Date:         Sat, 21 Aug 2021 13:56:03 +0000
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Bike racks and luggage carriers hanging off a hitch.
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At some point many of us have a need to hang carriers of some sort off a hitch and the go to is often one of the hitches that attach to the tie down hooks. From practice and experimentation this set actually works well for towing as long as the bracket mounting bolts are tight.

Where this set up fails is having overhanging loads that apply a twisting or leveraged load to the hitch. This twisting load over time results in the tow loops flexing and at some point they can crack and even fail.

Having this happen to me was the initial driver for the hitch I designed. There are many out there and some folks on the list can chime in. Here is a link for the instructions and some pictures.

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AqaEiIhKCAKbj84XzXzJTD4jRblMxg?e=8cqyn6

Unfortunately the last time I purchased material my cost has more than doubled. I'm asking $450 plus shipping. As compared to some of the other options mine offers the following benefits:
Very sturdy mounting- 3 bolt holes each side distribute the twisting and pus-pull load over a larger area.
Mounting hardware M12 course thread, fills the existing holes, no slop even if the bolts loosen.
P.C. 10..9 maintenance grade fasteners. Higher hex head for improved wrench grip. High quality washers to ensure clamping load.
Keep original bumpers.
Larger cross beam than  hidden hitch designs.
Clears most any engine or exhaust design.

Dennis