[karlfevans]

Anyone know if a trailer hitch is a dealer installed option?


If not, does the rear bumper have to be cut? Or is there a punch-out panel on the rear bumper?

 

[lost1750GTV]

it's "listed" as as option, whether it's actually available now ....
let me know
But because of the mopar connection I doubt it is anything other than a dealer direct bolt on item, with no hacking involved

 

[SailDrive]

I was told it wasn't available as a dealer option, factory only, but I also would not trust the sales person who told me that.

 

[karlfevans]

Thanks for the replies.


I am concerned there is no trailer hitch period, for the Stelvio. We want to transport bicycles, not pull a heavy trailer.


I am considering canceling my order for the Stelvio. An SUV needs trailer hitch capability to be competitive.

 

[lost1750GTV]

you call that a hitch?
it's a bicycle rack, you can get those on the giulia.

 

[PJessemey]

The tow hitch is available as a factory option and a dealer added accessory in the UK.

 

[karlfevans]

you call that a hitch?
it's a bicycle rack, you can get those on the giulia.

Yes, I call it a hitch. You attach a bike rack to a trailer hitch, just like I did with my X5 (and as you see on every other SUV made). It is far easier to load a bike onto a hitch mounted bike rack, than a roof rack.


BTW- The dealer searched today and could not find a trailer hitch for the Stelvio.

 

[storey]

I too am waiting for a hitch so that i can use my hitch mount bike rack. Hopefully it doesn't take to long for one to be available.

 

[Scalewoodman]

I am confident we will have a dealer-installed hitch option from Alfa very soon + other accessories including crossbars and the bumper protector (for the top surface) discussed in another thread. There is a 4-color brochure attachment in another thread worth a look showing the European accessories posted by tipo949 (thanks!) - here is the link: http://mopar-original-accessories.satiztpm.it/stelvio/pl/files/assets/basic-html/page-16.html

 

[lost1750GTV]

rack or hitch aside, I quite agree that it is absurd that these items weren't available from the outset - and it's been months since US arrival, it is quite unacceptable for a vehicle of this type.

FCA /mopar really got to get it together on basics like this to be succesful. I'm a "fan", I could care less about carplay/navigation or heated/cooled seats, or all kinds of things more modern buyers expect, but selling a utility vehicle with half the utility unavailable is a real faux pas.

 

[Lombard Chariot]

UK spec (at the foot of the image) show tow hitch as an option, then on the accessories tab there is a further tow hitch option.

 

[karlfevans]

Thanks Lombard. I am going to purchase the Stelvio with the assumption that we Americans can get those options too. The vehicle is just too cool not to buy!!

 

[aljameela]

Holy cow I am freaking out a little here. I bought this vehicle for my husband to deliver to him on Christmas. I made the assumption that it would accept a hitch based on the idea that it was listed as a factory option. After reading here I see that was a mistake. My husband bikes everyday, so this will be a big mistake on my part if I bought this car and it won't take his bike!

I am going to try to take the car to a place to see if they can install one. So the last word from Alfa seems to be that they don't offer an after market one?

 

[lost1750GTV]

it seems a little slow to be rolled out - but a bicycle could go on a roof rack too.

and yes, an aftermarket installer shouldn't have much difficulty with a bike rack hitch.

 

[karlfevans]

Holy cow I am freaking out a little here. I bought this vehicle for my husband to deliver to him on Christmas. I made the assumption that it would accept a hitch based on the idea that it was listed as a factory option. After reading here I see that was a mistake. My husband bikes everyday, so this will be a big mistake on my part if I bought this car and it won't take his bike!

I am going to try to take the car to a place to see if they can install one. So the last word from Alfa seems to be that they don't offer an after market one?

Don't panic. I am in the same situation as you. I believe Alfa will eventally offer a trailer hitch, or a vendor like etrailer will. You can fit one bike in the back by folding the seats down until the hitch is available.

 

[Scalewoodman]

No doubt in my mind that by Spring this + roof bars will be a non issue. Besides good luck prying him out of it after one drive in Dynamic mode!

 

[tipo949]

Looks sharp, especially with the Alfa Romeo bicycles (or should I say Albabici) on the rack:

http://mopar-original-accessories.satiztpm.it/stelvio/pl/#16

 

[aljameela]

Thanks for the replies. Hoping to deliver this on Christmas Day ready for him to use it. That means with a hitch or else he has to stuff his bike in the trunk.

I've found someone (local hitch shop that does custom work) to manufacture a hitch for around $400. He has seen the car now and he isn't super confident about how "pretty" the hitch will be. And he mentioned that he may have to do some cutting on the bumper/trim because of how the exhaust sits.

Before I commit I'm going to talk to him more and try to get a better understanding of his plan. Am I making a mistake here guys? I have a limited understanding of the future possibility of Alfa coming out with something, and how it would be attached after market if they did.

 

[karlfevans]

Thanks for the replies. Hoping to deliver this on Christmas Day ready for him to use it. That means with a hitch or else he has to stuff his bike in the trunk.

I've found someone (local hitch shop that does custom work) to manufacture a hitch for around $400. He has seen the car now and he isn't super confident about how "pretty" the hitch will be. And he mentioned that he may have to do some cutting on the bumper/trim because of how the exhaust sits.

Before I commit I'm going to talk to him more and try to get a better understanding of his plan. Am I making a mistake here guys? I have a limited understanding of the future possibility of Alfa coming out with something, and how it would be attached after market if they did.

I would not cut the bumper. Cutting the bumper is a last resort when fitting a hitch. Our salesperson did some research and found a suction cup roof rack that can be used until a proper hitch is available. https://www.seasucker.com/

 

[JnDRader]

As a husband, I'd rather stuff my bike in the back than have the bumper cut. Just my opinion, but I'd wait it out. Worst case, if he disagrees on the decision, show him these posts and blame us lol!