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Thread: Mirage trailer hitch/receiver: Curt 11394 Class 1; Draw-Tite 24916

  1. #71

    Hidden hitch

    FYI, my latest Mirage came with this Hidden Hitch installed:

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    Max tongue weight: 200 lbs
    Max gross trailer weight: 2000 lbs

    3 points of attachment: L & R "frame rails" (2 bolts per side), and the center tie-down hook (U bolt).

    Interestingly, when I look on HiddenHitch.com, it doesn't list any compatible hitches for the 2014/15 Mirage. Maybe discontinued?


        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


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    Fummins (09-02-2020)

  3. #72
    Senior Member PityOnU's Avatar
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    Another Curt owner here.

    I did similar to others in this thread and managed to get the bolts in on the driver side without drilling anything.

    Instead of dropping the fuel lines or removing the bumper, though, I used my tiny pianist's fingers to feed the guide wires through the hole at the back of the bumper without removing it. For each bolt, I used two wires. The rectangular washers were fed in from the hole behind the fuel line using one wire. I then feed another wire through the frame, through the hole in the washer, and out the back of the bumper. The bolt was then attached to that end and pulled through.

    Wouldn't recommend anyone do it like that, but it worked and it's all together now. Will be nice for a bike rack or maybe a cargo box or something in a pinch.

    Mostly just did it for the lulz, though. My buddy suggested I get some "truck nutz" for it. Gave me a sensible chuckle.

  4. #73
    Get one of these Attachment 19151
    Mirage videos:

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)


  5. #74
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    In this part of the world for this car a tow hitch is illegal. Even if it were only for carrying a bicycle. Towing anything is totally impossible, it would void the insurance and driving without insurance is a crime and gets you in jail.
    Tow hitches must be approved for the specific vehicle, and the installation inspected by a certified specialist ($$$) but then our cars are not allowed to have one at all.
    The tiny Fiat Panda, however, is allowed to pull 800kg, almost as much as the Panda weighs. I wonder why is that difference?
    Last edited by foama; 09-02-2020 at 03:02 PM.

  6. #75
    Quote Originally Posted by foama View Post
    In this part of the world for this car a tow hitch is illegal. Even if it were only for carrying a bicycle. Towing anything is totally impossible, it would void the insurance and driving without insurance is a crime and gets you in jail.
    Tow hitches must be approved for the specific vehicle, and the installation inspected by a certified specialist ($$$) but then our cars are not allowed to have one at all.
    The tiny Fiat Panda, however, is allowed to pull 800kg, almost as much as the Panda weighs. I wonder why is that difference?
    Sounds like a weird bizzaro buzz killington kinda place you live in. You can't tow anything, must use oem size tires, and probably oem size oem wiper blades, light bulbs etc.... But you can go as fast as you want on the Autobahn? Are seat belts optional there too? lol
    Mirage videos:

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)


  7. #76

    Draw-Tite = Hidden Hitch?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mitz View Post
    Draw-Tite 24916
    Attachment 5354
    Looks like the "Hidden Hitch" that came on my car is a re-branded Draw-Tite. Or vice versa.

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        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


  8. #77

    Bumper removal may be easier

    I removed the receiver from my car... and was faced with the question of how to get the bolts & locking plates/tab/washers (what are they called?) out of the boxed "frame rails".

    So I removed the plastic bumper cover and crash bar. It's a quick, simple process - only takes about 10 minutes. And it uncovers an access hole at the end of the frame rails that the bolts are inside.

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    [ Thread: How to: remove Mirage/Space Star front & rear plastic bumper covers (front pic) ]

    Having done this, I'm pretty sure it may be the easiest route for installation as well, instead of fiddling with wires to fish the bits 'n' pieces through the various holes.

    Pics of my rusted mounting hardware, just for people's information ...

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    Related: I discovered a LOT of grit & dirt inside the frame rails. People who live where there's winter & salt: these rails are going to trap moisture and they're going to rust out.

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        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


  9. #78
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    Quote Originally Posted by MetroMPG View Post
    Looks like the "Hidden Hitch" that came on my car is a re-branded Draw-Tite. Or vice versa.

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    From what I can gather, Draw-Tite & Hidden Hitch are owned by the same company.

    Contact address/phone # for Draw-Tite -

    Horizon Global Corporation
    47912 Halyard Drive
    Plymouth, MI, 48170
    800-632-3290

    Contact address/phone # for Hidden Hitch -

    Horizon Global Corporation
    47912 Halyard Drive
    Plymouth, MI, 48170
    800-632-3290

    I suspect different stickers are the only difference between hitches sometimes.

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    MetroMPG (05-02-2021)

  11. #79
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    Lil' Big Rig - HE'S ALIVE!

    I finally got the tow hitch and got it installed. I'm going to get some pictures, may even get the trailer hooked up and get some pictures. I installed the trailer wire harness last week. So I'm good to go now.

    But let me tell you guys about this fiasco, because sometimes, I just SUCK. My M.O. is to ALWAYS disassemble as little as possible. So when it came to fishwire the plates and bolts in place, I tried to do it through the big holes in the rear of the "frame" of the car. This is regarding the driver's side. I don't know how, but somehow I got the left front most bolt and plate in place. But it took a long time of "fishing." The 2nd one, which should have been easier, just would not go. So after a truck load of cussing and wasting time, I decided to take off the rear bumper.

