I am getting a local hitch outfitter to build a custom hitch for my xB. It will be mounted underneath the bumper and hidden from view. All that will be visible will be the 1 1/4" opening. That opening will be covered by a hitch cover when not in use. I plan to get that cover painted to match the vehicle to make it look stock.

The hitch builder will be making a template for any future builds. Would anyone be interested in this type of product? If so, I'll get him to post some info on this board.

I'll get a few pictures posted in a couple of days when the project is finished.

:shock: What in the world are you going to be towing with your xB? I mean unless you have a s/c or t/c what ever it is you better stick to flat roads & down hills.

I'm mainly going to be using the hitch to haul bicycles to the road and mountain bike races around here. I ride a 61 cm frame, and it pretty much kills the room if I haul it inside the vehicle. Then there's the inconvenience of having to take both wheels off, not getting chain grease/mud on the upholstery...

We went to a trail last weekend and it was a real pain laying both bikes on top of each other. We already have a hitch mount bike rack that we use on our vanand it works awesome. It's a lot better than a roof rack: easier to remove, doesn't scratch paint, don't have to worry about roof clearance (I've smack my garage with my Accord once) etc., and doesn't ruin the aesthetics of the car. Have you ever removed and reinstalled a roof rack before? It's a royal pain in most cases.

I may also use it for one of those (3x6?) flat baskets to haul yucky items (i.e. topsoil bags).

You're right...I wouldn't want to haul anything too heavy. At least not heavier than (4 hamburger eating fools...the vehicle weight rating).

BTW, although I wouldn't want to do this, the guy is guessing that his design/work would be able to withstand 2,500 lbs.

Interested. Please let me know the update. Not too mention about the wiring harness for the brake lights for the trailer. This would be cool for pulling pocket rockets to car shows. :D

FYI...the product being developed will be bolt-on and simple enough for the average DIYer.

def keep me posted...very interested...i an a downhill mountain biker...and its a _____ to have to throw 4 DH bikes on the roof, and crame me, 3 buddies and equiptment inside...i need a trailer!!!!!
thanks
-Ryan

yea it would be ideal for pulling a lite weight aluminum boat with also 8)

i was wondering about some sort of hitch. i'm still wondering if my XB will pull my 2 jet skis? going down the road i don't think would be a big deal, but pulling thm out of the water will be a problem!

I was originally going to say something about how you're not going to be able to tow jack ____ with a 108hp engine, but was pleasantly suprised to find out that someone who knows what they're doing is putting a hitch on the xb for a perfectly logical reason. Good job.

I used to tow two dirt bikes on a utility trailer behind a Datsun 510. Less power than an xB, but it worked fine. All you have to do is take it easy.

For the xB, I'd rather see the hitch receiver come out through a hole in the plastic skirt than below the skirt. This design would be simpler, stronger, and less prone to damage than putting the receiver waaaay down at the bottom of the skirt. It would also put the hitch at a more normal height so you won't have to use large offset ball mounts.

George

What do you guess the tongue weight rating will be?

Since your primary purpose will be for receiver-mount accessories, that is more important than what it's tow rating will be.

Towing a 2,500 lb load with a 108hp 2,450 curb weight car ain't never gonna happen safely...

What do you guess the tongue weight rating will be?

Since your primary purpose will be for receiver-mount accessories, that is more important than what it's tow rating will be.

Towing a 2,500 lb load with a 108hp 2,450 curb weight car ain't never gonna happen safely...

Who said anything about 2500 pounds?

The logical place to mount a hitch is with the hard points that hold the tie-down loops. Since these are designed to restrain the entire car while in transit they should be plenty strong enough to hold a light-duty trailer hitch.

George

For the xB, I'd rather see the hitch receiver come out through a hole in the plastic skirt than below the skirt. This design would be simpler, stronger, and less prone to damage than putting the receiver waaaay down at the bottom of the skirt. It would also put the hitch at a more normal height so you won't have to use large offset ball mounts.

George

That's exactly how the hitch is designed as per the recommendation of the hitch builder. By not using offset and penetrating the skirt (ground effect), there is less of a moment arm for any tongue loads. Also, the design prevents any bottom-out/scraping issues that may happen with offset designs.

What do you guess the tongue weight rating will be?

Since your primary purpose will be for receiver-mount accessories, that is more important than what it's tow rating will be.

Towing a 2,500 lb load with a 108hp 2,450 curb weight car ain't never gonna happen safely...

