plan on doing this. Im sure uphill strains wont be good for the car over all. I did most of this type of pulling on short local trips and was fine.

if you read the manual they highly suggest that you do not tow with your xb so I would do it at your own risk.

damn feeltheburn you beat me to it lol, i was gonna state the same thing lol thats the first thing i thought when i saw it

You can tow an American FLyer!


lol

seriously though, is it safe?

I'm thinking a single jet ski, or a bicycle carrying trailer might me the max.

Well, my xB comes to me on Tuesday, and I can't wait for the summer to tow my little Coleman Colorado Sport camping trailer (~700 lbs). My wife and I have towed it all over the west coast (including up some mountains) with our .2 L, 135 hp Saturn Wagon:
http://shopinberkeley.com/lee/IM004794.JPG

http://shopinberkeley.com/lee/IM004766.JPG

That's a bit more oomph than the xB's 1.5 L, 108 hp, but what the hey.

I think, as others have said, you just have to remember you're towing something, and drive accordingly. Downshift on hills (up and down), use the right lane, and drive defensively, looking way down the road to give yourself stopping time.

When I get my trailer hitched up, I'll be sure to post some photos :D

Well.... I guess it depends on what the owner is towing. Just by looking at pics of the hitch, it look like it was design for light duty towing. (Such as the biker trailer, or any trailer weighing less than 900lbs). lol Scion does not recomend that you use your box for towing (and I do agree to some extent), I guess just use common sense on what you are going to tow. For me to belive that an xB or an xA can tow a 1200lb tailer seems kinda risky :nails:

And what about other issues such as braking? A 700lb trailer would be alot easier to stop than that of a trailer wieghing 1200 or more. :nails:

Before buying a hitch, have you calculate what you are going to tow? How much does the trailer weighs? (Total gross weight including contents: Boat, bike, camper, ect)

Whats the tongue weigh on the hitch? Would your box be saging down when trailer is attached? The hitch hungs closely low to the ground. Also where would you put the saftey chains? I assume that all trailer should have this?

And theres the pay load. Would your box be struggling to pull the weighted trailer? Would handling also be affected with a trailer?

stick_1NZ's pics of the box towing a bike looks safe enought to tow, yet becuase the trailer does not weigh alot. I would assume that towing a 700lbs camper also would be the same.

I needed a hitch also so we could pull our jet ski to the river. I didn't want something that might rub the ground, so decided on a trhu the bumper hitch. Luckily my neighbor is a welder, so we whipped this up one afternoon. Total cost was about $20 including the 1 1/2" square tubing and 1/4" flat plate. The 2" ball and stinger was bought at WalMart. It tows great. Just my version. Here's some pictures...

http://albums.photo.epson.com/j/ViewPhoto?u=4139329&a=32076375&p=73700987

GaryB in Prosser, Wa.

In 1971 I pulled a U-Haul 4x8 box trailer with my 1968 Bug from Louisville to Rochester, 650 miles. Returned without trailer to Louisville, with engine running rough, due to burned #3 valve.

Traded for new 1971 Bug, which in 1972 pulled the same trailer from Rochester to Louisville, arriving with a burned #3 valve. That valve ran hottest because the oil cooler tower blocked air from the fan. That would not have happened a liquid-cooled engine.

For past 150,000 miles have pulled a 2,000-lb boat/trailer with a 4-cyl 5-spd Mazda truck rated for 2,000 lbs with no problems at all. Clutch still original.
http://aatherton06.home.insightbb.com/Trailer/Trailer.html

I have a Harbor Freight folding trailer for motorcycles that I would not hesitate to pull short distances with the 5-spd xB. Go easy on the clutch, and keep the rpms high and don't use 5th gear, because the xB has so little torque. I would not try it with the automatic, as it could overheat the transmission.

Hi, my first post. Just bought an xB Envy Green to be delivered within the next couple of weeks. I've done some internet research and found this hitch by Curt, the only one made for the xB that I can find. I would think that Curt would not be selling this if they didn't believe it safe to use on the xB with liability issues and all. I'm going to use mine with a bike rack but would also like to use a Stowaway Lite cargo box with it too. Only problem is this hitch is a Class I receiver hitch and the Stowaways require a Class II. Both have a tongue weight limit of 200 lbs. I contacted Stowaway to inquire why they don't show them compatible with a class I when they both have the same tongue weight limit. The company representative said that as long as the weight limit wasn't exceeded (75 lbs. for the stowaway plus 125 lbs of gear) that there was no danger of the hitch coming off but that the engine or transmission might not be able to take the extra weight so far from the axle. This doesn't seem like it would be a true problem but since I'm new to the xB I'd like other members opinions. Thanks, Dave

looks good man

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/Scion4Rob/05%20BSP%20xB%20pics/DSC04926.jpg

