I was wondering if I could get some thoughts on this hitch:

http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/217.html#ITEMIMG

I do not plan on doing much heavy hauling, mostly my lawn tractor or snow blower, so small trailer. I have no experience with welding, nor do I have any friends that do welding, and as I am rather cheap, don't want to pay to much for someone to install it. This one looks like my Dad and I can do it in an afternoon. Thanks in advance for any help.

Do you want a stock one? I have one I'll sell you, minus the mounting bolts

It claims it is a Class III hitch, yet it mentions it requires a weight distribution system to haul 5,000 lbs. A Class III hitch is rated for 5,000 lbs without a weight distribution system and 6,000 lbs with one.

The hitch is simple to install, only requires 3 bolts on each side. I installed mine by myself. If you have another set of hands to hold it up, it's even easier.

If you are close to Brunswick, GA I have a factory hitch and a couple bolts. You can have the hitch for free.

-Michael

If you do purchase a used one make sure that it has the frame stiffeners as part of what you buy!!!!

Tim

swampwrecker, thanks, but I live in NY, can't quite see myself get that far anytime soon.

I'll make sure frame stiffeners are a part of anything I do.

Thanks for replies.

I reused my frame stiffeners when I installed my calmini bumper, so I don't have those available.

With a light trailer, I think you'd be OK without them. If pulling 2000+ lbs, though, you'll probably want them.

They should be avl through Nissan for not very much $, and the mounting hardware could be as well.

OK, let me check on that first. Thanks.

Well, I hate dealerships sometimes. I called my local Parts department, and they didn't think that Nissan offered the installation bolts and the frame stiffeners. What a bunch of crap. Anybody got any ideas?

Skid Row Automotive sells the frame stiffners, http://www.skidplates.com I can't remember what they charge for them. I think AC also sells them, http://www.4x4parts.com

The bolts should be M12 Grade 8.8; for the frame stiffners they should be an 1" long. For the hitch they should be about 1.5" long. As long as you buy nuts and bolts with the same pitch, it won't matter what pitch they are.

-Michael

I have been pulling my 1700 lb camper for two year now without any stiffeners. No problems what so ever. Its a 30 min job if you install it by yourself. Bolts are torqued at 75 ft lbs

Also uhaul sells the same hitch minus the rubber step for the same price. Made by the same people that make the oem one.

I bought that one, pretty simple install. You will want to loosen the rear exhaust bracket and remove the spare tire. The trailer lights take about the same amount of time. you wont have anywhere to mount the light plug, mine is zip tied to the hitch. A time saving installation trick, or laziness.

installation may be different for earlier years, I dont know how the exhaust is mounted for yours.

Is the 2007 the same as the 2006 with regards to hitches?

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might find the bolts for the hitch? I tried Dealership again (different person) and he said they don't sell bolts seperate from Hitch package. Maybe NAPA? Thanks for help.

Measure the holes and go buy some grade 8 bolts at your local hardware store. Standard 7/16 or 1/2" bolts should do nicely.