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Recommended tow bumper or hitch for 87 Westie?
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RPihl
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Joined: May 06, 2015
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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 5:25 pm    Post subject: Recommended tow bumper or hitch for 87 Westie? Reply with quote

Any recommendations of the best tow bumper or hitch to tow a drift boat with an 87 Westfalia? I'm a new Westie owner and if it matters this has the original engine and manual tranny.

I've seen the GoWesty and the Van Cafe Rocky Mountain HD Bumpers, also the standard hitch to go with OEM bumper. Tow weight is under 1000 lbs, I'd guess maybe 800-900.

It would be nice to be able to also mount a spare tire as in the GoWesty accessory parts but I'd like to ensure the bumper integrity is first priority. If anyone has a custom design that does everything better I'd appreciate hearing of that as well.
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Wolfram
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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I installed a Burley receiver a few years ago and use it to mount a tray. Haven't towed anything, but if you've got stock, then suspect you want be towing much. Great for the tray and it takes all manner of accessories that use the 2" or smaller receiver mounts, like bike racks.
Easy install on fibreglass bumper 88 Westy.

Geoff
Currently in New Zealand, about to hit Denver to resurrect our Westy.
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0to60in6min
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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have Burley hitch and I like it a lot...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=439045
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dobryan
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PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well designed.

Burley too.

http://burleysmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=...kbsiemgd85
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

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https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

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j_dirge
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PostPosted: Thu May 07, 2015 9:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I recommend you fill a mug with some good coffee..
Then type "tow hitch" into the search and begin browsing..

There are literally DOZENs of threads on the subject.. from Burley's offering, to RMW, to GWs 2 or 3 versions.. and several custom jobbers.
There are also a couple in the FAQs on the subject, up top.


Once you head is spinning from all the info on tow hitches.. then type in "spare tire carrier" for another round of information overload.


Allsaid.. I am very happy with my Burley stuff.. Not inexpensive.. but is bombproof and has served us well. Has held up without a hitch over 1000s of miles... get it? "hitch?".. hahaha.. I kill myself.

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oldhuldy67
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PostPosted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Just installed a Burley Very Happy ..then told my wife how muchg it cost Liar ...and she said it must be worth it becauce i liked it so much Shocked

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7660025&highlight=#7660025
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Hybrid VW
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PostPosted: Thu May 07, 2015 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have no experience with the Burley, or towing anything with my RMW twin peaks bumper/hitch yet, but I'm VERY happy with the build and finish quality of my RMW parts (also have the tire carrier). The center section of the rear bumper (that contains the receiver) weighs 44 lbs. That's about three times as much as the stock front AND rear bumpers on your '87, so it's stout Very Happy

If you're looking to do bumpers, RMW gets my vote, but if you're just looking for the hitch, the Burley looks like a good solution, with a relatively low hit to the wallet relative to a full set of bumpers.
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