Date:         Sat, 21 Aug 2021 08:43:02 -0700
Reply-To:     Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bike racks and luggage carriers hanging off a hitch.
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAFdLW6kP_fRqCTRXdaULRdKWhmUQqWc6Z8bN0mtW6Wcpbh8jhQ@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Yes... the tow loops are meant to apply the load Horizontally and not
Vertically. I have the Burley hitch similar to Dennis' design but it's
behind the bumper so I have to cut a square hole.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=894429

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=750992

On Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 8:06 AM Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:

> The previous owner of my van made this set up for his bikes.
>
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=879304
>
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=791824
>
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=841653
>
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=751047
>
> On Sat, Aug 21, 2021 at 6:56 AM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> 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
>>
>