Just need to use it with a smaller trailer to move things short distances. No camper or anything. I remember I installed a hitch on a 79 Pontiac Acadian and used it to tow a trailer with a motorcycle. Not far mind you.
Is it possible to put a decent hitch on the Corolla that is worth-while? Are there any hidden hitches? Anybody with experience? I'll check around at what is available and what the costs are to install, I was posting here to see if other's have had experience.
Just need to use it with a smaller trailer to move things short distances. No camper or anything. I remember I installed a hitch on a 79 Pontiac Acadian and used it to tow a trailer with a motorcycle. Not far mind you. Is it possible to put a decent hitch on the Corolla that is worth-while? Are there any hidden hitches? Anybody with experience? I'll check around at what is available and what the costs are to install.
I bought one but have not installed it yet. I plan on getting a little trailer (like you pull behind motorcycles), paint it up to match the car, and have room to haul stuff when I go to shows.
I mainly want to be able to move furniture and older large TV's within town with a cargo trailer. I used to have an oldsmobile I could use with a trailer hitch, but the large stationwagon was hard on gas and took up too much space to justify keeping at this townhouse, so it's gone now.
I've got a Hidden-Hitch brand hitch on my Corolla - planning to get one for the Matrix as well. Class I hitch - so ratings are 100lb tongue weight and 1000lb max trailer weight. Use a little 4' x 8' trailer that has open floors and folds up when not needed (I just toss on a 4x8 sheet of 3/4" plywood and I'm good to go).
I've pulled as much as 850lbs of "stuff" with trailer on a highway - car did alright. Not something you want to tow with all the time - but for smaller stuff and occasional use (furniture, kayaks, etc,) - worked out perfectly for me. But I haven't had a chance to pull one of those little cargo trailers that you see at U-haul - not even sure they will hook to a Class I receiver (1 1/4" square versus a Class III's 2" square) - unless you got one of those stepped adapters.
There are a bunch of decent hitches out there - probably all made by a handful of manufacturers and rebranded.
Hidden-Hitch, Draw-Tite, Putnam, Reese, Curt, probably more that I'm forgetting. Just make sure it is DOT approved (has a number somewhere stamped on it) and you should be good to go.
I got the Hidden-Hitch because they where running a decent buy on them, I think I paid about $115 shipped. Not 100% hidden - the receiver tube stick out from under the bumper edge. The rest of it is inline with the bottom of the bumper. You can get an idea by hitting one of the online retailers - they might have a PDF of the install for download - that way you can get an idea of what it looks like and what is involved in the install.
8th gen Corollas, have to mess with it a bit to make it work. From what I've heard on the Matrix and 9th gen Corollas - just a bolt on affair.
Not all the hitches come with the drawbar and ball - same goes for the wiring kit for trailer lights. I used a wiring kit from another vehicle, ball I had from a previous hitch, drawbar - I had made at the shop, as this particular hitch was designed for a rise only drawbar - but the ones that where available were not quite level with the trailer tongue. I worked the numbers to make sure I wasn't too much of a level arm on the hitch for my loads and still within the strength limits of the bar, so if you make your own bar, do so at your own risk.
That's a neat one. Have a hardtop carrier for my roof rack - but loading it and tossing it on there is a major undertaking. Might try and sell that to get the hitch for the Matrix. Just have to figure out how much it will cost me to register a trailer in VA - see if it is worthwhile to buy my own, instead of borrowing or renting one.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
ToyotaNation.com is an independent Toyota/Lexus enthusiast website. ToyotaNation.com is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. The Toyota, Lexus and Scion names and logos are trademarks owned by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Linear Mode
