I'm considering getting trailer hitch for my xB and found some references to hitches that come through a hole cut into the skirt as opposed to the Curt hitch which sits underneath it.

Are these for sale anywhere or were they all custom?

 

Question,
First what are you towing? Is it a trailer? Does it weigh more than 1200lbs. If it is, I don't suggest that you try it. First off, the Xb isn't design to tow a trailer. Your MANUAL BOOK will state it also. The chasis (unibody struture) can only handle so much towing weight without stressing some critic structure pionts. Also attaching a hitch to your xB might need some modification, since I believe there aren't any mounting points for one. I'm not saying that you can't, I just saying that I wouldn't recommend it.

 

Yes, I'm aware of the issues. The arguments on both sides have already been beaten to death in other threads. What I'm looking for is an alternative to the Curt hitch that extends below the rear skirt. Anyone have any leads?

 

I dont recall a manufacturer, but I think someone built one from scratch. Dunno for sure.. it was a thread from last year I think.

 

That was a custom job that went thru the skirt. i guess you are worried about clearance issues with the Curt. Mine hits ground backing out of some driveways if someone is in the back seat. Does no damage other than scuffing the black paint. Every time someone mentions a hitch, there is always the doom and gloom people screaming warnings. Just use it for light loads (4-500 lbs), and you'll have no problems.

 

hope you find a non-custom answer...i like this idea, for a bike rack.

 

I never did find anything so I just got the Curt. I think manufacturers covet the "No drilling or cutting required" label too much to make one that goes through the skirt. If I do manage to find something I'll come back and post.

It should be fine. If it becomes an issue I'll just take it off when not in use.

It will be used infrequently for light loads.

 

any good hitch shop can build you a through-the-skirt hitch. Use the tie-down brackets on the body structure left and right, weld a square tube crosswise, between the brackets. weld a receiver in the middle at the desired height, and cut a hole in the skirt to match.

Hint: make sure that the receiver does _not_ extend beyond the metal bumper understructure. If you do so, you bypass the rear bumper crush structure and transfer rear impact loads to the body directly. Better to make a longer hitch to extend through the rear apron to the receiver.

George