Lease return with aftermarket trailer hitch

[BradATL]

I installed a Stealth Hitch on my leased 2017 X5. The lease term will end soon so I'll be returning the vehicle in a couple of months.

If possible, I'd like to avoid the expense and hassle of having it removed. The shop that originally installed it charges $350 for removal, and the whole process would eat up several hours (driving to the shop, sitting around while they remove it, and driving back home).

Does anyone have firsthand experience (or reliable second-hand knowledge) with returning a leased vehicle with an after-market hitch installed? Does BMW charge any "penalty" fees for this?

[Joe-T]

I have no experience, but I would think that if you just pulled the receiver the dealer wouldn't even notice it was installed. The benefit of the stealth hitch is that it's "stealth" and can't be seen from the back unless you crawl under.

"Stealth Hitches are fully hidden when not in use. No more bruised shins from contact with the receiver of other hitches, all while maximizing your towing capacity, maintaining your crumple zones (unlike other hitches), and maintaining the vehicle’s original appearance."

If we weren't on opposit ends of the country, I'd gladly pay for removal to swap onto my X6,

[Deezulbeem]

If you were in Dallas I’d do it for free if I could have it. Lol

[alphaod]

Perhaps just ask your dealer?

[BettyWhite]

Originally Posted by BradATL

I installed a Stealth Hitch on my leased 2017 X5. The lease term will end soon so I'll be returning the vehicle in a couple of months.

If possible, I'd like to avoid the expense and hassle of having it removed. The shop that originally installed it charges $350 for removal, and the whole process would eat up several hours (driving to the shop, sitting around while they remove it, and driving back home).

Does anyone have firsthand experience (or reliable second-hand knowledge) with returning a leased vehicle with an after-market hitch installed? Does BMW charge any "penalty" fees for this?

Originally Posted by BradATL

I installed a Stealth Hitch on my leased 2017 X5. The lease term will end soon so I'll be returning the vehicle in a couple of months.

If possible, I'd like to avoid the expense and hassle of having it removed. The shop that originally installed it charges $350 for removal, and the whole process would eat up several hours (driving to the shop, sitting around while they remove it, and driving back home).

Does anyone have firsthand experience (or reliable second-hand knowledge) with returning a leased vehicle with an after-market hitch installed? Does BMW charge any "penalty" fees for this?

Just put all the adapters in the storage compartment under the rear floor. The dealer won't notice and not charge you anything.

[yewlock]

They pay more attention to what is missing. Since this is stealth, they will hardly notice it.

[skoold2003]

Originally Posted by BradATL

I installed a Stealth Hitch on my leased 2017 X5. The lease term will end soon so I'll be returning the vehicle in a couple of months.

If possible, I'd like to avoid the expense and hassle of having it removed. The shop that originally installed it charges $350 for removal, and the whole process would eat up several hours (driving to the shop, sitting around while they remove it, and driving back home).

Does anyone have firsthand experience (or reliable second-hand knowledge) with returning a leased vehicle with an after-market hitch installed? Does BMW charge any "penalty" fees for this?

Do you ever make your way down to LA or Vegas? If so I'd deal with removing it in exchange for the hitch.