Hello Fellow Freaks,

I'm looking to buy 1 of those sleek EcoHitches for my 2009 Fit Sport. I have contacted TorkLift but they gave me the old Warranty doesn't allow for towing answer. Even the certified Installers are not recommending towing. So I was wondering if any 1 here has used the EcoHitch to tow anything other than a bike rack. I plan on moving & would love to use a small U-Haul Cargo Trailer or a Utility Trailer to haul a bed, couch, etc. It would literally cost $20 vs. renting a uhaul for $200+

U-Haul: 4x8 Cargo Trailer Rental

U-Haul: 4x7 Utility Trailer Rental

So my questions are:

1. What would be the max towing weight/tongue weight of the EcoHitch & the Fit itself?

2. What is the ground clearance for the Ecohitch?

3. Do you have to use a Class 1 Hitch Ball Mount since the EcoHitch is also rated Class 1?

Please help I need to get out of my Hometown! LOL. Thanks.

 

According to the EcoHitch web site, the hitch is rated for a maximum of 2000 pounds trailer weight and 200 pounds tongue weight, the same as the Curt or Hidden Hitch. The latter are rather less expensive options, by the way. What sort of ball mount you get would depend on what size receiver you ordered; a class I mount for the 1 1/4" receiver, or a class III mount for the 2" receiver. (Note that the larger receiver doesn't make the hitch have a higher rating.)

Also according to the Eco-hitch web site, the ground clearance is unchanged, so about 5.5". You probably would want a ball mount with a moderate lift so the trailer is sort of level.

I would recommend a maximum of 1000 pounds trailer weight for a Fit, particularly if the trailer is not equipped with trailer brakes (and the small UHaul trailers don't have brakes, as best as I can make out). Note that the UHaul trailers are not light trailers; the enclosed one weighs 850 pounds empty. They're built for heavy-duty use and abuse, and they do ride and pull nicely, but they are not light.

Obviously, you should definitely not pull a trailer that is heavier than your hitch rating. Also don't forget that the tongue weight should be compensated for (plus a little, ideally) in loading the car, lest your rear suspension be quite overloaded. It's preferable to put heavier items in the trailer rather than in the Fit. If you have enough stuff, though, you're kind of stuck with renting a UHaul truck or cargo van or something, or making more than one trip.

 

Its all about towing smart. You can go up to 2k gross weight, but the car really does get acceleration challenged. My utility trailer is 850 empty. Im normally around 1600-1700 for a heavy load. Be sure to add air shocka to the rear, your stocks wont last trust me. I got the curt hitch and hopkins 7 way with brake controller on my GK.

Cheers




~700 pound lumber run

 

the warnings you are getting are justified. yes you can but important to minimize your risks. if you accelleration is retarded, your braking is even more so.... do everything you can to minimize your total weight. IE, yeah probably fine for a couch and a few light things. but don't be loading your car full of stuff on top of that and remember there is a big difference between short trips across town and interstate at interstate speeds.

 

Very good point. I would never go on an interstate trip with a heavy load like the stone and wood load I have above. Around the state, local moving, sure no problem. If it was a light load I'd consider going on a short day trip cross state borders. The Fit is at best for light duty towing. It lacks a large enough cooling system and transmission cooler which will shorten its service life. I use my trailer once every other week or so. Comes in real handy for those Home Depot and band gigs where you need all the big stuff! Also helps friends out with the occasional furniture move.

 

Thanks everybody for your replies, very informative and I'm getting closer to making a decision. What kind of hitches to do you have? Do you guys know anyone that has actually pulled anything with the Ecohitch?Do the EcoHitches attach to a different part of the frame than other hitches do?

 

I have the Curt Hitch. Two large bolts you need to snake through the frame rails, and a u-bolt that secures around the rear tow latch. I have a ball riser so my trailer sits level. No experience with the ecohitch, other than it does require removing the rear bumper cover, bolting behind the rear bumper reinforcement beam, and cutting the bumper cover slightly to make room for the receiver. You can choose either a 1-1/4" or 2" receiver. I'd go with a 2" being that there are more compatibility options than with a 1-1/4" receiver, but for what you are doing you can go with either. The Curt is less invasive installation. I didn't like the idea of cutting the bumper cover.





Class I trailer hitch from Curt Trailers installed





7 way adapter





tongue weight empty

 

This is in the 2nd gen ge8 & I see a lot of gk's. Not sure which you have but I have installed & towed with a ge8/curt combo. As far as the install on a 13 you only have to drill on the drivers side. I used my jack to keep even pressure on the drill. You don't have to drill the shape they recommend because you can use the wire guide to fish it through a round hole by reaching up above the part you drill. I attached the 2 bolts under the spare tire 1st to line up and find my drill point.
One thing to consider while towing is every bump pulls on the trailer & you really feel it even with a well balanced trailer.
Good luck.

 

Sorry I didn't see you had an 09. A friend insalled a curt on an 09 base with no drilling.
If you get the curt t connector it's plug and play with no wire splicing

 

Yes another good point. The t connector kit for the 2nd gen is WAY easier to install. Unfortunately the GK you need to tap into the wire harness wires. it was a PITA. Took a bit of time and patience on my part!





Light unit installed & left tailight harness grommet