You're absoulutely correct about tongue weight rating importance for the bicycle rack accessory that I intend to use. That was one of the first things that the hitch guy schooled me on.

As far as 2,500 pounds...that's just a point of reference for how strong he believes the hitch will be. I'll ask if he can provide a tongue weight rating as well.

Yeah i got a 220lbs Yamaha YZ426 and about 100lbs of gear and no way to take it to the track! So a trailer would be sweet!

Yeah i got a 220lbs Yamaha YZ426 and about 100lbs of gear and no way to take it to the track! So a trailer would be sweet!

No problem! Weld up a skeleton trailer out of tubing. It's basically a "T" of tubing with 12" trailer wheels at the ends of the "top" of the T at the rear, and a hitch attached to the "bottom" of the T which forms the tongue. Weld a channel on top of the "T" to hold the bike's tires. You add a crossbar under the tongue to take your tiedowns.

If you keep it light and keep the wheels under the rear of your bike you don't need any springs on the trailer. Your bike will provide all the springing needed!

The whole trailer will weigh about 100 pounds, so between you, your bike, and your gear your total load is around 700 pounds, well within the capacity of the xB.

We used to use these trailers behind Japanese econoboxes and aircooled VWs in the '70s and '80s. No reason they won't work as well now!

George

I have a real need to haul my bike too! I wanna see the pics!! Let us know what the cost is.

I built this hitch for my xB and I pull my KX250 and a box full of gear on a 4x6 trailer through the hills of West Virginia and up to Indiana to ride. I've probably pulled it 3000mi total and have had no problems at all. The xB handles it real well. I can keep up interstate speeds without even downshifting for the hills.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-7/792134/000_1082.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-7/792134/000_1077.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-7/792134/000_1078.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-7/792134/000_1079.JPG

Count me in. I have called around to no avail. Anybody have an idea what the max (safe) towing weight would be? Most of my towing is going to be junk from Home Depot to home (about 4 miles one way) on a 5x8 utility trailer. Am I kidding myself?

thanks!

I think if you check the manual, you will find that the "max safe" towing load is "zero."

Once you allow for the weight of the driver, any occupants and the weight of any cargo IN the vehicle (don't forget to subtract the weight of the hitch which is now "permanent cargo,"), the net weight you could tow (subtracting the weight of the trailer) is going to be virtually nothing.

Mounting a receiver hitch to carry things like a couple bikes or light but bulky cargo is one thing, but towing something that puts 250lbs of tongue weight (or a similar load on one of those receiver shelves) on the ___ end of the car is really going to screw up the handling, not to mention further tax an already burdened drivetrain.

And how are you going to bring your car in for warranty work and explain to the service writer "Oh I never use it for towing - I only use the hitch to carry light stuff" - seems like the perfect situation for Scion to deny ANY drivetrain repair as stemming from abuse and using the vehicle for something for which it wasn't intended...

I think if you check the manual, you will find that the "max safe" towing load is "zero."

Once you allow for the weight of the driver, any occupants and the weight of any cargo IN the vehicle (don't forget to subtract the weight of the hitch which is now "permanent cargo,"), the net weight you could tow (subtracting the weight of the trailer) is going to be virtually nothing.

Mounting a receiver hitch to carry things like a couple bikes or light but bulky cargo is one thing, but towing something that puts 250lbs of tongue weight (or a similar load on one of those receiver shelves) on the ___ end of the car is really going to screw up the handling, not to mention further tax an already burdened drivetrain.

And how are you going to bring your car in for warranty work and explain to the service writer "Oh I never use it for towing - I only use the hitch to carry light stuff" - seems like the perfect situation for Scion to deny ANY drivetrain repair as stemming from abuse and using the vehicle for something for which it wasn't intended...

...all of which is true. The driver must use common sense when towing loads. It's obvious you wouldn't want to be towing a 1500 cc motorcycle with 5 heavyweight linebackers, a weeks worth of luggage, etc. at the same time. I honestly don't know what is safe concerning handling and drivetrain wear, but I know that it has been done in the past (as mentioned earlier) with cars with similar horsepower.

