[Newmando]

Hey everybody. I’m really considering getting a Veloster N with the performance package as my next car but I need to be able to put a trailer hitch on. I’m not towing anything but since I own a bike shop I need to be able to install a bike rack. Roof racks aren’t an option for me...

I tried e-trailer and Curt Manufacturing and both said no go - well, Curt said they were not making one for the car - not that one wouldn’t work. I asked for clarification from them but haven’t gotten a response yet.

Does anybody have any ideas or information about this?

The two things I must have are heated seats (my local dealer said they would take care of that) and a hitch. I’m half way there!

Thanks!

 

[ZachFount]

I'm going to look at the diagrams of the underbody tomorrow but I feel as it it wouldn't fit with the diffuser and exhaust valves (if you have a Performance Pack)

 

[Newmando]

Oh man that would be fantastic. I got under the N at the dealership on a busy Sunday and the people all thought I was kind of nuts. Other than getting to see the underside of the car it didn’t do me much good.

Thanks so much for the help.

 

[Frog]

I have actually had the e-trailer hitch in hand for a trial fit. That hitch is basically a square tube connected to the frame rails above by two vertical flat plates. The tops of the flat plates bolt into two (each side) predrilled and threaded holes in the frame rails. As discussed above, the issue is clearance with the vacuum valve on the passenger side of the performance exhaust. The stock hitch needs to attach to the frame rail directly above the valve. To fit around the vacuum valve, the plate on the passenger side of the hitch would need to be offset at least two inches outboard. If you could solve that fabrication issue, interference with the diffuser does not look like it would be a problem. This is a specialty product for a low volume car. I expect custom fab will be in order. If you go the custom fab route, the e-trailer hitch for the 2019+ Velostar would actually be a good starting point.

 

[Newmando]

Thanks for the info so far - it’s giving me hope that this won’t be too difficult. I have a couple of friends that could help with the fabrication and with the powder coating afterwards which is awesome. I’m mostly afraid I’ll need to modify the exhaust or diffuser which I wouldn’t want to do.

I saw there are tow bars available for the i30N in Europe but tow bars don’t work exactly like a trailer hitch does in the states and I can’t get a bike rack that works for one anyhow. Plus, I’d rather not have to buy a new rack.

Thanks again.

 

[Veloster N 62]

NO towing permitted, better read your owners manual.

 

[ZachFount]

Id recommend a roof rack like SeaSucker. Its easy to install and remove and is very reliable and durable.

 

[MaxPower]

NO towing permitted, better read your owners manual.

OP said he's not towing anything, just putting a bike rack on. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Newmando]

As MaxPower stated I’m only using this for a bike rack and I use it all the time for fun and for my work. Really, the interior is a bit smaller than I’d like because I don’t believe I can fit new bikes in the hatch (with the seats folded down) so the hitch becomes even more important since I’m constantly moving bikes around. Roof racks won’t work and a trunk rack is a no go even if one did work (I’m pretty uptight about things touching my car like a trunk rack).

I’m not desperate to get a new car since I’m not quite 4 years into my GTI but the Veloster has caught my attention and after two GTIs I guess you could say I’m ready for a change. That the N seems to have character in spades is quite appealing. It says a lot that this car is a bit compromised for me and I’m still trying to figure out how to make it work.

There’s a U-Haul a minute away from the Hyundai dealership and I’m wondering if the dealer would let me bring the car over there for them to look. I guess it’s worth a shot?

 

[Newmando]

Id recommend a roof rack like SeaSucker. Its easy to install and remove and is very reliable and durable.

Bit of a thread drift here but I think you’re the one to ask:

My local dealer said they’d install oem heated seats and switches for me and the price they quoted seemed reasonable.

Think there’s any chance since it’s oem and dealer installed I’d maintain my warranty?
Have you done any oem heated seat installs at your dealership? I’m guessing it’s just the elements, switches, and wiring? I’m hoping it’s not too difficult...

Thanks a bunch.

 

[ZachFount]

Id recommend a roof rack like SeaSucker. Its easy to install and remove and is very reliable and durable.

Bit of a thread drift here but I think you’re the one to ask:

My local dealer said they’d install oem heated seats and switches for me and the price they quoted seemed reasonable.

Think there’s any chance since it’s oem and dealer installed I’d maintain my warranty?
Have you done any oem heated seat installs at your dealership? I’m guessing it’s just the elements, switches, and wiring? I’m hoping it’s not too difficult...

Thanks a bunch.

I highly encourage you to get a written statement from the service advisor, service manager and the general manager. Hyundai Motor America wont warranty it because the car isn't technically suited for it. I say get the managers to give a written statement so if you have any issues, the dealership itself will pay for the repairs. I've seen other dealerships offer to install unfitted ( not VIN compatible) parts but won't warranty anything. It's similar to aftermarket parts, dealerships will install but won't warranty or guarantee the work and parts.

 

[Veloster N 62]

Not likely!

Bit of a thread drift here but I think you’re the one to ask:

My local dealer said they’d install oem heated seats and switches for me and the price they quoted seemed reasonable.

Think there’s any chance since it’s oem and dealer installed I’d maintain my warranty?
Have you done any oem heated seat installs at your dealership? I’m guessing it’s just the elements, switches, and wiring? I’m hoping it’s not too difficult...

Thanks a bunch.

Nope, the OEM parts are allocated for Canada only Veloster N's. The dealer you spoke to, if Hyundai was telling you a story. Switches, wiring, OEM seats are not available in the US for the Veloster N and you'd have to have the ECU re-flashed to accept them. Not possible, because there is different ECU programing for the Canadian model and the US. Canadian and US automotive standards are different also. No warranty coverage either, cost prohibitive also.

 

[Newmando]

It seems the plot thickens...

So far I’ve only spoken with a salesperson via text and she quoted me “around $600” when I told her I wanted oem heated seats - or the elements and switches anyhow. It seems crazy they didn’t give the US heated seats but 5 hours north in Canada they get them. My back needs heated seats! Haha.

Thanks everyone for the input. I’ll let you all know if I hear something of merit.

 

[N_Powered_Penny]

I have actually had the e-trailer hitch in hand for a trial fit. That hitch is basically a square tube connected to the frame rails above by two vertical flat plates. The tops of the flat plates bolt into two (each side) predrilled and threaded holes in the frame rails. As discussed above, the issue is clearance with the vacuum valve on the passenger side of the performance exhaust. The stock hitch needs to attach to the frame rail directly above the valve. To fit around the vacuum valve, the plate on the passenger side of the hitch would need to be offset at least two inches outboard. If you could solve that fabrication issue, interference with the diffuser does not look like it would be a problem. This is a specialty product for a low volume car. I expect custom fab will be in order. If you go the custom fab route, the e-trailer hitch for the 2019+ Velostar would actually be a good starting point.

Any updates on this? I am looking to install a hitch myself and I can weld.
Did you ever successfully get this to work?