[CMILD561]

looks like there are plenty of inexpensive receivers that fit my 2014 XT on amazon for around a hundred bucks. But it seems XT's require extra labor because of the two mufflers.

I am willing to pay a little bit more if someone knows of a specific model that doesnt require me to do that. It seems like this is going to be the case though just do to the design of the XT's. Maybe not.

Thanks and Merry Christmas!

 

[sinbad]

@CMILD561

I assume you intended to refer to the trailer hitch, not the receiver that slides into the hitch. Neither my factory hitch's receiver with a 1 7/8" ball nor an aftermarket receiver with a 2" ball requires much more than stooping down to slide the receiver into the hitch and push the receiver pin into place. The factory receiver does have it's pin located very far rearward, a unusual placement.

As far as dropping the mufflers to install the hitch, it is really no big deal, and the improved access for the hitch installation make the job very much easier. There is an inexpensive tool that makes pushing the mufflers from the hangers hassle free. I found out about this tool from an older post and bought one from Amazon. A simple hole saw can be used to cut a bolt access hole in the muffler shield. Bolt the hitch on and reinstall the heat shield with it's new hole. Again, no big deal.

Because of the unusual pin location of the factory hitch, I would not buy this hitch again. Sliding many hitch accessories such a bike racks or cargo racks into the hitches receiver tube does not use much of the tube to support the accessory after you insert the locking pin. I'd buy an Ecohitch hitch with the 2" receiver tube.

 

[1982]

I was able to install my Ecohitch by just loosening the muffler and shield and pushing them aside (with a helper). Did not have to drop them.

 

[Even_Stephen]

I installed a Curt hitch (from Amazon) on my 2014. I did have to drop the muffler. It was dead easy. There is a tool called muffler hanger pliers that will let you pop the rubber muffler hangers off their mounts easy-peasy. Then the muffler just swings down out of the way of the hitch. 2 mufflers, in your case I believe. Here is an example of the pliers on Amazon, though there are several different versions/brands:

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As far as the heat shields, they are just light sheet metal things bolted to the chassis. Also no big deal to remove. I cut a notch in mine with tin snips to clear the Curt mount and put it back. A lot of guys just leave them off.

Love the Curt hitch, by the way. I use it with a canoe loader and a bike rack. Very solid.