2018 Leaf Trailer Hitch

[tranquilgarden]

I thought I read in the owner's manual that towing is not allowed. Are these hitches just for bike carriers? U-haul says you can tow a trailer.

[kennethbokor]

Hi all, looking at a hitch for a bike rack (1-3 bikes).

EcoHitch sells a compatible Hitch for the 2018 Leaf:

https://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2018_Nissan_Leaf.htm

https://torkliftcentral.com/2013-2016-n ... ohitch?c=1

My question is, since the hitch weighs about 47 pounds installed, any idea how much this extra full-time weight could impact battery range, in general? Like 5% lower, etc.?

Just the hitch, I know once a bike rack is also on and 3 bikes, that is another 125 pounds or so as well and of course will affect range. I'm more concerned about the hitch itself and it's impact, since it would be permanently installed on the Leaf.

If anyone can share their current experiences with hitches installed on past Leafs, that would be helpful with regards to range.

Thanks, Ken

[Jedlacks]

I had a Curt hitch on my '15, and I could not find a noticable difference. My bike trail was only 20+ miles away in suburbia, so I was not doing any highway driving. The only reason I didn't uninstall it for my '18 was because I had no time or the tools in the dealership parking lot.

No doubt I will be buying another hitch.

[evtifosi]

I have a hitch on my 2015 (looks like a similar or identical hitch) - We use it for a bike rack, and a cargo carrier - it hasn't changed my range in anyway I can tell...My kid keeps getting bigger so he is probably affecting range more than the rack!

[brotherjethro]

My question is, since the hitch weighs about 47 pounds installed, any idea how much this extra full-time weight could impact battery range, in general? Like 5% lower, etc.?

I usually drive alone, but on a recent 100 mile trip I had a passenger (probably 3x the weight of that hitch) and saw no change in miles / kwh. So I think you won't really notice it.

[kennethbokor]

Hi thanks all for the responses. I kinda thought so but wanted to get some real life experience feedback!

I've heard that a roof rack can cut down range, as much as 5% or so maybe more, but that is because of aerodynamics.

[derkraut]

I have a hitch on my 2011, with bike rack for two bikes. No noticeable reduction in range.

[cbrezynskie]

I just installed the Curt hitch for the 2017 Leaf and it fit perfectly. No problems whatsoever.

[marcelg]

I thought I read in the owner's manual that towing is not allowed. Are these hitches just for bike carriers? U-haul says you can tow a trailer.

I found this line in the Nissan Canada's LEaf Warranty guide, under the "What is not covered" section:
" Misuse, such as overloading, using the vehicle to
tow, driving over curbs, or using the vehicle as a
power source."

I don't think towing is allowed either, but I'm curious as to whether I can put a hitch-mounted cargo carrier on my 2017.

[LeftieBiker]

I don't think towing is allowed either, but I'm curious as to whether I can put a hitch-mounted cargo carrier on my 2017.

As long as you stay within the load limits. People have used those carriers to hold generators.