Tow-Hitch + Bostig + 84westy

[boulderdrop]

Hey guys, I'm running a Bostig v2 on my 84-westy-4spd and I'm looking to install a 2" hitch on the back to tow a small 14' sunfish sailboat (tongue weight of about 35 lbs). Eventually, I might do a utility trailer.. but nothing huge and I won't push the brakes with something stupid.

I've seen the tow-bar sold by Van Cafe that attaches to the two tow-loops on each side of the chassis, but it also has a lateral support to handle the tongue-weight... but this seems to be designed specifically for the WBX (or at least as far as I can tell).

I'm wondering what other Bostig owners have done to add a hitch?

== GO WESTY ==
GoWesty says "It actually utilizes a motor mount and to my knowledge it will not work with a Bostig." for this product...

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=2582&category_id=&category_parent_id=

== VAN CAFE ==
This one from Van Cafe seems to have a support-bar running perpendicular to the main-bar and I think is the same as GoWesty, just with better pics. In talking with them on the phone, it seems like this *could* work, but will require some fabrication or modification.

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van_1278977874853/pag...eiver.html

== ROCKY MTN ==
The mounts slide into the frame rails the same way the factory bumper mounts do. They shouldn't be in the way of the Bostig set up although I am not totally famalier with the Bostig set up.

http://www.rockymountainwesty.com/VanagonBumpersandSkidplates.htm

[thatvwbusguy]

You might want to check out the hitch made by Dennis Haynes from the vanagon.com mailing list. They appear to be very robust and do not need to attach to the engine in any way. He insured me that there should be no problem using it with the Bostig setup a few months back before I got a freebie tow hook hitch. Here is a link to an image:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=653466

You should be able to reach Dennis at [email protected]

Good luck.
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia
'87 Zetec Wolfsburg

[CessnaJon]

I pulled my Sunfish behind my 90 Westy w/ stock 2.1 for thousands of miles-you'll barely be able to tell its behind you.My van is equipped with the Curt hitch that mounts to the tow loops.A sunfish is only about 125lbs plus the weight of the trailer.Additionally the shape of the boat is fairly aerodynamically clean, minimizing drag at highway speed.Now I have a American Sail 14-6. Its a little heavier, but the Vanagon pulls it just fine.You should have no problems.
_________________
1973 Westy (shared birthday)
1990 Westy Multivan
2015 Passat TDI 6sp
2015 Sportwagon TDI 6sp
LR-JET, Gulfstream 159

[westynova]

I have a U-Haul Tow Hitch that mounts to the tow loops. I only use it to hold a bike rack. If I was to do any serious towing and had to load the hitch, I would look for a hitch that is mounted directly to the frame like the Rocky Mountain or under slung like the one Dennis Haynes made.

GW also sells the replacement bumper with build in hitch. This is attached directly to the frame.

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=4141&category_id=275&category_parent_id=

Eventually I will upgrade to a better hitch/ bumpers but more than likely will build my own. The local Jeep club has a bunch of guys that are great at doing this. You may want to see if there is an off road club and see if any members do this sort of work.
_________________
84 Westy
2010 VW Golf TDI Wagon
2009 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, Lifted and Locked

[boulderdrop]

Thanks for the replies... My short-term goal is just a way to pull the little-tiny sailboat, while the long-term goal is a 2" receiver integrated with a new bumper.

Today, I ordered a Curt trailer-hitch that rests on the tow-loops on each side of the bumper. I ordered it from the following URL and it cost me $163.00 + $0.00 (shipping) and another $42 for the ball/wiring:
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Volkswagen/Vanagon/1984/11656.html?vehicleid=19846257

The setup from Dennis was quoted to me as $265 + shipping and is really built well. Shoot him an email for his PDF and specs. It bolts-on similar to the engine-mounts and provides *way* more strength than the little two-loop one I just bought and works with the Zetec.

Lastly, Rocky Mountain Westy has a 2" integrated-hitch on their tube-bumpers for $650 + shipping of $150 to a business (you know the drill). In emailing with Mike, he mentioned that they are working on a plate-style vs the tube-style.. but he doesn't have any info yet. Most likely, I'll be getting getting this in the fall with the front-bumpers for $650 x 2 + shipping.