I would think the xB with a careful driver could easily handle over a long distance:
1. A DIY kit trailer with a bike.
2. A PWC on a trailer.
3. A little aerodynamic cargo trailer like Driver_Lost has.
These have low weight and low wind resistance. A careful driver would not slip the clutch when starting off to use it as a torque converter, and would not use full throttle in 5th gear or let the RPMs in any gear drop under 3000.

I would hesitate to pull over a long distance:
1. A camplng trailer.
2. A boat on a trailer.
3. A box trailer.
3. A trailer + load of more than 500 lbs.

Hey Driver_Lost, where did you get that little cargo trailer?

Hey Driver_Lost, where did you get that little cargo trailer?

The trailer is a kit you can find on line for about $175.00. The box is a sears roof carrier mounted to it.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/Scion4Rob/05%20BSP%20xB%20pics/backbox.jpg

Rob

I hope I get to install my new (to me) hitch on VooDoo this weekend. It should be just like this install..... :silly:

Oh wait, it's this Hitch....Thanks the sell, Trik!!!

... The trailer is a kit you can find on line for about $175.00. The box is a sears roof carrier mounted to it...

Cool. Is it like the 40x48 Harbor Freight #90153-4VGA, or is it narrower than 48"?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90153

I made a Harbor Freight 4x8 folding trailer:
http://aatherton06.home.insightbb.com/Trailer/Trailer.html

... Is it like the 40x48 Harbor Freight #90153-4VGA, or is it narrower than 48"?

OK, I see #90153-4VGA is 40-1/2" W x 48"L, so that's like what you have.

I'm going to weigh-in here and give my 2 cents....just for the heck of it.

Toyota does not recommend towing for the xB. This we all know. It's a small light-weight vehicle, with a small engine and brakes. This we know as well.

But here's the reality....a small trailer, particularly a small areodynamic motorcycle trailer that weighs 500 pounds or less loaded should not pose an issue, provided you keep the tongue weight at no more than a 100 lbs or so.

IMO, the hitch should be bolted to the uni-body rails where the tie-down hooks are mounted. It appears that's where it's been attached in the pix.

I don't see the big deal....especially since it's not my vehicle. If people want to tow small loads with their Boxes, let 'em.

well atleast install a trans cooler so you dont over heat the fluid and easy on the brakes . o and you known you did void you power train warranty right

well at least install a trans cooler so you dont over heat the fluid
Not a bad idea.

I appreciate the opinions and I think I will skip the cargo box and just use the hitch for my bicycle carrier. I can't imagine this would be a problem. I'm thinking of installing the Yakima roof carrier and get a roof cargo box instead. Since the Yakima is one of the options offered for the xB I don't have to worry about any warranty violations and don't have to install a beefed up transmission fluid radiator. I just like the convenience of the hitch box vs. the roof box. The xB just doesn't have enough room for storage when I'm carrying a family of four on a vacation but I love the looks and features enough to not worry about this. I also thought of adding the wire screen divider in the back so I could pack my gear up to the ceiling but I don't like not being able to see out my back window.
Since I havn't gotten my xB yet, does anyone have a clear image of the ipod interface that comes with the envy green sound system? I can't seem to find one anywhere on the net. Thanks, Dave

I was checking out the small trailer with the rooftop carrier mounted on it. It seems that set up would be kinder to the xB than carrying the same carrier on top of the roof. I am thinking it is better because of aerodynamics. The box on top of the box seems like pushing a wall down the road.

[quote="greenenvy"] The xB just doesn't have enough room for storage when I'm carrying a family of four on a vacation but I love the looks and features enough to not worry about this.

The box is great at towing, IF you use common sense. Remember, 100hp and little brakes.

That said, no problem moving a new couch or fridge, moving along real slow and careful leaving long stopping distances, but to pull a trailer with a "family of four" with luggage......that might be a little much. I'd watch it doing something like that, especially if you had your valuable family with you in the car.

