ericPa

I'm looking to put a hitch on my 4G TL. Anyone have experiences with one? I'm only using for a bike rack and it looks like a truck rack is out of the question because of the "V" shape of the back trunk and bumper.

U-Haul says they can order one for me but I want to make sure I'm not voiding any warranties with this lease.
I'm also looking at the Saris bike rack here.

thanks

sitecap

I'm looking for the same thing - for a bike rack. I've found http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~24834.htm?vehicleid=2009300366 but the installation is not as simple as the hitch I put on a Prius.

In looking at the bottom of the car and the installation instructions from the link above (http://www.etrailer.com/instructions.aspx?pn=24834), I'm wondering if there isn't a smaller hitch that is not meant for towing (and thus doesn't have to be connected to the frame rails of the car).

A hitch receptor designed just for a bike rack might be able to use the mount for the tow hook. (ie: replace the tow hook with a hitch). I have to get under there and see if the tow hook is removable by taking out a few bolts, and if any hitch can be put in its place.

sitecap

Link above seems to not be working. Try http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2009_Acura_TL.htm

PGSberg

You may want to actually contact any vendor that is selling parts for the 09 TL. Sometimes, they will just up the model year in their propaganda since platforms themselves don't change often. It's just plain irritating to order something for a new car and get the part for last years model.

Acura-Rodester

Note the following in the 2009 TL Manual:

Towing a Trailer

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void

your warranties.

Even if you only use the hitch for a bike rack, will Acura try to
enforce this if you have a problem?

BleuM&M

Interesting that if you go to the U-Haul website and plug in a SH-AWD, it will advise you can drag 3,000 lbs.

The last time I visited the etrailer site, it had pics on how to install the HiddenHitch on the TL, up to and including unhooking the rear exhaust hangers for the install. It didn't look to me like they upped the model year for this part. It also looked pretty easy.

I wouldn't worry about warranty issues if you use a hitch for a bike rack. Racks aren't trailers and I doubt they would cook a tranny like, say, dragging around 3,000 lbs.