Will Curt Hitch # C12221 for 2009 Pontiac Vibe Work with MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust # MF16849  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Curt and other makers of hitch receivers determine how their products fit to any vehicle based on the vehicle being in stock condition. They cannot test their hitches with all possible aftermarket products and so Curt cannot offer absolute certainty of the compatibility of their hitch # C12221 with your MagnaFlow exhaust # MF16849.

However, my technical contact at Curt did offer that if your aftermarket cat-back exhaust uses only the OEM exhaust hangers and mounting points, if the pipe diameters are the same as stock, if the muffler is the same size and if the exhaust components install in exactly the same locations as the stock exhaust, then there should not be a compatibility issue between the exhaust and the hitch.

Your MagnaFlow exhaust # MF16849 uses 2-1/4-inch diameter pipe and includes a muffler that measures 5 x 8 x 14 inches. If you still have your OEM exhaust components and can confirm that they are the same size, then you should be able to install this Curt hitch. If you no longer have your OEM exhaust a local GM dealership may be able to provide the specs for the original.

Curt hitch # C12221 is a bolt-on product that does not require alteration of your bumper trim, but it may require you to modify your heat shield. This Class II hitch offers a tongue weight rating of 250-lbs and a tow rating of 2500-lbs.

You should check your owners manual to confirm your Vibe tow rating, but my research indicates the vehicle has a maximum tow rating of 1500-lbs and a tongue weight rating of 150-lbs. You must always abide by the lowest-rated component in a towing system, which in this case is the vehicle itself. A typical trailer with two jet skis could easily weigh in excess of 1500-lbs. Before attempting to tow you need to confirm that the combined weight of your trailer and jet skis does not exceed the capacity of the lowest-rated component, which in this case is the vehicle itself.

Once you have confirmed your vehicle is suitable to tow your actual trailer load I will be happy to recommend a suitable ball mount, pin and clip, hitch ball and trailer wiring harness for your Vibe. The linked article details these items and may be helpful to you.

expert reply by: Adam R

0