hidden hitch..hitch install

[rinigado]

I got my hidden hitch 87516 from Jet this week, and bolted it on this afternoon. It's a pretty quick and straightforward thing to install, but in case anyone's looking for some pics of what you get in the package from hidden hitch, or want to see what the install looks like on a 2003 van, here you go.

the hitch, sans cardboard box:

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I didn't use any of these bits for a 2003 van, but looks like they're needed for older/shorter vans. But what's that loop of wire with the squiggly end?

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I DID use all of these bits. The nice part of the install is it's just a bunch of same-sized bolts and 4 nuts to tighten. Easy Peasy.

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Two of these old bumper brackets will come off the van.

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The trailer uses all the same holes as the bumper brackets, and also uses one more hole on each side of the van, that happens to already be threaded (the red arrow).

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A little heavy for one person to lift into place and bolt on, so a jack or other prop helps get it in place.

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What the--?! the hitch isn't quite lining up with the holes under the van. So can't get the bolts in!

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A prybar and a little elbow grease is enough to push the bumper out just a little bit. Get the bolts threaded in before easing off on the prybar.

done and done.

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I did fine my trailer wire bundled up in the jack compartment, so next step is to connect existing wires to a terminal block, and then run a harness from there out the drain hole in the corner of the body, and over to the hitch.

[tequilasunset]

Other than the dumb alignment prob (which you cruised past) it seems pretty straight forward and clean... grats

[97cargocrawler]

That wire ith the squiggly ends is probably one of the most ingenious tools I have ever used. Thread a bolt into the end and fish that wire down a tube, through a panel or whatever and through the hole you want to fasten something to. I use them allllll the time.

They would have been used on the ends of those to bolts you left out. Wire on the bolt, bolt through the frame width washer with the square hole, use the wire to fish the bolt down the frame and through whichever hole didn't already have a threaded plate and pull it down through the frame and hitch. Remove wire and secure with nut. I'm sure you missed something. Read the instructions. You used 12 bolts and the hitch has holes for 14.

[WoodButcher]

Thanks for the post and pics ringado,
many people ask about hitches and you have put together a nice little tutorial.
A few pics of what you do with the wiring would be helpful for the newb as well, keep up the good work.


mine is a little different,


That right there is my opinion of how a hidden hitch should look,
thanks Stan!

[rinigado]

Thread a bolt into the end and fish that wire down a tube, through a panel or whatever and through the hole you want to fasten something to.

brilliant! stared at a while yesterday, but coulndt figure out a use. Thanks for the explanation.

[Abe Froman]

I really like how this hitch is designed, I have the same style hitch and it bolts under the rear bumper brackets. I think that this one with the bumper brackets built in is a really great way to simplify the whole hitch setup. Nice job by Hidden Hitch, and thanks for the info.

[MI_Ghost]

That wire ith the squiggly ends is probably one of the most ingenious tools I have ever used. Thread a bolt into the end and fish that wire down a tube, through a panel or whatever and through the hole you want to fasten something to. I use them allllll the time.

They would have been used on the ends of those to bolts you left out. Wire on the bolt, bolt through the frame width washer with the square hole, use the wire to fish the bolt down the frame and through whichever hole didn't already have a threaded plate and pull it down through the frame and hitch. Remove wire and secure with nut. I'm sure you missed something. Read the instructions. You used 12 bolts and the hitch has holes for 14.

Just pulled one of these off at the salvage yard.
The 2 carriage bolts/washers/nuts he did not use are for the extra holes. They go in the oval hole next to the spring shackle. Directly in front of the original bumper mount holes.

[b00duh]

Just installed one on my safari last night. Unfortunately, the last holes on both sides after the carriage bolts are so full of rust that the bolts won't go in. Any suggestions?

[WoodButcher]

Cutting oil and a tap.

[rinigado]

Just pulled one of these off at the salvage yard.
The 2 carriage bolts/washers/nuts he did not use are for the extra holes. They go in the oval hole next to the spring shackle. Directly in front of the original bumper mount holes.

directions from the hitch package showed the larger bolts with nuts and plates installed for short vans, but not for extended since there's already a threaded hole that's used just forward of the oval hole. So, extra parts are included in the package to cover whatever year/length astro you're installing on to.

[Mencken]

Thanks for this post, it answered several questions but raised a new one: Why do the factory instructions say right up front that the spare won't fit with this hitch, when clearly it will?

[Abe Froman]

Thanks for this post, it answered several questions but raised a new one: Why do the factory instructions say right up front that the spare won't fit with this hitch, when clearly it will?

I think they are talking about a shorty, if I remember right a early shorty bumper has a notch for the spare tire. I dont think this style would work without the extra body length.

[Isaac Zackary]

I've been looking for a 5,000lb hitch so I can rent a car dolly from time to time from Uhaul (they won't accept less). So I came across this hitch. But it's no longer available. Anyone know where I might be able to find one or another 5,000lb hitch?