Opinions please: hidden hitch

[lettereleven]

I started today's delica adventure with the notion of "just dusting off, then spraying the rear part of the hidden hitch bar". After two hours of scrapping, brushing and getting rust in my eye a few times, I determined that the only way to do a proper job was to remove the hitch bar.

Eventually, I got it off. But with a >80 lbs piece of steel in hand, I began to wonder if i should be in a hurry to put it back on. It's stinking heavy! And my van is very thirsty, so dropping weight would be great.

On the flip side, the hitch bar is a nice additional bumper. With a 5" lift, I thought height of the normal bumper doesnt do much to stop a potential rear-ender.

I am keen for your thought on this little dilemma- should I stick it back or not?

I should mention that i don't have a trailer or bike rack, or plans to buy either in near future.


Thanks for your thoughts!

[DeliTan]

Well, clearly I have the perfect solution for you!

This rusty, unused, unnecessary piece of steel is bogging down your Deli or taking up far too much of your valuable space.

If you give it to me, all your problems evaporate...

you're welcome : )

[lettereleven]

Thanks for all the feedback - i gather the hitch isn't going to offer any additional safety. No real surprise there.

Unfortunately I am just not ready to part with the hitch. Luckily my sister just moved and has a massive shed begging to get filled up with my delica parts.

J

[Feds]

At the very least, measure all of the hole locations, and maybe sketch them up. Regular or long wheelbase?

[mrraulduke]

Second in line for the hitch donation!!!!

Kidding of course ( mostly! ) but does it still allow the spare to me mounted? I'd love a sketch with dimension if one is made. I could get a family member to weld one up for me!

[mararmeisto]

If you're unlikely to tow anything with your van, then there's no real need for a hitch receiver and tow bar.

[TardisDeli]

I use my E&H hitch, with a step on it, so I can reach up the roof to tiedown the whitewater canoes. For camping, it holds the princess auto hitch basket (99 dollars) holds 500 pounds, carries firewood and camp chairs and the rv fridge. The hitch is very nice when others drive my L300, as parking by braille is less stressful with a hitch to bump than the tailgate. Christine.