It is possible

[jberger]

I finally got around to fabricating my class 3 receiver hitch. Uses bumper mount bolt locations and is concealed completely by the bumper (which does require slight snipping of the bumper tin to allow receiver and safety chain access). Now I can tow my trailer and use platforms or bike racks. Don’t have to worry about screwing up my exhaust on a tall curb. I also feel bad for any fool that rear ends me from here on out.

[greggholmes]

pics ?

[jberger]

Sure, bumper isn't on yet as I need to blast and paint the hitch. I used a used hitch, which had the receiver mounted under the main tube, re-used the original safety chain brkts. The main tube had to be cut out behind the receiver to allow hitch, platform, whatever to slide in far enough to engage pin. End brkts (in need of finish grinding) are fabbed of 1/4" plate. Would have come out better with new tubing.


http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=88382
http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=88383
http://thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=88384

[DurocShark]

Good work!

That's a project I'd like to tackle as well one day.
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No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow.

[jberger]

Thanks, I did it while the wife was at work, my kids were angels

[vwcampin]

For those that aren't as handy with a welder, a guy by the name of Jamie Rivers in Canada is making hitches very close to what is pictured above. Reasonably priced too. I bought one and just towed a 64 Apache tent trailer over 3300 miles with it

http://www.globalserve.net/~jrivers/latebayhitch.htm
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1986 Vanagon Syncro Westfalia Weekender

[jberger]

I have seen those hitches and while adequate for towing any trailer a VW would be capable of pulling, they don't offer a 2 1/2" receiver, nor is the construction torsionally stiff enough for a loaded cargo platform, IMO.