Tow Hitch - Need Help ASAP!

[Tone]

As I said, depends on the load. My hitch was designed to handle more overall weight and more tongue weight than the Dalan but I wouldn’t hang a 300+LB motorcycle from it as that is too much for the vehicle’s (Trooper) rating.

[coachreed]

OK... the pictures helps a lot...



Tone's hitch is the best option for hitch in the VX in my opinion but I don't think that putting that kind of load on it is a good idea. I'm not sure what hadness rating the bolts are that hold the hitch onto the VX but there are only four bolts and don't think I'd put that load on them. The other hitch options for the VX hang down quite a ways and I'm not sure what they are rated for. Without some kind of additional engineering I wouldn't recommend it.

Good luck!

Coach... I mean Randy (I often forget who I really am)

Undergoing LS1 Conversion as we speak!
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[t2p]

Four Huffy bicycles probably weigh as much as the VX ........

Seriously, the Mototote carrier looks neat - but I don't think I would use one - not on a VX or any other vehicle. The carrier does have it's merits - and eliminates a few of the hassles that are associated with a trailer, but ......

I'm also surprised the Navigator had a 500 lb tongue weight (max). Whoa ! The hitch must attach to the frame in about twelve locations !
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I would purchase a trailer - or have one made.

I have an aluminum (custom built) bike trailer that I use to haul motorcyles and (occasionally) bicycles. I also have a snowmobile trailer. I plan to pull both with the VX.

[Tone]

Four 1/2" Grade 8 bolts with 1/4" steel backing plates and prevailing torque locking Grade 8 nuts. Most of the force is down which is also offset by the bottom edge of hitch wrapping underneath the frame rail

[Teckhardt]

If someone really wants a Dalan/Uhaul hitch I could probably be persuaded into unbolting mine and selling it - just email me.

I want to get Tone's for the additional ground clearance. Cutting the cladding is not an issue for me.

[Maverick]

ive got tones hitch as well.. though i havent towed with it yet, so far im very happy with it, the higher mount and tight in fitting keep the vx looking factory with it. the wiring kit is nicely done as well.. BTW- I picked up a 2" drop hitch bar today at wallymart that came with a 2" ball, and hitch pin (500/6000 cap) for $19.99 ..a deal and a half...

[DaPenetrator]

The MotoTote works extremely well with a vehicle that will support it's weight and the weight of the bike. As I stated before, I used it on a 2000 Navi for 2 years and made several local and out of states trips. I'm currently using it on a 1998 F-150 with no problems. The rack is the perfect option for me b/c I like the fact that it moves with the truck. Never have worry about counter steering when backing as with a trailer or getting a trailer registered and licensed. Not to mention somewhere to store one. The MotoTote leans nicely against the wall in my garage and only takes up a 3 foot corner ;o)

What I'm actually considering doing is attaching Tone's hitch (with the 4 bolts) and then having it spot welded for reinforcement. That's actually the way that the factory hitch is attached to the F-150 (and I assume it was that way on the Navi as well).

Tone, I'll probably be contacting you the first of next week to get the hitch and light kits ordered. Once I get it installed, I'll make an appointment with a machine shop to have it spot welded. Once it's on there, I never intent removing it.

[Tiger66]

There is not much difference on dead weight put on the hitch or trailer tongue weight. The hitch feels it the same. 500# three feet out will be 1500# hanging off the back end. Not so much worry breaking the hitch mounting but it will unload the front wheels and could make driving dynamics poor. Even dangerous at high speeds. A big Nav with a long wheelbase and a lot of weight up front is very different than a VX.

I don't know if I would agree that the tone hitch is a better choice than the dalan. One bolts vertical the other horizontal. I would worry more about shearing the bolts more than pulling them apart. Putting a downward force on horizontal bolts is more prone to failure. You would have to look at what's beyond the tone hitch too, as I understand it is bolted to a crossmember. How that is attached, its properties and abilities to withshand the torsion. Additionally, the dalan bolts under the frame with arms that extend forward. That will distribute the load out. And that frame ain't going anywahere.

I am a mechanical engineer. Please note, this is just my opinion and not professional advise.

For a motorcycle I would suggest a trailer. It will be easier and I think you will not only be safer but happier.

LOL

[DaPenetrator]

Tone got my tow hitch and door popper kit on it's way to me yesterday. Should receive it on Friday. Plan to install it this weekend and have the body shop weld it to frame on Saturday.

Welding will only take place if we deteremine that it won't interfere with removing or replacing the gas tank if that needs to be done for the job or in the future. If welding doesn't prove to be practical, then I'll be off to the Hitchman to buy a new trailer.

I remember what you guys said about disconnecting the computer before welding on the frame. I'll make sure that happens. Definitively don't want any electricial problems or fried system components.

I'll take some pictures before and after the hitch installation and with the MotoTote and bike attached.

[t2p]

sounds good ....

I believe you will also need to disconnect the battery also - but you probably already know that .......
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plus, I believe the vehicle needs to be 'grounded' .......... the welder should know this ......
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[DaPenetrator]

Yo T2P, thanks for the additional tips. I'll make sure those steps are covered has well.

[xdfarrx]

I haven't read through all the threads, so if I am off the mark my bad.... I have had a moto tote for three years. I bought a hitch from Uhaul. Had it double powder coated wrinkle black. I use it to transport my 400lb streatbike with no worries. Tone's hitch is much more subtle and truthfully I like its look nicer but I don't feel it is appropriate for the weight of carrying bike...My moto tote rules. I love it.....P.s. get the through bar spot welded and the integrity gets better. Les twisting. Don't forget that the rack and hitch are prone to loading when at speed. The hitch I have is class 4. Most hitchs are designed for pulling loads not hanging loads.

[DaPenetrator]

xdfarrx, what is it about the u-haul hitch that you feel is more suitable for the MotoTote use than Tone's hitch?

Also, have you had any problems with the weight unloading the front wheels on take-offs or acceleration?

[Tone]

Show us some pics of your class 4 hitch for a VX - Dalan sold through UHaul is an under performing class 3 rated @ only 3500 lbs.

[crager34]

Isuzu says that it is not recommended that the VX be used for towing anything. Surely the say that to avoid liability.