Concealed Hitch Receiver Available Again!

[vt_maverick]

I have not worked on the upgraded version yet. It's much more complicated than I anticipated. The tube bumper (behind the cladding) has the mounting features for the bottom part of the rear cladding. We'll lose that bumper with the new design. The Tone version cut out the center section as well. I need to find a way to replicate those mounting features into the new hitch design. That part won't be all that difficult but the problem will be to hold the tolerances tight enough so that everything will still bolt up nicely. The last time I had my cladding off, I was not able to get one of the cladding bolts back in. I don't want anyone else to have to go through that.

Tom

This is getting about as complicated as a front winch bumper.

[tom4bren]

Nah, the only complicated part is finding the patience to outlast my procrastination proclivities.

[janodes]

Tom, You mentioned a few posts back that you would make drawings of the original Tone hitch. I have been going down the list of mods to my newly acquired VX and am ready to install the Tone style receiver. The various pix I have found posted give me almost enough to fabricate one my self with only a few things in question. I bought a 6" receiver w/collar yesterday. If you would be so kind I need the [1] size of angle iron, it's width and the spacing of the bolt holes[ so they line up with the existing inside holes] [2] the H X W X thickness of the backing plate, and [3] what size bolts as in their diameter, length and grade?
I am just going to carry a bike rack and GoRhino step there so i don't need one
extra HD for towing.

[VX KAT]

If you would be so kind I need the [1] size of angle iron, it's width and the spacing of the bolt holes[ so they line up with the existing inside holes] [2] the H X W X thickness of the backing plate, and [3] what size bolts as in their diameter, length and grade?

I don't think there's any OEM holes to line up with....gotta drill the 4 holes.
Here's mine being installed last month, may give you some details you need.
Also note, Dub couldn't get 3 of the rear cladding bolts on the bottom (facing up) to align, so he tried grinding a little off the receiver where the cladding was hitting it, but it wasn't enough, couldn't get them aligned. Cladding is still secure with all the other bolts though.

[Sprey]

Looks Choice Kat!

In my 3rd pic you can see the extra metal welded in to give it extra strength.

In my 2nd to last pic you can see having mounted the hitch up higher and tighter on the rear bar it means you have to cut alot more cladding. And with my tow hook on the door opens over it just by a few MM!!.
And to get the little pin out of the hitch was trouble a few times until i grounded down the head of the bolt to make it more round etc.
Its weird how the Jdm Vxs dont have that little cover over the rear bar,

[VX KAT]

GOOD GAWD MAN....YOU are truly Mr. Scary Hook II...at least yerz iz in da back! Should keep people from tail-gating fo' sho'!

[tom4bren]

Tom, You mentioned a few posts back that you would make drawings of the original Tone hitch. I have been going down the list of mods to my newly acquired VX and am ready to install the Tone style receiver. The various pix I have found posted give me almost enough to fabricate one my self with only a few things in question. I bought a 6" receiver w/collar yesterday. If you would be so kind I need the [1] size of angle iron, it's width and the spacing of the bolt holes[ so they line up with the existing inside holes] [2] the H X W X thickness of the backing plate, and [3] what size bolts as in their diameter, length and grade?
I am just going to carry a bike rack and GoRhino step there so i don't need one
extra HD for towing.

I think that Welder Guy has one he uses as a template. I'll have to see if he'll bring it in for me to take some measurements. That'll be next week though since I'm outta town this week.

IIRC, 2 of the holes do use existing holes in the frame. 2 holes are not critical in position since you'll be drilling those yourself.

Tom

[JAMAS]

IIRC, 2 of the holes do use existing holes in the frame. 2 holes are not critical in position since you'll be drilling those yourself.

Tom

when I installed the Original Tone Hitch (thanks again Tom!), the two middle holes were close to lining up, but did require a little finessing with the drill.