Hitch question

[Sharky]

I'm so tired of the hassle of fitting two bikes on the dinky arms on my bike rack not to mention taking forever to strap them on tight. Ricky mentioned putting a hidden hitch underneath the car is a 2003 Mazda Miata so don't want a bulky hitch sticking out the back when not in use it's a small car. Anyone know a place that is capable of doing the work...do I need to order it first or would they carry them? Live in the Upland area.
Thanks for any help.

[Rob]

A lot of UHaul places will sell and install them.

http://store.uhaul.com/hitches.aspx

135 S CAMPUS AVE
UPLAND, CA
91786-6830
Phone: 909-949-1214

[davidB]

^that link, assuming i've put in the correct info, can't find any matches for her car.

i'm installing mine when it comes on tuesday, it's just a handful of bolts from what I've read. I got mine from ebay, but it was actually sold through http://www.hitchsource.com

ebay link to one for you sharky http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-C...2em118Q2el1247


this is what mine will look like, not bulky at all http://www.hitchsource.com/images/DA_scionxA_back. jpg http://www.hitchsource.com/images/DA_scionxA_back2 .jpg

[jeffj]

2003 Mazda Miata

http://www.hitchsource.com/select.php

[Sharky]

http://www.hitchsource.com/classitra...h-p-27672.html
Thanks I found this one in the last link.

[biglimey]

Only problem with some hitch mount on a light car is the weight distribution, a hitch rack puts the weight of the bikes far further back than a trunk mount. when you choose the rack make sure it fits really close to the car, (the ones that mount both wheels tend to be lmount the closest.

[Sharky]

Originally Posted by biglimey

Only problem with some hitch mount on a light car is the weight distribution, a hitch rack puts the weight of the bikes far further back than a trunk mount. when you choose the rack make sure it fits really close to the car, (the ones that mount both wheels tend to be lmount the closest.

I remember talking to a girl with a Miata that had one put on hers and she was telling me she had someone do some kind of extra welding to it? She's at CWP often hope I run into her again so I can find out more? I apreciate the info.

[92se-r]

Just buy a beater pickup or SUV.

[SheDevil]

Theres a place called rack and road down here...they can either do it or tell you how to do it, I use them for everything

http://www.racknroad.com/

[ryandood]

I went through a bike rack evolution and ended up with a hitch rack. I had to order the hitch first, www.etrailers.com. My hitch ended up being $135 shipped to my house. I have a 2006 Mazda3 so it's a little car too, although yours is smaller yet. There was no welding required, just four bolts to be bolted into four preexisting holes. Two of the four holes needed to be enlarged which can be done with a steel drilling bit and a strong drill. The end result is a hitch and rack that does not touch my paint at all and is very stable and without the rack attached the hitch itself is practically hidden.

Also, try ebay for your rack. I got mine for $80 less than at sports chalet, brand new too.

[davidB]

i wouldn't advise paying to get it installed if you order it online. It's simple enough to do, and i'm sure someone around here could help ya do it if needed. It's usually just 4 bolts

[92se-r]

I would've recommended etrailer as well, BUT, because a Miata is not meant to have a hitch, it would require drilling into your car, which some are adverse to do.

Also, I do not recommend it anyway because the tongue weight will probably exceed the max allowed for your car.

[Chewyeti]

sharky....

rick and i can do it no prob, (the link says its bolt on..simple!)

I did the factory hitch on my truck

[ryandood]

I'm sure you can find out online somewhere whether or not you need to weld or just bolt it on. There's got to be plenty of miata forums you can search, you're not the first miata owner to want a hitch I'm sure. If it's just bolts it shouldn't be bad, I don't know anything about welding though.

[Sharky]

Hey thanks all for your help and I found out the other girl my guess is the welding was related to some things mentioned on here so will find out. Have looked through a few Miata forums not much help and figured I'd post here. I think you guys gave me all I need many thanks you were a big help.