Well, I got my Envy Green yesterday and love it. Had to drive 230 miles to get it but it was worth it. I read the owner's manual and it states that hitches are not approved for the xB for towing a trailer or a hitch mounted bike rack. Plus the load limit on the xB is just 825 pounds so if you have 5 adults you've just about reached your limit. So we'll have to travel light. There's no sense in getting a Yakima box or hitch since the load limit is so low and to attach the hitch runs the risk of voiding the warranty.

... to attach the hitch runs the risk of voiding the warranty.

Imagine driving into the dealer with a warranty problem involving the engine, transmission, clutch, brakes or suspension -- and he sees a hitch installed, or evidence of a hitch having been used.

.. to attach the hitch runs the risk of voiding the warranty.
No this would not . But cooking your transmission pulling a pontoon boat. Just might. :doh:

It all comes down to stuipid people who screw things up for the rest of the world. We all know and laugh about the Mikkie D's hot coffee case. All it takes is a slick layer.

Scion does not want the liability of brainless people who choose not to tow responsibly.
So the owners manual says do not install a hitch. Simple and easy way to avoid a law suit.

Pulling a 150 pound trailer filled with 75 pounds of teenage girls clothes and make up. Or a bike rack with two mountain bikes installed. Would be considered using a tow hitch responsibly.

If the use of anything that has been added to the vehicle not installed by the manufacturer is a result in the premature failure of a warranted part.
This could be a amplifier and sub, window tint, rims and tires, a hitch, what ever.
Amp fries alternator. Limo tint overstock tint, blow out glass in the Arizona sun. 10 inch wide rims with reverse off set distroys front end, or the transmission drops pulling a cigarette boat or a filled 18 foot U-Haul trailer.

This topic will always be a divided discussion. No gray, just black and white. :yawn:

If you need to pull a camper, a boat, or a house full of crap. Get a vehicle made for towing.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=85822&highlight=
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=23923&highlight=
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=69284&highlight=
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=67741&highlight=
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=48530&highlight=
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=50678&highlight=

Rob

.. to attach the hitch runs the risk of voiding the warranty.
No this would not . But cooking your transmission pulling a pontoon boat. Just might....

In that case, I would just tell the dealer that all I did was pull a 150 pound trailer carrying two mountain bikes ;-)

Using the hitch, and not overdoing with the weight, I think it is a good idea. I will put it on my (xB to do) mod list. I think it is is # 75. I just want to be able to get a piece of 4X8 plywood home from Home Depot.

Pulling something with a box requires a bit of common sense, unfortunatly it seems to be a commodity in short supply these days.

I had U-Haul do an installation, $350 total parts and labor - did a great job by the way, so I can pull a small utility trailer.

Owning a house requires someway of getting rid of crap on a semi-regular basis. Also, it allows me to pick up more crap that would not fit in the box to be hauled away at a later date.

As mentioned in previous posts, don't try to pull a large boat, camping trailer or even an overloaded trailer and keep the speed down an you'll be ok.

... I had U-Haul do an installation, $350 total parts and labor...

Do you know if U-Haul makes their own hitch for the xB, or uses the Curt hitch? This site says the Curt hitch is $140 and installs in 20 mnutes with no drilling.
http://www.hitchsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=27266&osCsid=8f80bf184f853d9a7e44fb3646ba0f12

Did U-Haul also install the wiring for the trailer lights? I did that once on my truck by cutting into the rear harness to install a black box, and it was tricky. For sure the xB will not have a connector on its harness.

... I had U-Haul do an installation, $350 total parts and labor...

Do you know if U-Haul makes their own hitch for the xB, or uses the Curt hitch? This site says the Curt hitch is $140 and installs in 20 mnutes with no drilling.
http://www.hitchsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=27266&osCsid=8f80bf184f853d9a7e44fb3646ba0f12

Did U-Haul also install the wiring for the trailer lights? I did that once on my truck by cutting into the rear harness to install a black box, and it was tricky. For sure the xB will not have a connector on its harness.

I don't know if it is a "Curt hitch", could be, it looks like the one on the link provided, but then again they all look pretty much the same. I do know that the hitch is rated for up to 2000 pounds well past any reasonable limit of the box. The U-Haul emblems are on it and they did not elude to it being anything other than theirs.

They did the whole job. Exactly how they wired the light I don't know but if it's like any other hitch that I've had them do they fish a line up to the taillights and attach their wiring at that point instead of splicing into the wires leading there. But, since it works I have not looked around to find out what they did.

The plug to the trailer wiring is a neat and tidy flipup connector just underneath the bumper next to the receiver. All in all it is a good job that they warranty for the life of the vehicle.

