TheSamba.com :: View topic - Anyone using the GoWesty front bumper hitch?

Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:09 pm

Hi guys,

First I searched, but didn't exactly find an answer to my question. I want to move my Yakima hitch tray-style bike rack from my 4runner to the Westy, but I'm having a hard time deciding between mounting it on the front or back. Has anyone used the GoWesty 2" receiver that bolts to their front bumper for this purpose? It's fairly inexpensive and I like the idea of seeing my bikes while I'm driving, but I'm concerned they'll sit too high and block my view of the road. Particularly at night, it seems like the bikes could block the headlights.

For those who have done this, would you do it over again? The other option would be get a receiver hitch that mounts to the tow hooks, but I've read concerns about the tongue strength bike racks put on them. The last thing I want is to watch my bikes and rack tumble down I-5 as I drive away :shock:

Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:24 pm

I have not tried nor know anyone whom has the front mount hitch.

I would not use the tow hook mounted rear hitch as I prefer a stronger mount. If you use a rear hitch purchase or have made one that secures directly to the frame where the bumper brackets go. Dennis Haynes on the Vanagon list makes a nice rear frame mounted hitch that replaces your bumper brackets or get a bumper hitch combination. Either of those will be far stronger and more useful.

Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:56 pm

I have used my GW tow loop rear hitch bar with tongue wiehgts up to 350lbs.. well beyond what most bicycle racks would place on it..
And it has held up remarkably well... and I was a skeptic.

I would not go across country or extended offroad with more than 100-150 lbs on it, though. I think that would be pushing its limits.

Regardless.. I can't imagin a scenario where your bikes would "tumble off the rear".. unless the rack itself failed.

The GW 2" reciever mounts on 4 bolts. It would require a perfect storm to fail completely.
"Human error" would be my major concern.
"Oops forgot to strap the bikes down.."

Yes.. a proper bar bolted directly to the frame would be preferable.

But bang-for-buck goes to GW.

Receiver on the front?, I can not comment.
I will eventually add one for retreiving boat trailers on ramps.. But I would not mount bicycles on the front of my van unless a last resort.

Fri Feb 19, 2010 1:06 pm

The GW hitch also has a center strap the bolts to the engine carrier bar. It does not rely on just the tow loops. It is far stronger that way. It will carry a bike rack with 3-4 bikes no problem. You could bounce your way around any terrain with it and not worry.

Fri Feb 19, 2010 1:13 pm

Thanks guys, the other idea that just came to me (duh) would be to buy the front receiver hitch, and just bolt it to the rear instead. Then I'd have the security of 4 through bolts going through the rear GoWesty bumper, and save the $100 over buying their rear-specific hitch. Any reason this wouldn't work?

Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:06 pm

It might block your license plate engine access if bolted on top as thier website pic suggests installation..

Why not buy a 2" receiver blank from a trailer outfit.. and have a shop cut a hole or notch and weld it into the GW bumpy?
Or weld directly to the underside of of the GW bumper.
It would be the same thing as thier new bumper with integrated receiver. Just have to make sure you get the fit such that there is room for the male piece to slide in and lock in place.

Easily capable of holding up anything a Vanagon could move and... no bolts.

Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:41 pm

That's not a bad idea, and it sounds like it would be plenty strong. Other than the cost of having it done, I'm guessing welding a receiver hitch to the bumper would screw up the black powdercoat? I don't want it to look ghetto, and if I had to get it re-powdercoated it definitely wouldn't be cost effective.

So I just called GoWesty to ask them about my idea and they thought the rear bumper wouldn't strong enough. Apparently the hitch bolts through a crush zone in addition to the bumper when mounted on the front, but would only go through the bumper on the rear. These bumpers seem pretty burley to me, but a bouncing rack might put more force on the bumper than I realize. What do you guys think?

By the way, I'd mount the thing under the bumper, so as to not bock the hatch / license plate.

j_dirge wrote: It might block your license plate engine access if bolted on top as thier website pic suggests installation..

Why not buy a 2" receiver blank from a trailer outfit.. and have a shop cut a hole or notch and weld it into the GW bumpy?
Or weld directly to the underside of of the GW bumper.
It would be the same thing as thier new bumper with integrated receiver. Just have to make sure you get the fit such that there is room for the male piece to slide in and lock in place.

Easily capable of holding up anything a Vanagon could move and... no bolts.