[onyx_xt_lifted]

Great instructions. I did mine without benefit of this thread, using the instructions provided . Skipped on doing the cut out , maybe should though, what’s the benefit ? Fuel mileage maybe

 

[mark30pwr]

I've read the WHOLE thread, and learned a great deal from it thankyouverymuch. What I haven't seen addressed is Why work that hard or spend that much money just so the receiver is an inch higher off the ground than an aftermarket receiver snuggled up beneath the fascia?

My rationale: wanted a receiver that uses the same mounting points as the OEM to get the full 3,500# rating while also ensuring the structural integrity of the vehicle when towing a trailer. Was not willing to accept a receiver that used different mountain points than OEM.

 

[JCtx]

Also keep in mind the shorter the lever (distance from the horizontal bar to the hitch itself), the less the stress on the frame, so as high as possible is always better not only for departure angle, but for less frame stress as well. And the same applies to the shortest possible ball mount, which is the OEM by far. Any other ball mount is going to stick at least 2" further out, also adding stress to the hitch and rear suspension. If you were to extend the ball mount 10', you could probably visibly lift the front of your OB (increasing wheel gap) with your foot. So the lesser the lever both down and back, the better. That's why I bit the bullet, and bought both the OEM hitch, and ball mount.

 

[vtmecheng]

Want to give a big thank you for all these photos. Just installed the OEM hitch and this thread helped for a couple steps where the instructions were less than ideal. Worst part was cutting the plastic.