As with any vehicle...towing rated by the manufacturer or not...use common sense when towing. None of this kind of stuff: http://www.martinek.us/homedepot.html

As far as warranty issues go, it would be wise to unbolt the hitch prior to a warranty claim. Even though you may have operated a hitch within safe parameters (although the manual completely restricts towing), the dealer would have more ammo to deny a claim that might be engine, suspension, etc. related. As we all know, although there is the Magnusson Moss Warranty Act , most are keen on unbolting (and returning to stock) of aftermarket items such as intakes, springs, etc. before taking the car to the dealer for a warranty claim.

Should have pictures and more info about the hitch project by tomorrow or Wednesday evening. Will keep you posted.

My dealer told me that the hitch has no affect on the warranty. I also can speak from the experience of towing with my xB, that the 500lb. or so that I'm pulling has absolutely no adverse affects on handling. I cruise up and down the interstate at 75+ pulling my bike and never even know it is back there. Anyone who lacks common sense should stick to the owners manual recommendations. Just don't forget to wave at me when I pass you on the interstate. I'll be the Hot Lava xB pulling a KX250. 8)


~Sorry if the previous pics don't always post. I'm a cheapskate and my free image host only allows 5mb a day... :lol:

I talked with the hitch outfitter about replicating the hitch that is being fabricated for my car. After the hitch is completed (hopefully by this weekend due to parts delays), we will analyze and test the design and make any tweaks prior to releasing it for sale. I will definitely post up some good shots once this is accomplished.

The design on my xB will be a 1 1/4" receiver that will be penetrate the skirt right beneath the bumper (similar to the pictures shown above). This can be customized to the buyer's liking, of course. For instance, instead of penetrating the skirt, a mount can be offered that wraps around below the skirt and back up to avoid any cutting for the mount hole. This type of modification is not recommended, however, since it would certainly decrease in tongue load capacity, stiffness, etc.

The fabricator intends to supply the buyer with an install manual and necessary bolts, templates, etc. As mentioned earlier, the install will be completely bolt on and easy enough for the average DIYer. The product will be professionally welded and finished (either with a powdercoat or bedliner material) and will be of high quality. It will be sold at an estimated price of somewhere between $300 and $350 (for me that is still cheaper than the Yakima roof rack option and will definitely be more convenient and better looking). He has over 10 years of experience and is extremely familiar with custom hitch fabrication.

From preliminary testing, he presumes that the tongue load capacity is around 150 lbs. With modification (adding cost and weight to the prelimary design), he sees no reason that he could not design a beefed up version that could handle a 250 lb. tongue load.

For those that are seriously interested or need more information please PM me and we can talk about details.

I built this hitch for my xB and I pull my KX250 and a box full of gear...


KX250 ehe. I have a KX125 1999

The hitch guy finished the fabrication and installed it this afternoon.

I cut a hole in the skirt and have tested the bike rack that I intend to use. There does not seem to be any visible flex (the rack beam doesn't touch the hole edges when I bounce up and down on the rack).

I will post some shots by afternoon tommorrow!

Here are the pictures!!!
I'll be making a hitch cover soon. Stay tuned for those pictures once I'm finished.

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/1.JPG
Hitch Hole from rear. Hole is in the skirt, right below the bumper.

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/2.JPG
Hitch mount, right side

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/3.JPG
Hitch viewed from right side

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/4.JPG
Another view from the right side

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/5.JPG
Hitch with bike rack mounted and folded

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/6.JPG
Bike rack fully loaded

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/7.JPG
Another view of loaded bike rack

These are nice hitches, and seem to be engineered very well.

The only change that I would make in them would be to shorten the receiver behind the bumper about three inches. With the receiver just forward of the bumper skin, a rear impact (with the hitch empty) will immediately transfer to the hitch and the unibody, bypassing the energy-absorbing structure of the bumper that normally would sacrifice itself to save the unibody from damage.

I note that the bicycle carrier is already quite a long way behind the bumper, so moving it forward a few inches would actually make it better!

George

More pictures!!!
Here is the hitch cover. I may polish off the logo and match the original paint.

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/8.JPG

http://www2.arkansas.net/~barcenilla/hitch/9.JPG

These are nice hitches, and seem to be engineered very well.

The only change that I would make in them would be to shorten the receiver behind the bumper about three inches. With the receiver just forward of the bumper skin, a rear impact (with the hitch empty) will immediately transfer to the hitch and the unibody, bypassing the energy-absorbing structure of the bumper that normally would sacrifice itself to save the unibody from damage.

I note that the bicycle carrier is already quite a long way behind the bumper, so moving it forward a few inches would actually make it better!

