Hitch (n00b questions) - dog steps for car

tk123

I need a hitch for an ix35..and I don't know anything about them(!)

Any I see online have the ball thing on the end but I need a square hole - if the ball is removable can I swap it out for the square hole?

Could it be done as a DIY job or do I need a mechanic - I won't be pulling anything so don't need it wired up...because it's for a dog step I have a ramp already but it's taking up valuable space in the boot (ix boot is smaller than last car) and I don't want it in the back seats.

Are there universal ones or do I need one specific to the ix/ - could I get a second hand one to save €€'s?

biko

You could probably do it yourself but you can find towbar fitters locally.
You should ring a couple or pet shops and see if they have Otto Step or similar.

If you need the space, maybe just a wide upside-down bucket would work? With some added lining for stepping comfort?

tk123

Yeah it's the Otto step I'm after!

visual

The square receivers are common in the states and there is lots of different attachments made for them. However these aren't sold here at least not for my vehicle. If cost wasn't a factor and willing to pay mad money on postage you could import that type of receiver hitch.

Bucket idea seems cheapest and best solution

tk123

visual wrote: »

Bucket idea seems cheapest and best solution

Too risky I'm afriad - one dog has had his legs surgically straightened so can't take any chances of a something on the ground slipping etc.

biko

Is the boot of your car edgeless?
If so and you want a simple solution that would not require the dog to jump at all a sliding ramp is probably best.
It fits in a flat false floor in the boot and simply slides out when needed.


By the way, I'm moving this to Animals from Motors so other dog owners can pitch in.

tk123

biko wrote: »

By the way, I'm moving this to Animals from Motors so other dog owners can pitch in.

PM sent as I need hitch/towabar advise - I've already bought the Otto Step.

biko

Ah, sorry about that.
I didn't think you already had the step.

Where are you located?

tk123

biko wrote: »

Ah, sorry about that.
I didn't think you already had the step.

Where are you located?

Glasnevin so possibly Mr Bullbar is my bet bet?

biko

Ok Glasnevin is in Dublin so you have many choices there.
I suggest you just google "towbar fitting dublin" and ring a few places. Fitting a towbar isn't easy so best let a pro do it (unless you're into diy and have tools and time). Cost can be anywhere close to 500 so make sure to get several quotes.

mgbgt1978

OP.From looking at the 'otto' site it slides into a 2" box section (doesn't say if thats inside or outside measurement).
Your best bet is a flange ball type towbar without any wiring, or indeed the ball.
You then need to get someone to make a simple plate (which will bolt to the towbar) welded to a piece of 2" box section.
This is a very small job and any local welding company should do this cheaply.....if you were near me I'd do it for you (simply for the poor dog's sake)
As regards towbars you will probably find that Ebay.co.uk will be cheapest. You then need to get a local mechanic to fit it for you. As there is no wiring involved it shouldn't cost the earth.
I'm not trying to slag off the 'local' towbar guys but you will get a towbar from the UK for far less than the guys over here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosal-Fixed-Flange-Neck-Towbar-Fits-Hyundai-ix35-2010-On-/230797669810?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&fits=Model%3Aix35&hash=item35bc9cf5b2

Here's one on Ebay at a great price. You could use Parcel Motel, or they will send it directly to you for £20. It would be very easy to make up an adaptor plate to allow you to use the Otto step with this particular towbar.

tk123

mgbgt1978 wrote: »

OP.From looking at the 'otto' site it slides into a 2" box section (doesn't say if thats inside or outside measurement).
Your best bet is a flange ball type towbar without any wiring, or indeed the ball.
You then need to get someone to make a simple plate (which will bolt to the towbar) welded to a piece of 2" box section.
This is a very small job and any local welding company should do this cheaply.....if you were near me I'd do it for you (simply for the poor dog's sake)
As regards towbars you will probably find that Ebay.co.uk will be cheapest. You then need to get a local mechanic to fit it for you. As there is no wiring involved it shouldn't cost the earth.
I'm not trying to slag off the 'local' towbar guys but you will get a towbar from the UK for far less than the guys over here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bosal-Fixed-Flange-Neck-Towbar-Fits-Hyundai-ix35-2010-On-/230797669810?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&fits=Model%3Aix35&hash=item35bc9cf5b2

Here's one on Ebay at a great price. You could use Parcel Motel, or they will send it directly to you for £20. It would be very easy to make up an adaptor plate to allow you to use the Otto step with this particular towbar.

Thanks very much for that! My dad should be able to make up the box/plate for me and can possibly fit the towbar for me - if not I have somebody locally to fit it!

mgbgt1978

Have a look at 'malcolms caravans' site. Search the towbar section for your particular vehicle.
You will find a link to the fitting instructions.
Just had a quick look and it seems a very easy towbar to fit....no need to remove, or cut, the bumper. No drilling required....should be easily fitted by most people within an hour.
Although this particular site only lists 'Witter' towbars all other makes will use the same mounting holes and so would be fitted exactly the same way.
Best of luck with it......
One final tip. If you have any issues with the Otto Step slipping out from the Bracket just get a hole drilled straight down through both 'welded-on' bracket and the section of the step that slides in, then just drop a bolt into the hole to stop the step from detaching from the towbar while your dog is using it.

tk123

Just to update in case anyone is interested. I ended up getting the hitch from the US on ebay - €190 all in including shipping/customs (paid the customs when I ordered so pretty handy) and took us all of 15 mins to put on. Malcolm quoted €330 to fit a towbar with a removable swan neck so we'd still need to make up a receiver and said it would take 2 hours to fit on a good day ...

mgbgt1978

Just for your own info OP the US towbar will not be suitable for towing a trailer over here.....their's have a 2" Ball while the European ones are 50mm.

I know you are only intending to use this for the Otto step.....but just a caveat.

Glad to hear it worked out easily enough for you.

colm_mcm

There is also the wiring for the lights which I'd assume MC would have done.

mgbgt1978

The relay can be bought for around €10 on ebay, and the wiring is very simple. About 15 minutes at most on this car.

tk123

I don't need any lights for it and if needed will just take it off for the nct! Ebay ftw lol

mgbgt1978

No need for towbar wiring for the NCT, simply that the actual towbar itself is securely attached.