TRAILER HITCH

If days were years and projects could drink this one is now ready for a beer!

I popped in the DMV today (only a brief 2 hour wait!) and am scheduled to bring in the trailer for inspection so I may register it tomorrow. Time to install the hitch on the car.

HIDDEN HITCH

I’m using a square tube 2000lb rated hitch, which bolts directly to the VW frame. I’m going to lose some ground clearance in the back but I think I’ll clear speed bumps and gnarly SF hill crests. We’ll see…

RAISING THE HITCH INTO PLACE

After sliding the hitch under the car we raised it into position with these handy paper kindles I found in the garage.



A NICE WIRE TRICK

You have to put this bolt up inside a small hole in the frame and then put in the square bit it goes through BUT you can’t get behind them so they are gone and lost inside the frame. With the handy wire you jam the bolt up into the land of the lost, then the the square, then pull the wire bringing the bolt back and through the little hole in the square bit. Do it wrong and loose the bolt and your car will explode.



THE WASHER-NUT TRICK

It’s a PITA to hold two pieces in one hand blind and at an awkward angle which is unfortunately the only method to access most parts of a VW. If you tape the washer to the bolt you can reduce your juggling some. Remember to peel the tape off after everything is in place but before you torque the bolt tight.



TIGHT FIT

I didn’t bother to jack up the car as there was just enough room to wiggle everything into place.

KAREN FITS THE PIN

Almost ready to tow.

SUCCESS!

And Karen approved.

OUT IN THE WILD

Took a short short trip to a local strip-mall and picked up a ball with a 3/4″ shank. Now we’re ready to tow.