George

Thanks for the tip George! :D

Wahooooooo

Someone with a brain. Keep us posted, I would love a hitch and small trailer setup to make this practical beast even better!

Gary

I talked with the hitch outfitter about replicating the hitch...

The design on my xB will be a 1 1/4" receiver that will be penetrate the skirt right beneath the bumper (similar to the pictures shown above). This can be customized to the buyer's liking, of course...

Do mention to him the idea of moving the receiver forward so as not to interfere with the function of the rear energy-absorbing structure. This would also save a little material and weight. in the unlikely event that the user needed the hitch ball further back he could simply use a longer ball mount.

I think that the 150 pound tongue weight is a reasonable value. Adding more downward force that far back in the car is not a good thing, and the Scion isn't designed for it. Putting 150 pounds on the hitch is like putting 300 pounds in the back seat, as far as the rear suspension is concerned. As long as you keep the back seat empty it should handle the tongue weight fine.

250 pounds on the tongue is really pushing the limits. My father had about 300 pounds on the tongue of his Mercury Sable with a wheelchair lift and that really caused the car to sag! The Scion is not nearly as beefy as the Sable, so I'd say that 250 pounds is right out.

I am interested in buying this hitch if it turns out as well as your fabricator indicates!

George

Thanks again George! I just PMed you, so check out your messages.

We are in the process of setting up a PayPal account so that those interested can order. We also need to tweak the design as required...such as George's recommendation to pull the hitch inboard some to prevent interference with the bumper crumple zone.

The hitch builder is now taking orders. He needs to figure out the amount of supplies needed, so for those interested, PM me. Those that I have already contacted, please reconfirm and he will begin building to your specifications.

How much are we looking at for the custom "fold-up" bicycle hitch? I am definitely interested in one for my xB :shock: :D

He's selling them for $300. If you could organize a group buy or something, he might knock off a few bucks. PM me and I will let him know if you are interested.

BTW, the hitch I have is an 1 1/4" receiver (mounted behind the skirt). A local bike shop asked me to do some work for them and I basically got the rack in exchange. It's a Saris Cycle-On and I think it retails for around $250?

So, the hitch is custom made to fit that bike rack? How sturdy / solid are the bikes mounted ---> bikes to rack and rack to xB?

The $300 would not include shipping correct?

The setup is very sturdy. The actual hitch is similar to an aftermarket hitch (except no one makes them, hence the need for a custom one to be built). I may even get one of those light duty hitch trays to carry topsoil bags, etc. You can use any hitch accessory on it...towing would be at your own risk since the xB Scion owner's manual does not recommend towing.

The actual bike rack is excellent. Takes only a few seconds to install bikes...no need to remove wheels, use straps, etc. It also comes with a threaded hitch bolt to keep the rack from wiggling inside the receiver.

I've also got a like-new 2-bike Sportworks hitch rack that is similar in design (it is just as good as the Saris) that I will be putting up on E-bay for around $100.

Yes, the $300 does not include shipping. The hitch builder is in the process of building one for someone in PA. He has estimated around $30-$40...he will get more concrete numbers once he ships it. Remember, if you live out of state, then the savings on sales tax would offset that amount.

I bought a $4 tarp the other day and going to try laying the bike across the rear and into the front pass. seat which will be reclined. Hopefully this will work until I can get a rack. Keep us bike owners updated on the hitches 8)

For trailer use I can see why you might want to go through the skirt (to keep tongue more even) but for a bike rack I would want the receiver to be at the level of the lower lip of the skirt. I'm not talking about a mount that wraps around below the skirt and back up as the fabricator mentioned as an option (that would be scary). Simply have the receiver be a few inches lower by adding a few more layers of 1-1/4" inch tubing and maybe some lateral struts on each side or something like that. And a little skid plate for good measure. Run the above idea by your fabricator. I am a buyer of that kind of design especially after seeing the quality of the welds on your unit. In anycase, I think it is great that he plans to be able to duplicate the piece especially since none of the prefab companies have shown any interest. The market is his for now...

For those who might be interested here is a review of a modifed design of the hitch previously presented here. Since I will not be trailering anything and wanted strictly a receiver for a bike rack, I requested a modification to allow the receiver to be at the level of the bottom of the bumper shroud rather than having to cut through the plastic for a more conventional towing height.