...don't know if it is a "Curt hitch"... is rated for up to 2000 pounds... Exactly how they wired the light I don't know... The plug to the trailer wiring is a neat and tidy flipup connector just underneath the bumper next to the receiver. All in all it is a good job that they warranty for the life of the vehicle.

Sounds like U-Haul uses a re-badged Curt hitch. The Curt site also shows harnesses and flip up connectors. It also looks like U-Haul would be using Curt's $40 powered converter:
"This powered converter adapts import and domestic vehicles with separate turn and stop lights (3-wire system) to standard trailer tail light wiring (2-wire system). The unit is powered directly from your battery, elminiating the current draw from your vehicle's stop/turn light circuit. This protects your vehicle's sensitive electronics, ensures that sufficient current is available to the trailer, keeps the trailer lights burning bright, and allows vehicle bulb-out detectors to function properly."

It is tempting to just buy the bolt-on $140 Curt hitch. The harness, converter and connector probably add another $80. But then the devil is in the wiring and who knows what pitfalls lie there for the first-time installer. Makes the U-Haul cost seem reasonable.

It is tempting to just buy the bolt-on $140 Curt hitch. The harness, converter and connector probably add another $80. But then the devil is in the wiring and who knows what pitfalls lie there for the first-time installer. Makes the U-Haul cost seem reasonable.

I like to tinker with anything that I can drive. Where I have no problem restoring a car from the ground up I just can't get excited about putting on a trailer hitch.

I figured that the parts I saw for about $240 for hitch and wiring were not bad. But, everytime I've seen something claim a given time to complete the task, i.e. 20 mins, there is always either a logarithmic value that needs to be applied or a law of inverse proportion they are not telling you about.

I just can't see where you can complete a task like that in a reasonable amount of time unless you do it a lot, know what to look for and have the tools readily available. Even with the experience I have working on cars, motorcycles, etc. I figured, realistically, maybe 45 mins to an hour on the hitch and probably 2-3 weeks getting the wiring right.

Yeah.... for me at least, the 2 hours labor time I paid it wasn't a bad deal.

... ... I figured, realistically, maybe 45 mins to an hour on the hitch and probably 2-3 weeks getting the wiring right...

I anticipate bolting on the hitch in the 20 minutes claimed, but then getting into a problem with the wiring within the next hour, zapping the car's brain, spending $500 for the dealer to fix it, and ending up paying U-Haul to finish the wiring installation. For which they would charge as much labor as if they did the whole job, with with no warranty.

... ... I figured, realistically, maybe 45 mins to an hour on the hitch and probably 2-3 weeks getting the wiring right...

I anticipate bolting on the hitch in the 20 minutes claimed, but then getting into a problem with the wiring within the next hour, zapping the car's brain, spending $500 for the dealer to fix it, and ending up paying U-Haul to finish the wiring installation. For which they would charge as much labor as if they did the whole job, with with no warranty.

Yeah.... that's about right.

I hope to god you got a auto. Cuz you'll kill your clutch.. 1.5L and bikes on a trailer don't mix...

I hope to god you got a auto. Cuz you'll kill your clutch.. 1.5L and bikes on a trailer don't mix...

Actually, I think manual is better than automatic for pulling trailers with little engines. More gears to better match rpm to driving conditions, lower 5th gear ratio in the xB for abiliity to cruise at higher rpm, no slippage to overheat the fluid.

My 1991 4-cyl 5-speed Mazda truck is rated to pull 2,000 lbs, which is about what my boat and trailer weigh. The truck works hard to pull this heavy load, which also has high wind resistance over 50, but its engine and clutch are fine after 150,000 miles.

When pulling a 250 lb trailer with a 350 lb bike on it, the truck hardly feels it. This load plus a driver would not quite bring an xB to its rated 825 lbs, so the xB would feel it but should not be adversely affected. It does not even have to carry that load, just move it.
http://tinyurl.com/h85jb

Some people's habits give their clutches short lives, and such a person pulling a trailer with a manual xB will give their clutch an even shorter life. Other people try to pull trailers in too high a gear, using low rpms and more pedal, which is hard on the engine and cooling system. The engine will want to ping and run hot. The xB knock sensor will protect the engine, but the radiator isn't designed for such excess heat.

Anybody attempt to remove the rear skirt and mount the hitch flush with it so that when you go on a biking excursion you can take the rear skirt off to expose the hitch, that way it won't be sticking out under the bumper (which looks godawful low to me).