Date:         Mon, 11 Apr 2005 23:12:17 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Re: Hitches, Racks, and Stereos?
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <001501c53f03$0a93b030$6400a8c0@masterpc>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

I have to admit I'm curious about the hitch you made.

I have a hitch on my camper of the bolt to the tow hook type. I like it
a lot. I haven't exceeded it's (presumed) limits of 1500 pounds
capacity  150 tongue weight, though I continue to contemplate doing so
(of course with my upgraded brakes I don't have any doubts with my
braking capability.)

So far none of the "upgraded" hitches appeal to me. The weld to the tow
hook variety isn't all that much different than what I have (IMHO). I'm
not convinced yet that I want to go the bull bar route ala GoWesty or
Gary Lee's. The South African style bumper carrier integrated hitch has
the capacity (and I have that hitch on the Gold Brick), but it isn't
nearly as elegant as the receiver hitch type.

I'd like a modified South African type, with a 2 inch receiver hitch
instead of the J hook ball. Maybe that's what I'll have to do, get the
South African type and redo it so as to add the receiver.

On Apr 11, 2005, at 9:57 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> There are a number of things that must be considered before placing 150
> pounds of anything behind your van. I sell a class 3 hitch that will
> have no problem supporting that load. However, with the load behind the
> van, ride and handling will be affected. You also need to make the rear
> suspension and tires are up to the task. That weight behind the van
> will
> actually place 200 -250 pounds on the rear axle and lift some weight
> off
> the front axle. I will e-mail some info on the hitch.
>