Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2014 Nissan Maxima
Question:
Hi, I am looking for the best hitch for my 2014 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV. I read your post that recommends the Curt over the DrawTie. I am concerned that they say to remove and discard the muffler heat shields. I do like the fact that the Curt does not require drilling into the trunk, but what must I drill into? It says drilling is still required and I am concerned they want me to drill into a heavy beam that my bit cannot penetrate. So my questions are: 1 is it really safe to remove the heat guards permanently? 2 what must I drill into if I dont drill into the trunk?
asked by: Keith R
Expert Reply:
It looks like you are going to be drilling no matter which hitch you use. The Curt hitch, # C11352, attaches more to the frame which is why it requires removal of the heat shields. The hitch itself will act as a heat shield to dissipate heat.
The Draw-Tite hitch # 24796 does mount to the sturdier part of the spare tire well which requires drilling (which will be pretty easy to drill through, unlike a solid frame) but retains the heat shields. I have linked videos showing installations of both hitches for you.
If you plan on using the hitch for something like a bike rack or cargo carrier, keep in mind that Curt hitch requires the use of stabilization strap # 18050 for all non-trailer loads (bike racks, cargo carriers). The Draw-Tite hitch does not have this requirement.
If you plan on doing some towing, for the Curt hitch use ball mount # C45521. For the Draw-Tite hitch use # 3594. Either style can use 1-7/8 inch ball # 19256 or 2 inch ball # 19258. And for trailer wiring use # 118470.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
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Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1
- Accessories and Parts
- Hitch Bike Racks
- Hitch Cargo Carrier
- Tie Down Straps
- CURT
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1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 3/4" Diameter x 1-9/16" Long Shank - Chrome - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-9/16 Inch Shank Length
- 3/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Draw-Tite Drawbar for 1-1/4" Hitches - 4" Rise - 10" Long - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Rise - 4 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Class II Drawbar - 2-5/8" Rise, 3-1/4" Drop - 7-1/4" Long - 3,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 3/4 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 3 Inch
- Rise - 2 Inch
- Fits 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- 3500 lbs GTW
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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