[Vwdiesel] Think I can tow my boat with my Golf? Hitch Begun

[Dave Cook]

Well, I got started on the hitch today, though I didn't get super far.

I did get the bumper off, and 3 of the nuts welded onto the angle for one side.

I bought a 4 foot section of angle iron, and cut it in half.  For the passenger side, I could tell that it wasn't wanting to go in flat, so I drilled three holes in the frame, and in the angle.  I then removed the angle, and bolted 3 nuts in, which I spot welded on.  I then removed the 3 bolts, and used one sacrificial bolt to hold each nut tight and prevent warping as I welded it in further.  


I then bolted it in with the three bolts to pull the angle and make it lay flat, and drilled through the frame from the side into the angle to mark where the other two nuts should go.  That is where I had to quit for the evening.

So tomorrow I'll remove the angle again, and drill it for the two side bolts.  And repeat the process for the driver side.  


Then I'll weld the  hitch I bought on Craigslist to the two bits of angle iron.

At this point, I don't think I'll worry about reusing the two bumper shock plates and bolts.  I just don't see how the thing could move up and down at all, and it is obvious that they do nothing for preventing it from pulling out-not that it would anyway as far as I can tell.  

The only thing is the Craigslist hitch-turned out it is pretty rusty.  I'm not worried about structure, but it'll be a bit of work getting it ready to paint.  Also, the hitch is stuck in the receiver due to the rust.  I've been spraying it with PB Blaster over the past few days but haven't gotten it out yet.  I may have to weld a bead along the outside to get some heat in there and break it up, unless anyone else has some ideas.

 
Dave Cook


________________________________
 From: Tad <tadc at europa.com>
To: vwdiesel at vwfans.com 
Sent: Thursday, May 17, 2012 4:32 PM
Subject: Re: [Vwdiesel] Think I can tow my boat with my Golf?
 
Thanks for sharing Bill, I've been looking for a small lightweight tent
trailer... although the price seems a bit steep.

We had a similar rig when I was a kid - small Coleman tent trailer towed
behind our 77 Corolla wagon.  Except that one was steel poles and canvas.

On Thu, May 17, 2012 at 9:22 AM, Frank G. Pival <hold at drizzle.com> wrote:

> Here is the direct link to what William is talking about
> http://www.costco.com/Browse/**Product.aspx?Prodid=11752397&**
> whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC|**3960|51276&N=4041978&Mo=0&pos=**
> 5&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&**cat=51276&Ns=P_Price|1||P_**
> SignDesc1&lang=en-US&ec=BC-**EC1061-Cat3960&topnav=<http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11752397&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&eCat=BC%7C3960%7C51276&N=4041978&Mo=0&pos=5&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&cat=51276&Ns=P_Price%7C1%7C%7CP_SignDesc1&lang=en-US&ec=BC-EC1061-Cat3960&topnav=>
>
> Frank
>
>
> On 5/16/2012 7:34 AM, William J Toensing wrote:
>
>> At age 79&  an 82 year old wife, it is not practical for me but if I was
>> 20 years or more younger I would jump at it. What is IT? It is a
>> combination tent&  utility trailer that can be pulled by a compact. It
>> sells for $2400 delivered, some assembly required. Who is selling it?
>> Costco on line. As a utility trailer it can haul a small boat, canoe,
>> motorcycle, or ? Just read it a few minutes ago on the Costco online notice
>> I routinely receive. If interested go check it out at www.costco.com.
>>
>> Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA.
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>>
>>
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