    Fellows, let me just say to you up front. If you're installing the hitch, just take off the bumper. Just friggin do it. It is not the easiest job to do right, but it is easy to remember how to get it all back together. There are a couple tasks to this that just suck. But in the grand scheme of things, it is an easy job to do, including the bumper removal, versus the frustration of trying to fish those stupid plates and bolts into place. Let me clarify, remove the brake lights, then remove the bumper cover, then remove the bumper structure. At that point, the drivers side fishwiring is EASY. And the passenger side is super easy. Remember. Remove the friggin crap.

    So after much cussing (gonna have to kneel at the alter and ask for forgiveness), I removed the bumper, fished, and then with some effort got the U-bolt and center nuts started. I had the Mirage parked at the outside end of the garage, garage door and Mirage tailgate open. And all the tools and hitch box outside. I like that spot because I get more light and more breeze. Let me tell you guys, the mosquitos were hungry, and for a while dined on a buffet. My legs. But at one point, they just absolutely stopped. Approximately 10 minutes after that, the damn burst. And it rained lions, tigers and Great Danes. No warning, just splash. I had to crawl out and start gathering. My phone sat in it for a while (but it's ok), and my wallet. All my tools, instructions, etc. Needless to say, I received my 2nd shower of the day. After about 30 - 45 minutes it let up. But everything including me, was soaked. But I decided I didn't care and the show must go on. It is no fun sitting down / laying down / moving around on wet pavement. The rest of the event was done with wet hands. It was VERY unpleasant.

    The most difficult part of removing and reinstalling the bumper was the unclipping / reclipping of the license plate light wire harnesses. If a person had another person helping them, it would be a lot easier. I've seen a lot of bumpers installed so it was straight forward otherwise. Mitsubishi uses really good exterior clips for the bumper. And crap clips for the interior trunk side trim. Also, for the 4 bolts of the bumper structure, the 2 inside bolts have clever access holes through the bumper itself. No need for a wrench of you have 6+ inches of extension the inside bolts come out quickly with a ratchet.

    Got everything torqued to spec, and I will say, this Curt hitch is one of the better quality aftermarket items I have ever had experience with. Curt puts in a great effort for quality. The instructions are above average. Props to the Curt 11394. I put all my tools away and headed straight for the shower. I swept the area before I even started but I was still covered heat to toe with grime and grit. Post shower I felt good about my accomplishment.

    Summary of highlights:

    • Remove the damn bumper, and bumper structure. Just do it.
    • The license plate light wire harness clips are the most difficult thing of this task.
    • All the bulbs seals (including the brake lights) tend to stick in place and not come off with the lights. So they must be pulled out of their sticky spot and put back on the bulb housing.
    • For those that say this is a 30 minute job, even without removing the bumper, I call B.S. No way, not the first time anyway.
    • No drilling was required.
    • I'm going to estimate that if removing the bumper from the start, and without being drenched, this is a 1.5 to 2 hour job (includes dragging out tools and putting it all away).
    • The Curt 11394 hitch is top notch.

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2020 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 42.4 mpg (US) ... 18.0 km/L ... 5.6 L/100 km ... 50.9 mpg (Imp)


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    MetroMPG (07-27-2021)

  13. #80
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    So, this is what I did to my Mirage today. And towed it about 15 miles. Gonna list my perception / take away below. G35 #2 (of 3) in the background.

    • The trailer is a 5' x 10'. Estimated to be about 700 lbs. Could be a skosh less. Tongue weighed in at 87.5 lbs. The trailer seems to sit real level. I couldn't find my level to check it, but I will.
    • Power: The Lil' Big Rig has enough power when it is empty. I drove it out to Home Depot and back and it did fine power wise.
    • Brakes: My normal driving, I have plenty of brakes. A panic stop, I'm going to be pushed out a few feet farther.
    • Clutch: Little to no more clutch wear than normal. I've been towing a long time. I barely even rev it to start off, even with the trailer. I don't effectively push the throttle until the clutch is FULLY engaged. And during shifting, I'm floating gears with the clutch, if you know what that means.
    • Handling: It has more impact (dipping) of the rear of the car than I've ever experienced. I can't say I didn't expect it, and it wasn't horrible. Just not something I'm used to after having towed for 21 years with my 3/4 ton Dodge.
    • Handling 2: When going over rough surfaces, like slowly turning sharply from one pavement to the next and you roll over a bumpy transition, the bobbling up and down of the trailer puts all manner of input into the car. Up/down, a little chugging front to back, joined with the noise described below. To be expected from such a lightweight car.
    • Handling 3: When rolling 50 to 55 mph down a smooth highway, it is quite capable, very little input trailer to car.
    • Noise: Holy cow! This is my one complaint. My truck is as LAF, so I don't hear the trailer much. But with the quiet Mirage, the trailer noise is unnerving. I have the gate strapped down when empty, but it still has just enough play to clear the floor and slam back down. Certain undulations the noise is scary. And there's another noise, sounds like someone is using a crowbar and prying at the tailgate latch to open it. Very unsettling.
    • Noise 2: I cut some slots into the wood floor for the gate latch brackets to set into back when I first got this trailer (otherwise the gate wouldn't sit flat on the floor, and the latches would bust and gouge the wood). I lay that gate down every time I can just to save drag and improve mpg ... even with my truck. Why pull a barn door down the road if I don't need to. But even with the gate up, there's enough tolerance between the latches and the latch pins that it makes it's own racket. Maybe not as much as the gate banging the floor though. I have some insulation pads I may put between the floor and gate and see if that reduces the noise.




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    Last edited by MetroMPG; 07-27-2021 at 06:34 PM. Reason: (embedded 1 pic)

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2020 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 42.4 mpg (US) ... 18.0 km/L ... 5.6 L/100 km ... 50.9 mpg (Imp)


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