This is how the end product looked:
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/hitch.jpg

This is a view of the hitch after installation with rack hitch installed:
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/hitchunder.jpg

View from above with rack installed:
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/rackside.jpg

View from behind:
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/rack.jpg

Hatch opens ...
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/hatchopen.jpg

...and clears!
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/hatchside.jpg

With bike mounted:
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/bike.jpg

I found the hitch to be generally solidly made with some nice touches. Note the skid plate in the second picture. The mounting holes lined up perfectly with the ones on the frame and no additional drilling or grinding was needed.

Being an early adopter always means to expect some shortcomings so here are some things I noted. This is presented in the spirit of improving the product because it currently suits my purposes and I am quite pleased in general.

First of all, as others have noted with the original design, the receiver is extended too far toward the rear of car. Notice in picture 2 the reinforced trailing edge of the receiver is under the lip of the bumper. It actually was digging into it so I relieved that by using fender washers under the mounting bolts. That makes the hitch (and the receiver) a half inch lower than it need be. It needs to be moved back a minimum of 1 inch so that there will be no interference with the bumper lip.

Secondly, I don't know if there is supposed to be an industry standard for were the lock bolt hole is supposed to go but my hitch sticks way too far out when used in current position. I am going to drill a hole more towards the middle so the hitch extends all the way inside the receiver (pictures show hitch in future position).

Additionally, although the mounting hole alignment was perfect the receiver was not perfectly parallel with the road which necessitated more fender washers to angle it properly.
http://garzascreek.home.comcast.net/bolts.jpg

Since the original version of the hitch was aligned properly my theory on why this one was not perfect is due to the design which eliminated the full length cross bar at the point where the angled pieces brought the receiver down to the lower height. All those freehand welds will make it hard to keep alignment. Solution? Keep the full cross bar of the original design and weld the angled drop pieces directly to it. That will help maintain the original alignment and add significantly more torsional stability which is important since all forces on the receiver will be angular moments from the hitch weight. In any case, all users should expect to keep a few large fender washers on hand as a matter of course to tweak the two adjustable dimesions as needed during installation. After all, it is not made by robots on an assembly line.

Finally, there is no straight-through access to the mounting bolts (can't use a socket and ratchet). The mounting brackets should have been rotated 180 to allow a straight shot at the bolts. It is extremely tedious starting the bolts by hand and turning a quarter turn at a time with an open end wrench. Fortunately, you only need to do it once. Oh yeah, and don't grind the welds. It is not a beauty contest. Strutural integrity is more important. Besides, I like seeing the bead.

In summary, I can recommend this hitch receiver if you plan on using it for light duty use (such as bike rack) and don't have a local hitch builder who will work with you and don't mind a pricier alternative to endlessly waiting for a prefab unit (which ain't going to happen in my opinion).

The bike rack I used is the Universal Bent rack in the Modular series from Sportworks (http://sportworks.com/stIndex.asp) (the city bus bike rack people) but you can use any hitch style rack designed for a 1-1/4" receiver.

I want a hitch i can use with my precisionmuffler magnaflow axle back, it says u can't use the tow bracket but thats where all ur hitches are mounting to. Can anyone think of a design that will work with an exhaust

I'm looking at purchasing an xB and the only thing holding me back is how difficult to get a hitch on it will be.

Basically my wife and I want to be able to pull a small (and I mean small) 250lb or so "motorcycle" tent trailer behind us. We've looked at putting one on her Kia Rio, and they're fairly common now, and even though her car is "not rated for towing", we've read there's no problem with it.

She has an uncle who does auto body work all the time and he says there really shouldn't be a problem with it if it's only that much weight.

I'm still trying to decide what to do.. I really like the design of the xB... but I'm split between it and wanting something I know without a doubt can handle it... decisions decisions...

If you're interested. You can find them on www.etrailer.com . As far as installation goes, just bolt up the 4 bolts it comes with. Only thing is that it not a custom fabricated setup like brownboy's. The hitch will show below the rear bumper skirt.

How much weight can the hitch pull , not tongue load but trailering capacity? thanx.

Usually this size hitch is rated for 2000 lbs.

WEIGHT CARRYING RATINGS
GROSS WEIGHT CAPACITY 2000
TONGUE WEIGHT CAPACITY 200

http://www.hitch-web.com/vhitch.asp?CLID=1&DRID=5&MD=xB&C=&MK=Scion&Y=2004&MDID=1374&YID=86&CID=3&MKID=65&OID=8&SMID=1&BBID=236&BPID=6&VID=28036#CURT%20MFG.

