[Bluvee]

I apologize for the disturbance and for reviving this thread up just happened that I had a hitch put on my versa and the dealer told me to just go to the local trailer shop and it would be no problem.The big thing is that nothing has worked and it was not a good set up and then the wiring issues start.

..oops. Forgot to mention that the service center that put on my Rigid Hitch had issues during assembly. They had wiring issues also. But they did the work for 400.00 hitch included. I am stoked but not stoked that you are having issues. I let service techs work on my car. I did my front brakes but I am not brave enough to dig in.:woot:

 

[Travis28715]

The problem with having a trailer hitch assembly installed is that in a rear end impact, the bumper is designed to absorb the impact. If you have the hitch assembly, regardless of whether or not you have the ball on or if its just the receiver, the impact is going through the hitch into the structure of the vehicle where it is not designed to take impact.

Also, as was mentioned by the nissan tech that is on this board, the brakes on the versa can barely stop the car itself. Now you are loading down the back, which will make it considerably worse for braking as well, and adding that extra weight.

For a car as light as a versa, 1000lbs is alot to tow. If you get a gust of cross wind you are toast. If the trailer starts to wobble, you won't have the power to pull out of it.

I have a 2010 base model with the little engine and 5 speed manual. The Hidden Hitch installed fine as well as the powered lighting kit. I only tow light loads such as 2 BMW motorcycles or a riding mower through the Blue Ridge Mtn roads with no problems what so ever. I did do some research on Versa's and hitches before I had installation and read all the adverse opinions but who cares. It's a freakin Versa. Just keep your loads light and you will be fine.

 

[SteelB12]

I ordered a hitch from etrailer.com

Problem I am having is enlarging the two holes in the frame the hitch uses to bolt to the frame. Can't get a good bite with the bit.

Not looking to tow much, just a motorcycle.

 

[iluvmyVersa08]

I ordered a hitch from etrailer.com

Problem I am having is enlarging the two holes in the frame the hitch uses to bolt to the frame. Can't get a good bite with the bit.

Not looking to tow much, just a motorcycle.

My dad had to drill into the frame too in order to get the bolts to fit. This was my first winter leaving the hitch on, and it's still good. Just a little rustier then I would like. But it carries my bicycles around ��

 

[SteelB12]

Got it installed. Was a bit of a hassle but its on. Really hard to see it which is probably a good thing. Wiring the trailer was easy. Just had to remove the tail light assemblies and plug in the trailer wires.

 

[Vern in IL]

the brakes on the versa can barely stop the car itself.

...maybe if it's loaded! But a unloaded Versa with no passengers, the brakes work **excellent**.

My Dealer Service Dept. said warranty will be voided if you have a tow hitch installed on a Versa Note.


I thought about a hitch to mount a Hitch bike carrier, but I want my warranty!

So my only options are Thule roof rack carriers, or a Thule RaceWay that clamps to the back door.

 

[bentring]

...maybe if it's loaded! But a unloaded Versa with no passengers, the brakes work **excellent**.

My Dealer Service Dept. said warranty will be voided if you have a tow hitch installed on a Versa Note.

That's why you are installing a bike rack hitch instead of a tow hitch, right? Right?

On a more serious Note (HAH! sorry) if I were told directly that something would void my warranty I would probably listen.

It's just crazy that in other markets these cars would easily have a tow rating of ~1500 pounds but the US market has just got to be difficult...

 

[Versa-Chi]

Regarding the rear crash impact rating.
I'm don't understand how a hitch would downgrade the rating anymore than having 2 adults in the back seat or a trunk filled with stuff? The following link says the hitch weighs only about 30lbs so the rear bumper won't drop very much.

2009 Nissan Versa Trailer Hitch - Curt

OR does the hitch mess up the crumple zone/absorption capabilities?

 

[Versa-Chi]

I did some checking.

How hitch effects rear collisions
The National Safety Commission Alerts: How Receiver Hitches Affect Rear End Collision Injuries

Product claims it can absorb some rear end collision energy. NOTE: I just found this on the web. No idea if it works or not.
Products

 

[qorray1968]

2015 Note S 5 speed here. Installed hitch, works great. I carry my bike and trike on it plus a small Thule trailer. No problems at all, I do have the car lowered and I'm running 17x7 rims with 205/45 tires. Brakes seem to handle highway and city driving fine. With the upper strut bar, lower brace and the hitch installed car is really really stiff. Interesting thoughts on the rear crash disadvantages, never thought about it like that. If it's a bad enough rear crash my thinking is that it's going to hurt anyway with/without it on there. Damn hitch is just so useful, I love my hitch!! Q