The GoWesty front bumper mount hitch receiver

[912 outlaw]

Hi anybody runnin 1 of these on there steel bumpers?

If so is it stated any where what kinda weight it can hold

I would assume not alot becauae the bumper is mounted to body with 2 small bolts and downward force from hitch.

Shed some light even though i think i answered my question

[drj434343]

I have this piece. It's poorly designed.

There are two large bolts intended to pass all the way through the front rail, under the bumper. The remaining 4 smaller bolts secure the receiver plate to the top of the bumper only.

The GW bumper sheet metal is far too thin for this type of direct mount. Any weight forward of the receiver cantilevers the whole unit; hinging on the two large bolts and flexing the entire top of the bumper in the process.

In testing, as little as 50 lbs 18 in from the receiver dangerously flexed the bumper and drooped the load several inches. I was going to us a small motorcycle carrier, and basket for coolers, etc on this hitch, and decided that as designed, it was not sufficient.

Perhaps it would perform better with loads perpendicular to the axis of the large bolts (like winching the car from this point), but any loads downward on the receiver induced unreasonable flex.

I ended up enlarging the two rear holes of the mounting plate and putting two additional bolts all the way through the front rail like the original 2 bolts. Four points through this rail seems to greatly reduce the flex on right angle loading.

If you're willing to modify, I think you can safely carry a cargo basket with 100 lbs, but if not, I would look elsewhere for a better solution.

[Vnyd Dog]

I installed one specifically for a bike rack and those kinds of accessories. When I finally get a rear hitch I’ll try a Waterport up there too. Mine is unmodified and holds my rack, two adult bikes and two kids bikes with no issue. I’ve got an older GW bumper from circa 2004. Were they thicker then? Anyways OP, it’s effective for what it is. Take your time on install and marking your drill holes to get a smooth lineup for installing bolts. GL

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'87 Westy 1.8T Conversion, Orignal Owner, European Delivery @ Westfalia factory in Weidenbrueck.
The Story:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=713391&highlight=life

[Corwyn]

I have one on my 1990 Westy. I added two pipes between the bumper edges over the through-bolts. I carry a Honda ST90 up front with no problems (150 lbs)
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'90 White Westy ("Knarr")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja

"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~

[mtnride1]

I just checked mine. I carry my waterport there mine is rock solid. standing on it I could not make it flex at all.

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87 westy 2wd (NED)

[Vnyd Dog]

[mtnride1]

[surfinwesty]