I just got off the phone with Hector @ discount hitch and ordered one that Curt manufacturing makes. 866- 308- 9051or 9052or 9057 Shipped to the house for under $150.00 :clap
Its not yet listed on the web sites so give him a call.
[/url]http://www.hitchesonline.com/pdf/11487-INS.pdf
I have some pics if someone could post them, I'll send them over.

Purchased mine from www.hitch-web.com it works great and took about 15 minutes to install. You will also need a diode box for trailer light install. You receive a hitch that is powder coated hardware and tongue.

Purchased mine from www.hitch-web.com it works great and took about 15 minutes to install. You will also need a diode box for trailer light install. You receive a hitch that is powder coated hardware and tongue.

wow, discount hitch is $55 cheaper than hitch-web

Check these out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7961100759&category=33653&sspagename=WDVW

any 1 got any pix of them pulling their dirtbike/ ATV with the XB?

How is everyone's hitches working out for them? I am abuot to but one in the next few days, I just want to be sure everyone is satisfied before I do.

I would also like to see a picture of a box pulling a trailer with a dirt bike. If i get a xB I want to be able to pull my bike.


thanks

Man, I can't run any of those hitches, my exhaust is there!

I kinda like the one where you have to cut the square out of the bumper part.

i like the one in the bumper. it looks better hidden imo

Count me in too. I'm interested. Keep us all posted.

This thread kinda reminds me of those pictures you see of those people in China and other countries that load up their vehicles with what seems like the whole town on one truck. If that's the case, our xB's should be able to tow a Ford F-250 Extended Cab !! :rofl:

Bronw Boy, Do you have the contact information for your custom Xb hitch fabricator. I read all thru the postings related to your topic and I couldn't find the actual phone number or e-mail address or mailling address to order from your guy. I know that you posted a few months ago but I was hoping that you might still have the info. Also, I see that there are other fabricators out there now for Xb hitches, but does your hitch go thru the bumber skirt rather than under? How have you liked the hitch now that you have had some time using it?

Thanks for your help, Darren
323.893.5034
d_bjorlin@hotmail.com

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Toyota-Scion-xB-Trailer-Hitch-04-06_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33653QQitemZ8020375704QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V

Is what I have on mine. I use it to tow a lil 4x8 Harbor Freight trailer. It was ether this or buy an old truck just to haul off tree debris, and stuff from Home Depot every once in a wile. But I rather pay 17 dollars to renew a trailer tag once a year vs. purchase and insurance another vehicle that would be used rarely.

Here's a couple pics of my hitch. It's made by "Curt Manufacturing". My digital camera broke, so had to use the built in one on my Zire.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/chino5149/Hitch/Hitch7.jpg
[/img]

wow with much of anything in that trailer that xB will be overloaded.

I used to tow two dirt bikes on a utility trailer behind a Datsun 510. Less power than an xB, but it worked fine. All you have to do is take it easy.

For the xB, I'd rather see the hitch receiver come out through a hole in the plastic skirt than below the skirt. This design would be simpler, stronger, and less prone to damage than putting the receiver waaaay down at the bottom of the skirt. It would also put the hitch at a more normal height so you won't have to use large offset ball mounts.

George

"Huhh huhh...You said 'ball mount'" Said Beavis. :rofl: :rofl:

I've used it 10-15 times in the last year on and off with only one problem. And that's cause I'm dropped bout 2 inch's. My car act's more like a Bull Dozer at the land fill "uneven ground". Still beats paying insurance on another vehicle. It's good for light stuff though like a Power Wheel here, TV there and late night Walmart trips. I'm not suggesting anyone tow a boat or anything. But for the lil stuff I do It works for me.

So are there pictures and prices for the hitch or a web site?
I have a 2006 xB and want a bike rack. Jeff

So are there pictures and prices for the hitch or a web site?
I have a 2006 xB and want a bike rack. JeffThis is a long dead 6 year old thread. Generally, not a good idea to resurrect them. But to address your question, there are now commercially made light-duty hitches for the Scion. For example: http://www.hitchsource.com/scion-xb-toyota-scion-xb-trailer-hitch-class-p-27266.html I would have someone weld a skid plate on it (since it drops below your rear bumper and you will bottom out on dips) and you will be good to go.

eTrailer.com is where i got my custom hitch