Ok, getting close to purchase now, later this month. It seems every Night Armor or Granite OR with Fosgate system has the hitch and splashguards :rolleyes: Ok, the dealer can please remove the stupid splash guards for me, so I dont get a fine for littering on the trail. BUT, what about the hitch. Certainly it will be handy some day, including a 6 month expedition from SOuth America to Alaska towing an OR trailer, and I know it will help save the stock bumper, AND I guess Nissan forgot a rear tow hook But how bad does that hinder your departure angle?

keep the hitch, get a hidden hitch for the front and buy a hitch-mounted winch. Ta-Da! Instant recovery vehicle.

I would say go with the hitch. After dropping through Rocker Knocker (w/ the Xterra) a few weeks ago, I'm glad I had my hitch... saved my back bumper. As for the hindrance to departure angle, yeah... until there is a better option, that's the best option.

Too bad they could not have incorporated it into the bumper, like with the 2005 Pathfinder.

Not the best pic, but you get the idea:


-Jeremy

A rear frame mounted hook is better, the hitch can leave you in a three pt stance coming off ledges, etc...but, hey, I have it, and you can survive if you have too.

I cant understand why Nissan did that either. Monteros have had integral frame hitches for 30yrs, and other manufacturers have all picked that up as well. Then again, why is the spare tire still in the dirt? I guided a new rig down Pritchetts in 00 if I recall, and he had installed his old hitch, and it worked well. As far as a receiver winch mount? No, those are generally not a good idea. There is a reason you dont see them much. Winch has to be stored in the vehicle as you cannot wheel with it mounted(due to loss approach/ departure), weak connection, ect....