TheSamba.com :: View topic - "NEW" Burley behind-bumper hitch

Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:55 am

https://www.busdepot.com/s121

https://burleymotorsports.net/product-category/2wd-vanagon/vanagon-trailer-hitches/

Decided too upgrade from the GW hitch (in use for over 7 yrs) to a more stout design.

Was expecting to have one built, custom, given the loads I put on it.. but then saw the Burley hitch linked here on the Samba.

Emailed Burley and asked about the hitches he had and if he had built the f/g bumper version, yet.

2 weeks later it arrived via Fedex.

Out with the old. In with the new:
The new Burley hitch fastens to the subframe at 6 points.. replacing the tow hooks that are OE.
The hitch was delivered raw.. with no coating.. Living in the ocean air here, we'd decided it would be best if I applied my own choice of coating.

Burley added a bit more gusseting under the reciever after I'd traded a few emails with him discussing the intended use, (up to 200lbs, maybe more on racks and up to 300-325lbs of tongue weight with trailers).

Initial fitment:
Bolts liined right up.. though you'll want to get them started only a thread or two before tightening down.

Departure angle:

Preliminary "205 lbs jumping on it" test done with a 4" drop inserted in the receiver already shows this to be a MUCH stiffer set up.

I'll be updating this thread as I put this hitch through its paces in the next several weeks/months.
Please feel free to post questions along the way.
If you have a specific camera angle shot you'd like, let me know.. I'll try and capture it, then post.

Next installment:
Fitting the f/g bumper over. Requires notching the bottom of the fg bumper to fit over the receiver.

Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:16 pm

How does the bumper cover fit?

Fri Nov 05, 2010 1:12 pm

rsxsr wrote: How does the bumper cover fit?
Fitting the 3 piece f/g bumper is a multi-step process.

The entire hitch assembly, except for the receiver, will be tucked in behind the f/g bumper. The only part that is visible in the finished setup is the receiver, which extends out 2-3 " or so.. just enough room to access the receiver pin.

First step is to notch the f/g bumper in the middle to allow the hitch to poke thru the bumper..
Then you set the bumper on..
Fasten the bumper at the OE points on either end cap side to the OE side brackets.
The bumper now rests on the new hitch brackets as shown in the middle photo. (same way it works on the OE tow hook brackets).

Once that is done, a hole is drilled thru the OE bumper mount hole in the underside of the bumper.
Burley provides a clip/nut that slides over his bracket and a new fastener holds it in place..

Now the hitch and bumper are one assembly.
The hitch is then unbolted at the frame..
You slide it out and then fasten the upper mount bolts from behind thru a slot cut in the brackets.

Future removal is done as one assembly.

I hope to get the f/g bumper fitted this weekend and will provded photos of the OE bumper attachment and how that compares to Burley's setup.

Fri Nov 05, 2010 1:17 pm

Go here:
http://burleysmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=32
and then click on the hitch image.. There are three photos, there.. but you have to click on the first hitch mage to see them. Click over to 2nd and 3rd for photos of the steel bumper version, installed.

The f/g bumper version is pretty much the same thing.

Fri Nov 05, 2010 11:58 pm

That looks like mine, only weaker.

Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:07 am

While the 3 yr old napped... I broke out the hacksaw.

Using the sketched template provided by Burley:
(instructions warn that it is very conservative in depth)

After 3 more cuts, removing about 5/8" in total more than the template shows (resulting in a deeper notch) and checking fit each time, I am in the ball park.

This is a subtle adjustment process. But pretty important if you want the bumper to sit level and balanced. It was worth it taking my time.

This hitch sits a full 2.5" higher than the GoWesty setup. And its tucked back in at least 2" closer to the bumper (buying me a few more inches in an already tight garage.. and improving that departure angle)

Today.. I'll fine tune the assembly. Drilling holes for the lower bumper to hitch bracket mounts.

Am leaning towards a POR-15 coating, with Rustoleum over.

Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:23 am

Checkout
http://www.magnetpaints.com/
I only use POR15 on rusted material that will get bodywork now.
It is an excellent product, but my experiences have shown it excells for encapsualting and getting layers of work over top, but Chassis Saver may be better for your application.

Thank AlaricH., he turned me on to this stuff.

dylan

Sat Nov 06, 2010 10:15 pm

I would like to add that I think it's great that a vendor has made a ready to use bumper of this class. The need is definately there because we all often want to tow something without the flex that the tow hook type allows. There are also many accesories that use the 2" reciever mount. Also, it allows us to maintain a stock appearance an don't have to go the industrial bumper look route

Sun Nov 07, 2010 7:56 am

Dylan, Alaric.. thanks for the paint tip.. I'll check it out.
Buspor63.. Yes. I checked with local shop or two about this a few yrs ago.. And there was no interest.. and nothing in a reasonable price range.

