I wanted to use a
hitch-based bicycle rack so was shopping around for a class 1, square 1.25" hitch receiver. U-Haul (#24999) was the cheapest at $130CAD. Others such as the Curt (#288907), Reese (#7712) and Hidden Hitch were $40-$50 more, but I found out you must compare these kits fairly.
The U-Haul hitch receiver does not include the receiver (~$20CAD) or hitch pin (~$10CAD). If you install it DIY, there is no warranty on the product. You only get U-Haul's lifetime warranty if you let U-Haul install it ($40CAD) and pay an extra $5CAD. The Curt and Hidden Hitch both come with the receiver and hitch pin and have 1 year warranties.
Interestingly the U-Haul hitch receiver attaches with 7 bolts, 4 on the left and 3 on the right. The Curt, Reese and Hidden Hitch attach to your car with 4 bolts, two on each side.
Installation instructions are on the U-Haul site.
The specs for the U-Haul hitch include a 5" deep receiver, hitch pin is 0.5" in diameter. Pin hole is 3 3/8" from the back of the hitch (nearest to the trunk) to the end of the hitch receiver. The hitch receiver has 3/16" thick walls. I mention these specs because my bicycle rack does not seat all the way to the back of the receiver because the hitch pin holes do not match up to allow this. The hitch receiver extends 0.25"/0.5cm away from my bumper, so it is visible from the back. The hitch receiver portion came with paint flaking off. I will have to spray paint it to prevent rust. Hitch bolts are 10mm x 1.25 thread x 30mm hex bolt CL8.8.
The install was pretty easy, though it was awkward under my car, leg holding up the left side of the hitch, arm holding up the right side of the hitch, threading bolts. I've only used the hitch-based bicycle rack once so far, but the hitch looks pretty solid. I think I saved about $35CAD but it was a hassle dealing with U-Haul. Hopefully you Americans get better service.
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