jerome

I had a 2004 Z06, sold it and now considering getting a regular C6.
My other passion is electric bicycles, so...

Has someone managed to bolt-on or weld a 2" (not the smaller 1-1/4") trailer hitch receiver to the back of their C6?
It will not be used for towing, so it doesn't matter if the car is not rated for that. And I don't need electrical connections. It just has to support about 150 lb with about 1.5 foot of leverage.

I would hate to have to buy an SUV just for this reason.
Thank you, and hopefully I will have another Corvette soon.
Jerome

mmakay

A receiver hitch isn't going to be a trivial mod. That's where the exhaust goes!

Ignore that ... I guess it's easy. :o

florida john

I have seen hitch mounts on c6's. The frame should be strong enough to tow considering it's rigidity. However, I was told that the NPP exhaust option will not allow clearance for a hitch. I do not have first hand knowledge of this, but someone on this forum will know.

C4RACER

what kind of bike do you need to transport? do you have a coupe or a vert? I have a coupe and carry my 58cm road bike with me all the time. Only need to remove the front wheel. Took a little while to figure out how to best position it, but now I have that down and it is a very simple load in / load out process.

jerome

I would buy a C6 coupe (not convertible) and would want to carry this beast: Stealth / Bomber. 117 lb.
I could remove the front wheel.

I don't have that ebike yet either, so I can't just go to a dealer and see if I can fit it without the front wheel. Also, shoving 110+ lb into the trunk is getting to be a physical task with some risks to the back and to the car's finish if I drop it. Re-organizing my life at the moment and probably selling my motorcycle which is my only vehicle at the moment.

Thanks for the good ideas and helping guys, much appreciated.

haljensen

I added a 1.25" hitch to my '05 coupe. The 1.25" hitches carry a 150 pound tongue weight .with no problem. I pulled a 2500# boat/motor/trailer to a local meet just to show it could be done.

Your local UHaul can supply and install a hitch on a C6 coupe or Convert. but not on a Z06 or a Coupe or Convert with the NPP exhaust. Will probably cost around $350 installed.

orca1946

Or any local trailer place.

Glennjr_Alaska

A manufactuer called Curt makes a 1 1/4 inch receiver for the C6. It fits all except cars with NPP (dual mode) exhaust.

I have one on my C6, it is part number 11380 and can easily be found with an online search.

What I have noticed is that the reciever is fairly low to the ground. I was thinking of making a riser that will fit into the 1 1/4 inch reciver but then have a couple uprights (about 4 inches) welded onto it, then add a 2 inch receiver to the top of that. That would give the lift I would want to use my 2 inch hitch mount bike rack.

jerome

Thank you, I found it here:
CURT Class I Hitch - 1-1/4" Receiver Tube opening. Rear Mount + 2005-2008 + Chevrolet/GMC + Corvette Coupe, Except w/ Dual Mode Exhaust

Is there any change from the 2008 C6 Corvette model that would not make it fit a 2010-2011 C6 ?
I also sent the question to Curt, who makes the hitch.

cclive

jerome

That's a cool setup cclive.

I figure that a normal bike is a perfect application - about 40 lb.

Would you feel comfortable putting 80 lb on that bike rack, for the electric bike I have now - Would it swing up/down a lot?
How about 120 lb for the ultimate electric bike i'm considering?

Thank you so much for helping guys. My hope of getting another Corvette is increasing.

jerome

I'm starting to lean towards getting a Corvette again.

I've been out of the loop for about 3 years, please fill me in quickly (will save me searching)...

1) Should I avoid getting a 2011 because it will be re-designed in 2012?
2) Any significant changes for 2011, or just get a 2010 if still available?

I'm thinking base (coupe) C6 with auto transmission. Unless i get too excited tonight when I stop by a dealership and lust for a Z06.

Thank you so much,
Jerome

StoplightWarrior

if you get even a base c6 coupe (ls3) you will love it. Any options from there, and the ride just gets that much better. Opt for the z51 if you can find one w/o the perf. exhaust option also. Seems rare to find one w/o the other.

mmakay

If you get a base coupe with the performance exhaust, I will happily trade you for my standard exhaust. It has under 500 miles on it.

C4RACER

oh ya - never mind, that won't work!! Mine weighs 19lbs....

jerome

Thank you, that is what I needed to hear.

jerome

Just FYI on the 1-1/4" hitch receiver by CURT manufacturing, I got this reply from Travis Mai...
I am forgetting the idea that I could use a Corvette to carry my heavy electric bike.

I test drove a 2011 C6 coupe last night with auto transmission. Felt really good acceleration and handling wise, very similar to the 2004 Z06 I had.
Seat felt had, but that would probably soften.
Better storage area than the old Z06.
Did not like the navigation system that requires a DVD and not sure if I can change my destination while riding (some cars like the Prius prevent that). I would prefer a Garmin added to the dash or somewhere on the panel.
Dealer said it would be $55,000 out-the-door (without navigation system) with auto transmission.

azc62006

i know this is going to sound negative.. but if you wanted to pull something or haul bikes around then maybe a corvette isnt for you... they are sports cars not trucks..... its like the guys that go out and buy the dodge srt10 truck, or the ford lightning, they have a bed but its not good to put something in the bed.... look at it this way. does the chevy corvette catalog sell or list a tow hitch? but,,,, its your car

jerome

I totally agree.
I was finding out thelimits of what can be done with a Corvette with respect to carrying heavy bicycle. Now I know, and will decide what type of vehicle to buy for my desires and needs.

Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated. It's nice to make an informed decision.

azc62006

desires are hard to deal with!!!!! lol i know guys do haul bikes but the suspension is setup from the factory for a reason. if you over load it it becomes unpredictable... good luck guy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!