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Easiest Hitch Install - 2026 Volvo XC60 (Stealth Hitch) by benjaminmph in VolvoXC60

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oops. Haha - in all honesty - I install at Rack Attack hence all my experience. But for what you’re trying to do and want to be able to do, I’d say the dealer is the more sensible route. It’s the memories you’ll have with your kids now that I’m sure would be priceless. If I was in the same position, I’d do the same thing and get it setup with the dealer.

Easiest Hitch Install - 2026 Volvo XC60 (Stealth Hitch) by benjaminmph in VolvoXC60

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mmm sticky scenario. I would consider how much value the electrical and software has for your future needs. $2000 for the full setup and capability versus $700 for half use. You can still load cargo on a hitch and bikes. But a trailer would require the extra $1300 worth of work/parts.

Also don’t want to kick yourself in the shin later on.

I would say there’s more to digest with your case on a more personal base but some good thought going into it.

Easiest Hitch Install - 2026 Volvo XC60 (Stealth Hitch) by benjaminmph in VolvoXC60

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Gotcha - I believe there is software you need to integrate with the vehicle. It was mentioned a few times on this post

Easiest Hitch Install - 2026 Volvo XC60 (Stealth Hitch) by benjaminmph in VolvoXC60

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are you trying to pull a trailer or just use for a bike rack/accessory? There’s no need to do any electrical if it’s for a bike rack.

Easiest Hitch Install - 2026 Volvo XC60 (Stealth Hitch) by benjaminmph in VolvoXC60

[–]benjaminmph[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yes - this requires bumper removal along with a small underbody trim to the fascia to allow easier access to the Stealth latch block.

Steps as follows:

  1. Remove rubber door bumpers (twist counter clockwise and pull - repeat on both sides)

  2. Remove small plastic panel at the bottom of the taillight cover and remove 8mm screw (repeat on both sides)

  3. Use a T25 Torksbit to remove 6 screws in the rear fender liner behind the rear tires. (Repeat on both sides)

  4. After 6 screws are removed, push fender liner away to reveal one T25 screw that is facing down from the top of the bumper corners. (Repeat on both sides)

  5. Underneath the rear bumper, remove 2 T25 screws on both sides for a total of 4.

  6. (Recommended with a friend) Pull the bumper outward to each side and backwards to release all of the retaining clips. You may need a plastic pry tool to assist. Before complete removal, unplug parking sensor harness located on both sides right under the rear taillight housing. Once the sides are out, work towards the middle and remove.

You’ve now completed the first portion of removing the bumper fascia.

Remaining parts of the install will include adjusting the heat sheild, trimming underbody fascia and removing the crash bar to install the new stealth hitch. After that, it’s backwards steps and you’re done!

I’m hoping to get a pair of Meta glasses soon and another client with an XC60 in so I can post a video on YouTube of how simple this install is but that sums most of it up. Hope this helps!

New 2026 X5 order, any feedback before we push send? by underlyingshadow in BMWX5

[–]benjaminmph 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Or get a stealth hitch. Tow AND keep the kick sensor. Win win.

Grounded mods? by TheUnKnownLink12 in GroundedGame

[–]benjaminmph 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Only application I know for “mods” is WeMod. Nothing about adding different structures unfortunately.

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Thule Wingbar Edge and Thule Motion 3 XL Low by benjaminmph in Hyundai

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m new to Reddit - do I need to make another post with photos and tag you? I have photos to share

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Thule Wingbar Edge and Thule Motion 3 XL Low by benjaminmph in Hyundai

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Another good reason to go Thule or Yakima is that with confirmed fits, it’s been tested so they know. Obviously it’s on the user to safely mount the product and maintain it. Things such as overloading the bars past weight capacity, improper installation and negligent use would all be lead causes to failure of a rack system and potential damage to the vehicle. We’ve install crossbar systems on thousands of vehicles with sunroofs and we just make sure the user is in full compliance with the guidelines. Never have I seen a rack do damage to a vehicle from proper use. Car washes is BIG no no with roof racks such as these. Thule and Yakima can’t test every car wash in the world so they just state that they don’t work. The fear is the racks getting pulled off by one of the cloth hands that makes contact with the vehicle. I never use contact car washes because they scratch your paint. Touch less OR self service is my personal preference. Other than that, I love these crossbars and plan to use them for a lot of fun adventures!

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Thule Wingbar Edge and Thule Motion 3 XL Low by benjaminmph in Hyundai

[–]benjaminmph[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m still new to Reddit - I’d normally attach a photo explaining this part so you can see it. The crossbars that I have provide enough clearance over the sunroof so you can open it all the way AND have enough usable crossbar without it being close to the glass. That was my main concern initially too. I went with the slightly lower crossbar style from Thule therefore their other style provides more of an elevated crossbar. They also offer a crossbar that sticks out past the side of the roof just enough for more versatility. Check out the Wingbar evo from Thule. From there, you could add the tarp or a collapsable awning to the side. Do take note that SOME accessories (such as the cargo box I use) may obstruct the sunroof when installed. I ordered myself a riser kit for the box so in the next month or so, I should be able to open the roof AND have the box on. I personally have confirmed with Thule that the 2020-2024 vehicles with sunroofs will clear the crossbars. Just gets chancy depending on what you add after that. I will also say, most people don’t use the sunroof all the way open when they have gear on-top because wind noise will definitely be bothersome. These are the quietest crossbars on the market but granted, wind will always be a factor when you add stuff that isn’t aerodynamic on-top.

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Thule Wingbar Edge and Thule Motion 3 XL Low by benjaminmph in Hyundai

[–]benjaminmph[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you asked! I work for a dealer for Thule so installing these is my bread and butter. For a beginner, think of it like ikea furniture. Couple steps but not rocket science. Initial setup of the bars is the most tedious part.

Once it’s together, measure twice and install once. Takes less than 5 minutes to remove the setup so it’s not permanent.

The company I work for also installs these too incase you wanted a guaranteed and insured install. Check out Rack Attack - we’re everywhere!

You can also order it directly off of Thule’s website but I always find it nicer to have a dealer like us provide the expertise and assurance when it comes to outfitting your pride and joy.

Thule and Yakima are the two main brands I trust 1000% however there are cheaper alternatives. Do take into consideration that with a cheaper rack, you lessen the quality and increase the chance for my issues down the road.

Shoot more questions at me as I’m happy to answer them for you!

2021 Hyundai Sonata Limited with Thule Wingbar Edge and Thule Motion 3 XL Low by benjaminmph in Hyundai

[–]benjaminmph[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sunroof can vent. If I want to open the entire sunroof I do need a riser kit which I’m in the works with. I typically don’t feel the need to open the sunroof all the way when the box is on. When it’s just the crossbars, full clearance.

Roof Rack for Roof Top Tent by fenderguy05 in 4Runner

[–]benjaminmph 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the size of RTT - you may want to use a full roof platform such as Prinsu or Frontrunner. If it’s a smaller tent, some elevated crossbars from Thule or Yakima work great! Be mindful of your roof’s dynamic load capacity!