I'm looking for a receiver hitch for my rodeo; minor towing only.

I like the round-tube hitches that recess under the vehicle, and have the little "stand-on" rubber step-up pad on top of the receiver. (I'm short) I see these on a lot of vehicles, but they don't seem to be popular online.

sort of like this generic hitch:


I've seen many different hitches, and some of them come with the fine print:
Fits: 1998-2004 ISUZU RODEO EXCEPT 3.5L will fit Sport model.
or "all Isuzu except 3.5L", etc.

I've noticed websites aren't consistent--some say you need it for some hitches, some don't. Yes, I know about different mounting points, but I'm comparing model to model.

When I go direct, for example to Hidden Hitch's web page, they say they don't make *any* that go onto the 3.5L. Anyone know what the difference is in the 3.5L?

Thanks.

what about a hitch for the Axiom. That should be the same mounting position. Try www.etrailer.com and see what they have.

Tried them. The only one that they list at all for the Axiom (Part Number: 70498 from Hidden Hitch) has this note for the Rodeo:

Tech Tip: Hitch will not fit 3.5 liter models.

In fact, every one of e-trailer's say they will not fit the 3.5 liter Rodeo. They also don't ask 2- or 4-wd, which some sites do.

I can't see making the more powerful engine, then changing the frame to be unique so no one bothers to make a hitch for it.

If no one else knows, I'll have to do a drive-about after the 4th of july and see what's up.

Just a wild guess here, but...
Maybe the 3.5 Rodeos have a different exhaust - or perhaps some other component that prevents the hitch from fitting 'just right' (???)


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<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I checked my Axiom with 3.5DI, and seems like it has a different over-the-spare-tire rear setup. I see a small tank located over my spare tire. This small tank is connected to the gas tank. This is a sort of gas tank pressure system. I do not remember having this small tank on my 3.2 Rodeo. This small tank may be in place where the towing hitch is to be installed.

Another guess is the hitch is not rated for the more powerful engine <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Try one from Curt Mfg. Thats the one I have. They dont make a distinction between engine sizes, only spare tire options/sizes.

http://www.curtmfg.com/app%20guide/isuzu.htm

I dont remember where I bought mine from. You can just google the name and part number to find the best price.

A pic of mine..


It looks like it sticks out farther then it does because my bumper is bent in a bit. It doesnt have the little step on top but you can probably find something for it cheap enough. I stand on mine alot, its wide enough.

It's funny this topic should come up right when I'm thinking about it.

I can't figure it out. It could be as simple as them not fitting it to a DI yet. MAnufactures will often say it will not fit, when they have not tried.

Have you figured it out, Wayne? Which one did you get?

I figured out I'm going on vacation and will worry about it late July!

I already GPS'ed out all the local hitch installers, including U-Haul, and will drive around asking.

From them, it must be a bolt on--I've had them put on a hitch before and the results weren't pretty. They cut plastic without asking, ugly welding when it was supposed to be a bolt-on, etc. I'd even buy the hitch and go elsewhere for installation.

We'll see. It's not like there are warehouses full of hitches in Tucson, I might have to run up to Phoenix to find one 'off the shelf' that fits.

I used a hidden spare Rodeo hitch on my Amigo before I found the right one for the Amigo and switched the Rodeo hitch over to my hidden spare Rodeo. Picked up the three I am using at wrecking yards for $50 each. Different manufactures but they all bolt on the same. Unless they changed the frames, they should all interchange.

Mike

I paid $150 for my Axiom 3.5L class III hitch. It was a straight bolt in and I did it myself. 2 hands and a knee was all it took! It does have the step in the back. The sticker has 2 weight listings one for 3.2L/3.5L V6 and 2.2L 4. The Axiom has two tow points in the rear. The left (if looking from the rear) is bolted to the frame, the hitch mounts back further on the frame. On the right the attach point is close to the end of the frame. My Axiom has the tire stored underneath the rear.