Trailer Hitch Installation - 2005 Pontiac Vibe - Curt

Products Featured in this Video

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

33 reviews

Code: C12234

Retail: $307.95

Price:  $180.50

• Trailer Hitch
• Custom Fit Hitch
• Class II
• 200 lbs TW
• 2000 lbs GTW

• 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
• Visible Cross Tube
• CURT

Perfect for light-duty towing, this custom, vehicle trailer hitch receiver features fully welded, gloss powder coated steel construction. Drawbar sold separately.

Do you have a question about part C12234?more information >     

How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2005 Pontiac Vibe

Today on our 2005 Pontiac Vibe, we'll be installing the Curt Hitch Part Number 12234. This is what a hitch to look like once installed. Next, we'll go ahead and give you a couple of measurements to assist you in selecting accessories for your new hitch. From the center of the hitch pinhole to the outermost edge of the bumper is 4 inches. From the top of the receiver tube opening to the ground is 10-3/4 inches. This will assist you in selecting accessories such as a bike rack or a cargo carrier.

Now, let's go ahead with the installation. First, before we're going to install the hitch, we'll go ahead and clean out the weld nuts or attachment points. These will be weld nuts built into the frame by the manufacturer. To clean them out, we'll spray each one with some spray lubricant and then you use a half inch nylon tube brush part number 814092 to thoroughly clean out the threads that are built up with rust, dust, dirt and debris over time. Note: In extreme situations, it will be necessary to use a thread tap that could be borrowed or rented from your local auto parts store.

Now, with the weld nuts cleaned out, we'll go ahead and take one of the new 12 millimeter fasteners and thread it into the weld nut to make sure it'll go nice and easily. Now, we've checked that, we're ready to go ahead and put our hitch in place. Bring the driver's side over the exhaust and the passenger's side up into position, installing the 12 millimeter bolt and half inch conical tooth washer with the teeth of the washer facing the hitch. We'll thread each of them in hand tight and then we will run all four of them down to secure the hitch. Next, we'll go ahead and torque the specifications as indicated in the instructions.

Now, with our hitch secured and torque specifications, that'll complete the install of the Curt Hitch Number 12234 on our 2005 Pontiac Vibe.