Are 2020+ Trailer Hitches longer than older models? If so, how much?

[2old2fly]

I was informed today that the 2020 and newer Spyders use a longer hitch than older models. Just wondering if anyone knows how much longer the newer one is?

 

[Bfromla]

Sorry only heard of rear axle maybe hollow or some maybe not. Good question though will be keeping eye out.

 

[Bob L]

When I ordered my 2022 I asked Pierre at CanAmSpyderAccessories if I could transfer my hitch from my 2014 and he said no, the new ones are a bit longer. But I do not know how different.

 

[al0vely]

I moved the hitch from my 2016 F3L to my 2020 RTL and it works great. My hitch isn’t OEM but that does not matter.

I guess you are asking if pre-2020 RTL hitches will transfer to 2020+ .

 

[K80Shooter]

I put one from a older Spyder onto my 2020 RTL with no problems. The wiring harness won't work but the hitch will.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Here’s a thread with useful info.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?129071-2020-RT-Trailer-Hitch-mis-information

 

[2old2fly]

I have the BRP hitch from my 2012 and installed it on my 2022. Fits just fine except the ball contacts my license plate when the suspension travels up. I have adjusted the air bag control valve for more air pressure but it still hits the license plate.

Pierre @Canam Spyder Accessories told me the 2020 and up RT’s need a longer hitch to mitigate this issue but I see on that website the aftermarket hitch fits them all. What is the difference?

 

[Peter Aawen]

I have the BRP hitch from my 2012 and installed it on my 2022. Fits just fine except the ball contacts my license plate when the suspension travels up. I have adjusted the air bag control valve for more air pressure but it still hits the license plate.

Pierre @Canam Spyder Accessories told me the 2020 and up RT’s need a longer hitch to mitigate this issue but I see on that website the aftermarket hitch fits them all. What is the difference?

Your wallet's a few hundred $$ lighter....


Juuust Sayin'

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

I have the BRP hitch from my 2012 and installed it on my 2022. Fits just fine except the ball contacts my license plate when the suspension travels up. I have adjusted the air bag control valve for more air pressure but it still hits the license plate.

Pierre @Canam Spyder Accessories told me the 2020 and up RT’s need a longer hitch to mitigate this issue but I see on that website the aftermarket hitch fits them all. What is the difference?

The ball hits the license plate? I kept my 2012 hitch. Didn’t put it on yet. I was only focused on the swing arm and the mounting. Guess I’ll have to check on that. Thanks.

 

[2old2fly]

Your wallet's a few hundred $$ lighter....


Juuust Sayin'

Meaning what?

 

[blacklightning]

I moved the hitch from my 2016 F3L to my 2020 RTL and it works great. My hitch isn’t OEM but that does not matter.

I guess you are asking if pre-2020 RTL hitches will transfer to 2020+ .

This is good to know, since I am thinking about taking the OEM one off my 2016 F3L and putting it on my 2021 RTL. I see a previous post said something about it hitting his license plate, do you have this issue?

 

[Peter Aawen]

I have the BRP hitch from my 2012 and installed it on my 2022. Fits just fine except the ball contacts my license plate when the suspension travels up. I have adjusted the air bag control valve for more air pressure but it still hits the license plate.

Pierre @Canam Spyder Accessories told me the 2020 and up RT’s need a longer hitch to mitigate this issue but I see on that website the aftermarket hitch fits them all. What is the difference?

Your wallet's a few hundred $$ lighter....


Juuust Sayin'

Meaning what?

Meaning the only real difference is that if you get one of the 'longer hitches', you've had pay for ANOTHER hitch, making your wallet a few hundred $$ lighter! :yikes:

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

This is good to know, since I am thinking about taking the OEM one off my 2016 F3L and putting it on my 2021 RTL. I see a previous post said something about it hitting his license plate, do you have this issue?

Well, I went out and checked. Now, mine is an OEM hitch from 2012. Part number on the hitch of 705203210. And sure enough, the ball sits right underneath the license plate. So, when you account for the trailer coupling, and riding 2-up and loaded, I can see how it will hit the license plate area when you ride over the bumps. So, that's why the new hitches have to be longer, and why the after-market hitch - which apparently always was longer - doesn't have an issue. The longer hitch moves all of that further back and it clears.

So, it's not about the swing arm and the bolt. It's about interference with the license plate body parts when you go over the bumps. Too bad. Guess I'll have a trailer hitch for sale. (That nobody will want)

 

[2old2fly]

Meaning the only real difference is that if you get one of the 'longer hitches', you've had pay for ANOTHER hitch, making your wallet a few hundred $$ lighter! :yikes:

Who said I am buying another hitch? I am asking how much longer the newer hitches are so I can make mine that length.

 

[blacklightning]

Well, I went out and checked. Now, mine is an OEM hitch from 2012. Part number on the hitch of 705203210. And sure enough, the ball sits right underneath the license plate. So, when you account for the trailer coupling, and riding 2-up and loaded, I can see how it will hit the license plate area when you ride over the bumps. So, that's why the new hitches have to be longer, and why the after-market hitch - which apparently always was longer - doesn't have an issue. The longer hitch moves all of that further back and it clears.

So, it's not about the swing arm and the bolt. It's about interference with the license plate body parts when you go over the bumps. Too bad. Guess I'll have a trailer hitch for sale. (That nobody will want)

Thank you for that information. I would have use for the hitch only 1 time a year, and that is not a certainty. So I guess I will stick with what I have. Or I might check the one on my F3L against my buddies on his 2020 RTL. It might actually be longer anyway due to the newer RT and F3T and F3L all having the same type of setup on the rear mud flap.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Who said I am buying another hitch? I am asking how much longer the newer hitches are so I can make mine that length.

You could probably eyeball that for yourself. Whatever you’d be happy with, since you’re doing it DIY. Looks like anything like 4 to 6 inches gives plenty of clearance. That is, if you want to go through that modification. Your call. Myself - I think I’ll go the plug and play route. Good luck. And thanks for bringing that up. I never would have noticed that until it was too late.

 

[2old2fly]

I think that's the route I may need to take. I guess with the small load the hitch takes length is not a big issue.

 

[Copperman]

I was informed today that the 2020 and newer Spyders use a longer hitch than older models. Just wondering if anyone knows how much longer the newer one is?

I have the BRP hitch on my 2020 RT Limited. The one that's been on all my Spyders and it fits just fine. The top of the ball sits eight inches below my license plate.

 

[EdMat]

Pic's would be nice to help end the confusion.

 

[K80Shooter]

I have no issue at all with mine hitting. When I pull my trailer, I am always riding two up.