When I contacted Burley.. the enthusiasm was obviously there. I showed him the boat I tow on occasion.. and after a weekend he replied by email saying "Been thinking bout you... I added some gusseting. This should work great"

The assembly from the back side (bumper upside down)

Close up of bumper mount bracket, also shown upside down (uses the original bolt on the top mount.. and Burley provides new hardware for the bottom.)

The last test fitting:

Next up.. Some load testing and a coating if things look good. I am pretty confident this hitch will meet my needs.
Much more load than this and the my Westy needs more suspension help anyway... not to mention transmission and CVs.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:54 am

That's a really clean look. Will this hitch fit inside any stock bumper?

Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:30 am

singler3360 wrote: That's a really clean look. Will this hitch fit inside any stock bumper?
Any stock Vanagon bumper.. I believe so.

Burley makes one version for the OE steel bumper.. and this one for the f/g bumper.

The link I provided earlier takes you to the steel bumper version.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:50 am

j_dirge wrote: singler3360 wrote: That's a really clean look. Will this hitch fit inside any stock bumper?
Any stock Vanagon bumper.. I believe so.

Burley makes one version for the OE steel bumper.. and this one for the f/g bumper.

The link I provided earlier takes you to the steel bumper version.

Nice to know. Thanks dirge.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 9:53 am

j_dirge wrote:
The last test fitting:

That's much nicer looking and more stout than the version I cobbled together a few years ago. Mine was originally just a tongue bar with a ball hitch. I welded a generic 1.25" receiver and upper brace to the bar. About the only thing going for it, is that it bolts directly to the bumper brackets, rather than the factory tie down loops. It sticks out a ridiculous amount. I just use it for my hitch mounted bike carrier.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 12:33 pm

I was wondering when someone would make a tow hitch that mounts like the European hitches. I understand the need for the receiver style, but I think the Euro ones look better. But it's good someone finally offers these. Well done.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 12:39 pm

That Burley hitch looks very nice. My one comment is that the pin hole location looks too far out, it is normally 2" from the end. I use a Draw-tite J-pin, which is awesome, not sure it would work with that setup. And how hard is it to get a wrench in there for bike rack bolts?

Sun Nov 07, 2010 12:46 pm

presslab wrote: That Burley hitch looks very nice. My one comment is that the pin hole location looks too far out, it is normally 2" from the end. I use a Draw-tite J-pin, which is awesome, not sure it would work with that setup. And how hard is it to get a wrench in there for bike rack bolts?

I was thinking the same thing. Mine sticks out so far 'cause I wanted to be sure that I could easily get access to the pin.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 2:17 pm

presslab wrote: That Burley hitch looks very nice. My one comment is that the pin hole location looks too far out, it is normally 2" from the end. I use a Draw-tite J-pin, which is awesome, not sure it would work with that setup. And how hard is it to get a wrench in there for bike rack bolts? All my accessories (inlcuding the bike rack), use a standard pin.. although I do have a MasterLock pin.. and the barrel does fit with a little room to spare against the bumper.
The wrench provided with the Draw-tite J-pin probably would not fit.. Could you use a standard open end wrench to work that?

I'll see if I can scrounge up a proper size bolt and see what wrench or socket, if any, will fit it.

And I'll get a photo of the Lock pin I use, in place.

edit tio add: You might contact Burley, too. I am fairly sure he would put a longer receiver on there for those who want/or need one.

Sun Nov 07, 2010 11:42 pm

Burly did a great thing making these. Any idea if the gowesty swing away tire carrier would work with it?

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4251&category_id=4141&category_parent_id=

Mon Nov 08, 2010 9:26 am

outwesty wrote: Burly did a great thing making these. Any idea if the gowesty swing away tire carrier would work with it?

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4251&category_id=4141&category_parent_id=
I don't see why not.

I would caution, though.. On most hitch mount accessories, there is bound to be some wiggle-waggle due to slop between receiver female and male pieces.

The further out you hang items off that center point, the more force you introduce. (basic "lever' physics)

At a minimum, you'd want to use that Draw-tite item Presslab mentioned.

I, too, do not leave anything on or in my van when not on a trip.
My own plan is to use Gary Lee's (or similar) tire mount.. and removed the swing when I am not on safari.

If you plan to go that route.. with the GW hitch rack.. I highly reccommend you talk to Burley about modification's he might suggest to minimize the problems inherent in that type of structure.
I'd ask for the additional gusseting (if that isn't already a permanent design change).. and maybe a 1/2" to 1" long receiver so that you have plenty of room to use an anti-wiggle pin.

Tue Nov 09, 2010 8:55 am

Around here two points of attachment for safety chains are required. Also there was no need for the birds-mouth cut/weld part way along the cross bar. A straight run of tubing fits fine inside the bumper. I'll post a pic of mine shortly, with Hidden Hitch 1/2" x 2" removable draw bar. Cut the legs off a yard sale HH, added vanagon suitable 3 bolt legs. Been in use for 8 years, canoe/sailboat/gear trailer, around 2000lbs. Tim