Remove trailer hitch to reduce weight 2008 XLT

[Johnny Law]

I'd love to install that fuel mileage meter, but it would cost more than the fuel I ever save. (I'd also be looking at it too much.)
I should look for one on Craig's List.

You are absolutely right. My wife just bought a 2012 Prius and she is giddy every 2 weeks after filling the tank. But the extra cost of the vehicle over a 40mpg econobox would never pay for the fuel savings over the life of the car. So we are paying for that "giddy feeling". To me it is worth it.

I do tow a boat with my Expy so I also get transmission temp readings on the device so that was my primary reason for installing it.

And you are right you do look at it often and yes, in my Expedition Ford is a bit liberal on their mileage. You might be getting a real 18-19 miles per gallon if yours is calibrated the same as mine. Which for such a large/heavy vehicle that is not too bad. And a whole a lot better than a boat.

 

[GAINMOB]

you fill up every 2 wks? thats pretty good or youre not driving

 

[splintrcel]

I beg to differ on the hitch removal. The rear hitch does come off. It would be dumb to make it part of the chassis from a engineering standpoint because if it were to rust out, u could never replace it. It has three bolts on each side it should be removable. Not that you would want to take it off but just to clear things up, it does come off.

 

[ELVATO]

I thought someone with a 2nd gen removed theirs to get dual exhaust coming out that area.

 

[RI-Matt]

splintrcel, I dont think there was a question of whether it comes off or not, I think the question was can it be removed to save weight. And the answer to that is no. On 1st gen Expys the trailer hitch was optional but on 3rd gen it is standard as it is made to be part of the rear frame structure, without it you have no rear end protection. It also supports the rear where your step pad is.


And its 4 bolts per side....



Matt

 

[splintrcel]

my bad, i missed one. I was just stating that it was removable incase someone needs to replace theirs one day. I wouldn't take it off because it is part of the impact absorption of the car and i use my hitch receiver all the time. I would never leave truck with out one because they are so useful.

 

[GAINMOB]

i wouldnt take mine off either...i use it to hold my hitch cover!!! lol

 

[splintrcel]

Freeway: Damn, that is important. Thats an extra 10 hp right there. I also have a hitch cover. They look pretty nice

 

[Robert Gift]

Freeway: Damn, that is important. Thats an extra 10 hp right there. I also have a hitch cover. They look pretty nice

What is a "hitch cover"?
RED brake and tail light"
Or plastic cover which matches the vehicle?
Thank you.

 

[GAINMOB]

No light...COVER...completely covers the hitch...photos of it are in one of my albums...old pic and has been repainted since then

Sent from my BlackBerry 9810 using Tapatalk

 

[splintrcel]

i can post a pic of mine later when i get a chance outside. I have to wash my car because my coworkers decided to draw a large dick on the back window of my truck with yellow window paint. I have an aluminum wisconsin badgers W logo.

 

[GAINMOB]

hitch cover