Getting Hitched

It has been previously mentioned [link] that The Fuzz and His Sweetie had bit the bullet and purchased a shiny new automobile.

People familiar with the situation here in the woods will be aware that with no truck, The Fuzz relies on a utility trailer for anything requiring more space than is available in the trunk of a Honda.  And of course there is his little boat and trailer to consider as well.

As one would expect, the new ride did not come equipped for towing anything.

But it is rated for a limited towing capacity, which includes both of these trailers.

The only hitch was…

A hitch!

After a bit of online searching The Fuzz confirmed that a hitch designed for the '16 model, would also fit the brand new '17 model.

So he pulled up J C Whitney one more time.

And in a couple of days, this was waiting on the porch.

As it can be seen, some assembly was required.

Fortunately there were well thought-out instructions included.  And he was able to watch a video online as well.

So let's look at the project*.

The Fuzz started by backing up onto a couple of 4x4s to get a few extra inches of working room.

#1 Lower Exhaust

(This was not too difficult with the helpful hint of lubricating the hangers before trying to pry them loose) 

Now there was room to…

#2 Remove Heat Shields

(In this case, only 1)

Now we can get down to the tricky part…

#3 "Fishwire"…bolts into position…

Here's a look at the situation.

The mounting bolt needs to come out of the "mounting hole".  But the only access to said hole is through the "access hole".

But an ingenious system has been worked out to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

Here's a look at the included hardware.

It will be noted that in addition to the required bolts, there is a funny-looking wire with a springy-looking end on it.  This is in fact the "Fishwire".

The Fuzz appreciates the great instructions that come with this kit.  So let's have a go at it.

Here's what we're working with.

A) That springy-looking end of the wire must be pushed up into the "mounting hole"…

…Worked through and out of the "access hole".

(Actually this is not as difficult as one might suppose)

B) Next the "spacer" is slipped over the wire, and the bolt threaded into that springy-looking end.

C) Then this whole arrangement is carefully pulled though the frame and the bolt pulled out the "mounting hole".

The "spacer" remains in the frame with the bolt passed through!

#4 Insert U-bolt through "tow hook"

#5 Insert fishwires through holes in hitch…

At this point the hitch is raised into position and the nuts put on the U-bolt (#4) which holds the hitch up enough to guide (with a bit of lifting) the mounting bolts through their holes…

And these nuts are installed, and (#6) everything torqued up to specs.

But now we have…

#7 Trim Heat Shield(s) around hitch

(This one kinda bothered The Fuzz 'cause he only had one shot at it, and remember — this was a brand new car!)

But he did get it fairly close.

Now all that was left was…

#8 Raise Exhaust and reattach…

A look at the finished job…

And with the fancy "Euro Ball" installed.

Next thing will be getting the wiring for the trailer lights installed.

*The Fuzz had done this job before [1 & 2] on the older car.  And the process was essentially the same.  So he did sorta know what was involved before he started.