Bumper plus Hitch Receiver on Subaru Conversion

[jldixie]

Advice/experience on a workable hitch receiver for a Subaru conversion?

I chatted with GoWesty and they said the basic Vano-Hitch won't work because of the T-bar mount, so I was considering just going for the whole shebang with a steel bumper set and hitch.

I haven't decided on the RMW vs GoWesty, but thought I'd solicit feedback to make sure those mounts work with engine conversions. Especially because this just bumps my price up an order of magnitude (though I was eyeing a new bumper down the line anyway).

This last post from 2012 was a bit too outdated. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=520663&start=0

I'm trying to do this with as little 'modifications' as possible because I'm eight months pregnant, and though my husband can help, I'm the fixie.

[MV2]

I have a '91 Multivan with a Subi 2.5 and installed a hitch from Burley Motorsports. It was easy to install, and I like it a lot. For me at least, I prefer this option over new bumpers with an integrated hitch. Worth looking into.

[j_dirge]

Call RMW directly and ask.
They do Subaru conversions and manufacture conversion parts and kits. My GUESS is that it won't be an issue.. especially since any real hitch will mount into the frame slots and not use that T-bar work around.

Best to get the info direct from the source. And most of these guys tweak designs as they go.. constantly reworking to improve them.
So even if something may not have had rave reviews before, odds are the product has been adjusted some.

Also look at Burley MotorSports for another line of products that likely fit your needs.. and more.

That said.. if you go to FAQs here and look at hitches, trailering, bike racks, etc.. there is TONS of info and feedback
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[termuehlen]

What are you planning to use the hitch for? Bicycles, a grill or real towing? This thread has some more opinions about the options that you are looking at:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=336638&highlight=westy+hitch
_________________
1988 Westfalia automatic Subaru OBD1
1986 syncro tintop wbx

[Howesight]

Check out Burley's hitch design. It's so good, I copied it for myself, but only since I had the steel sitting around and the stick welder to hand. Burley's price is so good that I saved very little money doing it myself.

See it here:

http://burleysmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=14
_________________
'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[djkeev]

If I needed a good hitch? (And I do but sadly there are $$ priorities)

Burley is at the absolute top of my choice pile!

Hands down the #1 choice unless you want big ugly steel bumpers added on. (My opinion only which may differ from others opinions)

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Type17]

[Rocky Mountain Westy]

[jldixie]

Thanks all, this was extremely helpful. And yes, I spent hours on the forums before posting, I just wanted some personal insight specific to subey conversions.

Mostly we will be using the hitch for a bike rack with beefy bikes, but I don't want to be limited. I'm narrowing down on RMW bumper set. I like the bulky steel look though it clearly isn't everyone's cup of tea. I hadn't considered Burley, but will have to do a few more hours of research. The reason I liked the GW set was mainly for the option to add their swing away options, which I like more than the other tire/accessory options right now. But it seems the hitch and bumper aren't quite as tough.

Last piece of the puzzle for me is ease of installation, since I've got limited mobility for a bit.

Thanks again.

[furrylittleotter]

I built a very heavy duty version with 1/2" thick brackets. I can hang a motorcycle or two on it if I want...

It was a fun build.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.10153007906516737&type=1


Neil2

[j_dirge]

[jldixie]

[Wolfram]

We have the Burley hitch with fibreglass numbers and a Vanaru conversion.
Top quality construction and easy to install.
_________________
88 Westy, '07 EJ25 Vanaru.
Either van-less on Waiheke Island in New Zealand where we spend the Southern summer, or Wolfram is in Seattle/Olympia in storage.

[djkeev]

[Trey_h]

I've got the RMW hidden hitch that's simple to install and works like a charm. if you can read their instructions, you can do the install.

their welds and powder coating are top notch, and you get all the bolts you'll need.

I hang bikes off mine, and it does the job brilliantly.
_________________
'82 Westy, 2.0 air cooled, 4-speed.

[j_dirge]

[jimf909]

[quote="djkeev"]

[Type17]

[djkeev]

[nemobuscaptain]