Are the Factory trailer hitch's better than the aftermarket ones, (fit wise) Does one tuck up nicely out of the way? I only want it for a bike rack on the back right now.

I bought a hitch for my 1st Gen off Ebay. It tucked right up and appeared identical to the factory hitch. Unfortunately I can't remember the hitch makers name. I've sold that vehicle now but that hitch did some work when I needed it to.

Dave, keep your eyes peeled and join some more forums. Hitches come up somewhat often.

try www.xterrafirma.com and try www.xterraownersclub.org . There are also a few others I am sure that are closer to you and are a local club.Good luck brother.

Thanks for the info. I have seen them on ebay cheap. The Nissan one is something like $300 from the Dealership. I mainly wanted to know if the $100 ones from ebay were any good or if I should stick with the factory one.

The key difference is the frame reinforcements...the OEM includes braces that slide into the ends of the frame rails to stiffen the rear frame, to take the extra torque the tow hitch places on the frame horns.

On the pre-'05's...the rear horns go from a box to a C channel...on the '05+'s, the horns were reinforced from the factory, and don't need the extra inserts for towing/hitches (Or aftermarket rear bumpers, etc...)

So - if getting an aftermarket tow hitch, look into the frame braces...get them if needed, you can oder them on line (After market) for $100-150-ish/set)...by the time you add that to the hitch, its sometimes a wash.

As for quality...the aftermarket FRAME BRACES are better than the OEM braces....but the hitches them selves are about the same in strength/quality.

Hope that helps.

:D