So part 2 of the new mini-hitch is that it's for a bike rack right now. I just got a killer hookup on a Thule X2 Pro hitch-mounted rack from a friend, which I plan to mostly use on the Sequoia, but decided to test it out on the swing-out hitch. Fits pretty well, though can't totally fold up due to the spare tire clearance. But the concept works, so I'm happy about that:
...but that's not the end plan. The X2 Pro mounting rails are individually-attached, and it's a pretty heavy rack that sticks out a good ways (especially on a short rig like this). So for the Raider, the plan is to build my own "stinger" from the hitch (without the heavy fold-up mechanism and other stuff) and just have one rail bolted to it, since I'm generally solo when in the Raider. That'll save a good amount of weight and give me better clearance. So that's the next project, but it's for another day.
Today's little project: exhaust stuff. The exhaust pipe on this has always been too short and dumps right under the bumper. Not a HUGE deal, but when sitting still, the exhaust tends to go up and get through the rear door seal on occasion, which is pretty annnoying. Plus the underside of the bumper and rear door get a lot of oil soot (this is a Mitsubishi after all....). So I picked up an elbow extension, cut the old pipe off right behind the hanger, welded the elbow on , and angle-cut the tip, and now it dumps off to the side NOT under the bumper. Hooray for small victories.
...but that's not the end plan. The X2 Pro mounting rails are individually-attached, and it's a pretty heavy rack that sticks out a good ways (especially on a short rig like this). So for the Raider, the plan is to build my own "stinger" from the hitch (without the heavy fold-up mechanism and other stuff) and just have one rail bolted to it, since I'm generally solo when in the Raider. That'll save a good amount of weight and give me better clearance. So that's the next project, but it's for another day.
Today's little project: exhaust stuff. The exhaust pipe on this has always been too short and dumps right under the bumper. Not a HUGE deal, but when sitting still, the exhaust tends to go up and get through the rear door seal on occasion, which is pretty annnoying. Plus the underside of the bumper and rear door get a lot of oil soot (this is a Mitsubishi after all....). So I picked up an elbow extension, cut the old pipe off right behind the hanger, welded the elbow on , and angle-cut the tip, and now it dumps off to the side NOT under the bumper. Hooray for small victories.
