[capten1001]

Hey guys, I've been shopping around for a completely hidden hitch mostly for using a bike rack. From my research on here seems like Stealth Hitch is the way to go.

But... I found this from Draw-Tite, whom I believe is a reputable manufacturer. Originally the hitch costs $800 on their website: https://www.draw-tite.com/product/76...-trailer-hitch

eTrailer has this on sale for less than half and Free Shipping!

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...ID=20196005473

Hope this helps out folks shopping for a hitch.

[bpang1]

What do you all think of this versus the OEM optional hitch?

Also, can anyone point me to what I would need for wiring? I mean I likely won't tow anything that requires wires (probably just a bike rack and maybe one of the light trailers you can rent at U-Haul).

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by bpang1

What do you all think of this versus the OEM optional hitch?

Also, can anyone point me to what I would need for wiring? I mean I likely won't tow anything that requires wires (probably just a bike rack and maybe one of the light trailers you can rent at U-Haul).

Legally if you tow any type of trailer with wheels on it you are required to have brake lights on it.

[TJay74]

what model X3 did you put this on? I am trying to find a solution for my 20 X3M, I was going to use the Invis-hitch but wasnt happy about the near $1k price tag on it.

[bpang1]

Originally Posted by TJay74

Legally if you tow any type of trailer with wheels on it you are required to have brake lights on it.

Ah OK...I have a 2018 so it has the existing wiring I believe. Is there a kit I can get to route the required wiring back there and just kind of leave it zip tied back behind the bumper until I need it?

I really don't INTEND to tow anything with wheels but need to be prepared just in case.

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by bpang1

Ah OK...I have a 2018 so it has the existing wiring I believe. Is there a kit I can get to route the required wiring back there and just kind of leave it zip tied back behind the bumper until I need it?

I really don't INTEND to tow anything with wheels but need to be prepared just in case.

From my understanding if you have the pre-wiring harness in the passenger side rear panel then all you need is the towing harness and towing module, then just need to have someone code the towing module to the vehicle and you will be all set.

[capten1001]

Originally Posted by TJay74

what model X3 did you put this on? I am trying to find a solution for my 20 X3M, I was going to use the Invis-hitch but wasnt happy about the near $1k price tag on it.

19 X3 M40i. I believe it should fit the 20 X3M.

[capten1001]

Originally Posted by bpang1

What do you all think of this versus the OEM optional hitch?

Also, can anyone point me to what I would need for wiring? I mean I likely won't tow anything that requires wires (probably just a bike rack and maybe one of the light trailers you can rent at U-Haul).

If you're towing the smallest Uhaul trailer box at most with this, you don't need any wiring.

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by capten1001

If you're towing the smallest Uhaul trailer box at most with this, you don't need any wiring.

Horrible advice, legally by law if you tow any trailer with wheels and tires on it you are required to have illuminated tail lights and functional brake lights on it, small u-haul trailers are included in this.

[John Casey]

Nice find. Did you buy this and install it already?

[capten1001]

Originally Posted by TJay74

Horrible advice, legally by law if you tow any trailer with wheels and tires on it you are required to have illuminated tail lights and functional brake lights on it, small u-haul trailers are included in this.

Yeah I'm sure you also always drive the posted speed limit since that's the law? He's buying it for a bike rack mainly. Have you seen the size of the small Uhaul trailer? The car's brake lights will be visible. Towing it, especially during day time without a $300 wiring harness is fine IMHO.

[capten1001]

Originally Posted by John Casey

Nice find. Did you buy this and install it already?

I have bought it already. The weekend warrior that I am, looking to find some time soon for the installation.

[JonF1]

That is a pretty sweet setup, I like it even more than the factory hitch being its so stealthy and the receiver portion can detach and stow away.

Concern #1: It does hang a bit low when mounted so its likely you'll need to have a hitch flipped up to the rise position to accommodate even a small trailer.

Concern #2: The QD receiver portion looks like it may have some play when installed. not an issue for a trailer hitch but if you're attaching a cargo tray or bike rack, you may have some wobble you cant tune out like a traditional, hard mounted hitch.

Curious to hear a real world report when you get some time on it though.

[bpang1]

Originally Posted by JonF1

Curious to hear a real world report when you get some time on it though.

Yeah I want to know too...has anyone gotten this yet?

[bpang1]

I ended up ordering one as well...it shows up in a giant box even though it isn't THAT huge.

Will attempt it at some point the next couple weekends. Anyone see a good video or write-up on how to install it?

Also, does anyone have the links to the parts to wire a trailer up to the OEM wiring? I have a 2018 so I assume it has the wiring preparation as they didn't stop until a couple years later. I just need the final pieces.

[328skidpad]

I saw a your tube video online to install a hitch and they were cutting/drilling through body metal/drilling to make the non OEM one fit please keep us updated and thank you for posting this great deal.

[Must_Go_FASTER]

There are several posts on here if you Google them and a lot of YT vids. I believe with both the pre-LCI and LCI you can just remove the diffuser and not the whole bumper/fascia.