What's the current scoop on robust trailer hitches?

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

I reviewed all 66 matches from a search for "trailer hitch." It seems that, as of the time these posts were made, there wasn't any hitch you can buy that attached to the rear tie-down hooks, just something that attaches to the center of the rear bumper and the spare tire well.

I may need to tow a Fred Meyer (may be known by other names where you are) folding 4'x8' brakeless trailer with a 1,000 pound crate sitting on it. The trailer is rated for a 990 pound max load.

U-Haul.com's solution (their p/n 217272) just attaches to the bumper and the spare tire well.

Short of full-custom ($) fabrication, does anybody know of a hitch that attaches to the tie-down hooks I can simply buy and (have) installed?

[Pu241]

Had the same issue, they are no longer made.
I had to have one fabed using one another member let me borrow.
If it wasn't for the exhaust pipe, the whole thing would be pretty easy to make.
The exhaust forces you to work around it, otherwise it would be a straight piece of pipe from one tow point to the other.

[Festiva_tunner]

^ I've seen the hitch he had made both before instalation and durring use - its the best way to go - its considerably more durable than the original add on option - you may find one off another member here but more than likely you will have to have one made.

[Festiva_tunner]

Some pictures of Pu241's:


Before leaving:

Upon arival:
Safely Rescued:

****If an admin can combine this post and my last please (I excedded the time limit before I could get the pictures added)

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

I recall that one of the posts contemplated making a hitch that completely replaced the bumper, attaching to the two body "hard points" where the bumper presently attaches.

I would think this would lead to the simplest, strongest, most flexible solution. You could even add some nonstructural black-painted wood to it to make it look like a bumper, just in case there's some regulatory requirement to have bumpers on cars -- is there?

Has anybody tried this approach? It could also be a base for a strong roof rack, better than the thing (see photo) I built last summer. It might even use a similar solution on the front of the car.

Heck, if this approach works, couldn't you even expand on my roof rack idea to put a small camper shell up on top?

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Festiva_tunner, that looks pretty good.

Just go consider all possibilities, does anybody have any photos of what the rear of a Festy looks like withthe bumper removed?

[nonamekid]

Some pictures of Pu241's:

I want one like that!! I could really haul stuff then. Do we have any metal fab guys who could build these?

[eurotiva]

Remove the muffler ( or shorten it and put a turn down) and it's an easy hitch to make and install.

Here's a parts car I had.



and i have one on my car, but it's a junkyard special that i made work. It's not rated for anything, but I've hauled 1000 lbs. on my 400 lbs. trailer with it.

[Festiva_tunner]

Remove the muffler ( or shorten it and put a turn down) and it's an easy hitch to make and install.

Here's a parts car I had.



and i have one on my car, but it's a junkyard special that i made work. It's not rated for anything, but I've hauled 1000 lbs. on my 400 lbs. trailer with it.

Ouch looks like the PO had issues backing into things - backing into posts with that car and backing into it with another car.

How is that one attached? did they remove the original tow bars and install that inplace?

[eurotiva]

^^ yeah it was Rich Normans old car. He went into some woods at about 55 mph. And it doesn't have the bumper under the cover. I popped that dent back out, and replaced the door.

[Festiva_tunner]

^^ yeah it was Rich Normans old car. He went into some woods at about 55 mph. And it doesn't have the bumper under the cover. I popped that dent back out, and replaced the door.

HAHA - I know they are excellent off road, but doesnt he know trees don't move?

[eurotiva]

Exit ramp + Hwy speeds + rain + gutted festiva (no wieght in the rear) = trip into the woods backwards lol.....

[Festiva_tunner]

Ha even better - throw it in reverse so as to not damage the motor or the radiator lol
I like his style - the front end it a PITA to rebuild

[Oren09]

What exactly can you haul with a Festy?
Mine has a trailer hitch on it.
I'm thinking of removing it.
I really see no point. I'm also not keen on putting a trailer on such a tiny car because the engine and suspension aren't designed for that.

I have a truck with 7000# rated towing capacity should I need to tow...

[Bazzy16]

I have one of these trailer hitches (not a home made one) and all the wiring for the lights. it was on my car when i got it and i have since removed it. it's just sitting in the shop...... should probably get rid of it haha