Tow Hitch

[Scrad]

I just got my hitch put on tonight. Man getting the bolts in by the mufflers sucked. I got the Valley round tube and it looks pretty good. You can't see much of the hitch tubing at all.

Good thing I checked out the other thread for the wiring harness. I couldn't find the plug since it was up high next to the tail light and not on the bottom of the jack compartment. Other than that is was really easy plug and play.

[Scrad]

Does anyone know where to find a Suzuki hitch plug cover?

[tntks]

Suzuki Part 99950-19027
99950-19027.jpg

Probally can get from any dealer. I found a couple web sites Suzuki Grand Vitara Exterior Accessories 2006-2008 at Dealerfit.com

and

Hitch Plugs from Suzuki Genuine Accessories 2005

[MyOtherCarIsaGSXR]

I went with the Valley hitch and wiring kit from Etrailer. Total cost was something like $145 with shipping. Installation was straightforward, though I did have one bolt that I needed to crank in an eighth of a turn at a time.

[Goaterguy]

Amazing how the dealer closest to my home (not where I bought it from) charges $299 for a small class II hitch only, no wiring, no ball and keep a straight face!

[tntks]

I had the same issue with the bolt located on the top on the passenager side.

[edszuk]

I just ordered my hitch today. All, I found a referral code that saves you 5%.

Here it is.

XBBJ7


Ed

[vgarmash]

I've bought mine XL7 from K&M Suzuki dealer (Grand Rapids, MI) and during negotiations about selling price they agreed to install original hitch for free:

Trailer Hitch

MSRP
$298.95*
SKU
990B0-26005

Add to the versatility of the XL7 with a 3500Lbs limit, 1 1/4" draw bar Trailer Hitch. Great for hauling around your Suzuki outboard motor-equipped boat on a trailer.

Hitch ball and tailer harness was included.

I successfully used it during my move from Michigan to Massachusetts. I've towed full 6' x 12' U-Haul trailer with all my stuff. Here is couple pictures:



It was 2 days trip and I want to share some results.
First of all I've noticed that driving feeling is pretty different when trailer is attached and espetially when it fully loaded. When you have heavy trailer behind your XL7 car itself shaiking twice on every bump and hole. Also engine works on 4-6 RPM when you ot regular cruising speed (55-70 mph).
Keep in mind those factors when you choose hitch.
First of all IMHO it is bad idea to set class 3 hitch to this car. Car itself has weight less than 5000lb so it is very dangeros to attach more than 3500lb. Think about it.
Also to keep your engine in good condition Suzuki add additional oil cooler when you buy XL7 with preinstalled hitch. It should help prevent engine overheating during long trips with trailer. I couldn't find proof about that on current Suzuki website but I beleive it was there in 2007.

Anyway, when you decide to use trailer hitch, be reasonable. Use only class 1 or 2 hitches and drive safe.

[Goaterguy]

Nice report. I just want to add that having a class II or III hitch won't substitute common sense. The manual says that the XL7 is designed to tow safely up to 3,500 lbs and irregardless of what hitch you have, towing much more than that will be dangerous.

[vgarmash]

Originally Posted by Goaterguy

Nice report. I just want to add that having a class II or III hitch won't substitute common sense. The manual says that the XL7 is designed to tow safely up to 3,500 lbs and irregardless of what hitch you have, towing much more than that will be dangerous.

But when I am reading this topic I feel that someones think oposite:

Originally Posted by rotus7

With aftermarket you get a lot more towing capacity vs. oem in addition to it being a whole lot cheaper.

Originally Posted by cycletodd

I got a Valley hitch round tube type class III/IV from hitches4less.com.

So I want to warn other newbies that no reason to buy trailer hitch for XL7 with class higher than 2 because it is included up to 3500lb already. So you can save even more money if you install just class 2 hitch. It also will be much safer for you