Date:         Thu, 17 May 2007 16:50:18 -0400
Reply-To:     "Burdett, Jean-Pierre" <jp.burdett@SPOTWAVE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Burdett, Jean-Pierre" <jp.burdett@SPOTWAVE.COM>
Subject:      Welded a receiver hitch to my drawbar
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

If you own a 83 or earlier bus you will know its next to impossible to
find a proper receiver hitch for your T2breadloaf or T3brick... I
debated whether to get a front mount hitch or have more efficient
aerodynamics of the rear rack. 
 
So I ended up using the existing drawbar that was factory welded to the
bumper, removing the ball and welding a receiver tube ($13  CDN) to the
bottom. 
 
At first my rack was hanging really far out so I had to drill a new
locking bolt hole through the side of the receiver so that the male end
goes farther into the female end (insert jokes here) and for under $60
CDN I can now put bikes on the back, have a clear view in the rear
window and still access the rear hatch (partially open). 
 
Flex wise I see some in the bumper as I place my 50lb downhill mountain
bike on and lean on the rack..but I think that is consistent with the
flex my "hidden hitch" on my Santa Fe. 
 
Of course I will  monitor the bumper angle after a few drives
loaded....How solid is the bumper in your experience?
 
I can send photos is anyone is interested. 
 
cheers
 
JP Burdett | Product Marketing Manager
Spotwave Wireless Inc. 

Tel: 613.591.1662 Ext.297 | Fax: 613.591.8107  | Mobile: 613.294.8942
1 Hines Road. Suite 204 Ottawa ON. CANADA | K2K 3C7
jp.burdett@spotwave.com <mailto:jp.burdett@spotwave.com>   |
www.spotwave.com <http://www.spotwave.com/>