How to Remove Trailer Hitch

[Buzz22]

I have recently bought a car with a trailer hitch that I want to use to support a bike rack but I have no idea on how this particular hitch works. I have spoken to a couple of garages and they think that something is missing. From what I've managed to source online it looks like there should be some sort of locking device with a key. I am attaching pictures to help and if anyone has any ideas on how I can remove this it will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Larry-NC]

Nothing's missing. That looks like a Thule tow bar, commonly used to attach a bicycle rack.

The upright attaches to a transverse crossbar that attaches to the frame on both sides and can be removed at those points.

If you're patient, you can look through the catalog available here online, or register and download it. Once you have the exact model number, you can go back online and find the manual. But if you just want to remove it, I've given enough information for that.

 

[bikendan]

I have recently bought a car with a trailer hitch that I want to use to support a bike rack but I have no idea on how this particular hitch works. I have spoken to a couple of garages and they think that something is missing. From what I've managed to source online it looks like there should be some sort of locking device with a key. I am attaching pictures to help and if anyone has any ideas on how I can remove this it will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
PaulView attachment 1109496

That kind of hitch is rare for the US, since no American or Asian auto brand puts something like that on their vehicles.
Your questions would be better asked, in a European automotive forum.

 

[Larry-NC]

That kind of hitch is rare for the US, since no American or Asian auto brand puts something like that on their vehicles.
Your questions would be better asked, in a European automotive forum.

Apparently it's more common in Europe. The model that it looks like one Thule builds for Toyota RAV4s.

 

[Buzz22]

Thanks, so I can only use this with a Thule bike rack, is that correct?

 

[Larry-NC]

Thanks, so I can only use this with a Thule bike rack, is that correct?

Or you can remove that hitch and install another.

Pretty sure your hitch is this one or related:
https://www.trodo.com/trailer-hitch-thule-570400?currency=USD . You could use this picture as a guide for what has to be removed, or use the parts catalog below to order a bike rack that fits it.

Here's the company's catalogue. You can browse it online or register and download it.
Catalogue THULE Towbars | PDF | Luxury Vehicles | Cars Of Germany

Another useful link:
Spare parts & instructions | Thule | United States

This picture shows what parts are added with this hitch. You could use it as a guide for un-installing.

 

[JimM2109S]

If me, I would remove that single purpose hitch and install a standard receiver on the vehicle. A quick search shows that eTrailer and Curt offer bolt on 2" receivers. These receivers do not require drilling as they use standard attachment points already on the vehicle. You can then use the receiver for a bike rack, a cargo rack or pulling a trailer (within the specs of the tow vehicle).

 

[bikendan]

Just for information, the OP is from Europe. So resources won't be the same.
The OP's profile says their RV brand is TBC, which is not any brand I've heard of.