aw11 trailer hitch - Page 2

mr2_jake · 09-29-2009, 12:39 AM

I suppose they expect you to tie into where the bumper reinforcement mounts...

I have no clue tho

como · 09-29-2009, 08:59 AM

That's my confusion. The bumper bolts in on either side, using the same mounts under the car as the muffler does.

In between the mounts, obviously, is the muffler.
Sigh.

mr2_jake · 09-29-2009, 02:36 PM

Do you have the kit? Seen pictures of exactly what is included? May have special brackets to compensate? I guess the only way to find out is to buy the kit and try it.

como · 09-29-2009, 06:21 PM

everything I know about it is posted in this thread. I'm considering just buying it and seeing, but it's a fair bit of money to spend on something I don't need right off... especially if it's going to be a headache. I might just put this off until I do the engine swap, since I'll allready be screwing with the exhaust setup anyway.

dirocyn · 10-01-2009, 02:13 PM

My lawnmower can handle a tongue weight more than 200 lbs, I've got a little garden trailer for it. Wouldn't want to take that on the highway though.

To my mind, there's no point attaching a tow hitch that will bend or break its attachment points if I put my own weight (darn sure more than 100) on the tow ball.

If I were going to design a trailer hitch, I'd build it to mount to the crossmember where the rear motor mount attaches. That's the only thing solid under the car, it would pull plenty of weight but it would not handle much tongue weight without twisting. If the hitch was designed to attach to that rail and also attach at the front motor mount (running a heavy bar under the engine) that could be plenty strong--the limiting factor would be the rear suspension. Do it right, you could run 350 lbs tongue weight (the hitch itself will probably weigh close to 50). I have no doubt the car is strong enough to pull 1500 lbs.

como · 10-01-2009, 04:03 PM

I too have no doubt on the pull, although my poor antique transmission is going to get tired sooner or later.

I think I'd design it to the bumper mounts (I had the bumper off, they're as strong as the motor mounts imo), but I'm not so sure how I'll manage.
looks like this is off the main burner anyway, need this car out of the garage to fix up a winter vehicle before it starts to snow

efx · 10-03-2009, 02:14 AM

Thanks for posting that link. I always thought about getting one just for the hell of it or maybe to pull a bike, assuming I ever bought one and then it happened...went to visit my brothers out in the midwest were hitches are like a regular accessory on cars and one day I banged my leg on that ****en thing. That hurts like hell so unless you really need one, I wouldn't put one on. It was dark and I was going around the car to go inside. I'm sure many other people have done it too. It's worst when they stick out of the big ass truck in a parking lot. Almost got myself on one like that too because it was kind of low to see out in the dark parking lot. They are handy but beware. If not you'll just remember my post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maticuno

Google is an amazing tool...

TrailerHitches.com

I find it funny that the towing capacity of my MR2 is more than that of my wife's Ford Escape Hybrid.

q-authority · 10-03-2009, 08:29 PM

They mount to the bottom of the bumper. There used to be a number of these advertised some years ago, when I did a lot of research on them. The drilling required is usually either because they don't line up with the bolt holes of the trim support on the bottom of the bumper, or for through the 90 degree angled plate on the back of the bumper, that it also attaches to (if I recall correctly). You sometimes also have to modify that trim support bar, on the bottom of the bumper, to let the hitch sit flat against the underside of the bumper. I have seen a number of these in MKI pictures before, so I very much doubt there is any towing/tongue weight issue with them, or there would have been numerous lawsuits.

mr2tim · 10-04-2009, 10:56 PM

I put a 2" diameter receiver on my SC car 8 years ago, to tow my slicks, tools etc and our 2 bicycles to the racetracks.

I personally did not use the bumper, with the rear bumper using only 2 bolts holding the bumper it appeared not up to the job.
(I inspect steel structures for a living)

I bridged the main OEM rectangular tube frames under the trunk w 1/4" plate which was installed as being removable in the future.

I have a Custom Kaminari rear spoiler that required modification to accommodate this positioning.

When I'm not towing, (or hauling bicycles) I have a 3rd brake light installed there for safety.

If your interested in under the car pictures PM me.

Supercharzed Toyz
A Toyota Race Team since 1989

efx · 10-05-2009, 02:27 AM

Well Mr. Tim, nice job on that. I would like to see the under side pictures to see how you got that on there. Now I wish every freaking tow hitch would sit like that without sticking out where people can whack their legs. That's the only reason I hated those things. Okay so maybe I'm just one of the few, but I still wouldn't want that thing sticking out specially if you had kids around or if it's just plain dark. Now I know theres proof that this can be mounted nicely.

One more thing, who makes that one? Does it not matter who makes it or are these are pretty standard? I don't need one, just curious and what sizes do they come in? I think I saw a small one like that on an mk2 one other member had at a meet. I'm pretty sure that's what it was since it look different. Not bad, just something added but we couldn't figure out what the hell that was used for.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr2tim

I put a 2" diameter receiver on my SC car 8 years ago, to tow my slicks, tools etc and our 2 bicycles to the racetracks.

I personally did not use the bumper, with the rear bumper using only 2 bolts holding the bumper it appeared not up to the job.
(I inspect steel structures for a living)

I bridged the main OEM rectangular tube frames under the trunk w 1/4" plate which was installed as being removable in the future.

I have a Custom Kaminari rear spoiler that required modification to accommodate this positioning.

When I'm not towing, (or hauling bicycles) I have a 3rd brake light installed there for safety.

If your interested in under the car pictures PM me.

Supercharzed Toyz
A Toyota Race Team since 1989

Beau Corso · 10-05-2009, 07:53 PM

from MR2BBQ.COM

q-authority · 10-05-2009, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beau Corso

http://www.mr2bbq.com/images/photo_main.jpg

from MR2BBQ.COM

Ha, ha. When I see pictures like that, I don't know whether to cry or laugh, or cry and laugh.

como · 10-05-2009, 09:43 PM

That, right there, is exactly what I want to do. Only I was thinking I might take the frunk and the trunk, and cut out all the middle-space somehow.

*considering photoshop*

85SuperGZE · 10-06-2009, 03:49 PM

I have a hitch that I took off my 89 s/c, it was bolted into 4 places on the underside of the bumper, the bumper cover was cut about 6 inches, and the metal bar on the bottom that holds the cover on was also cut to accommodate the hitch.....when I was buying my first mr2 in 87-88 Toyota of Irving(dealership) had a dealer option that actually offered a "fun pack" where you could get a dirt bike and trailer, or a jet ski and trailer, they were small single "toy" trailers.....I wish I could prove that...I have even contacted them to see if they had an old brochure with it in there, and of coarse they dont.....anyway here is a pic, though I dont think this one was dealer installed or ???? no manufacturer markings on it and reads "DRAW TITE" (could be the manu)and 3500 pounds on the ball.(YEAH, I wont be pulling that weight!)

q-authority · 10-06-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 85SuperGZE

I have a hitch that I took off my 89 s/c, it was bolted into 4 places on the underside of the bumper, the bumper cover was cut about 6 inches, and the metal bar on the bottom that holds the cover on was also cut to accommodate the hitch.....when I was buying my first mr2 in 87-88 Toyota of Irving(dealership) had a dealer option that actually offered a "fun pack" where you could get a dirt bike and trailer, or a jet ski and trailer, they were small single "toy" trailers.....I wish I could prove that...I have even contacted them to see if they had an old brochure with it in there, and of coarse they dont.....anyway here is a pic, though I dont think this one was dealer installed or ???? no manufacturer markings on it and reads "DRAW TITE" (could be the manu)and 3500 pounds on the ball.(YEAH, I wont be pulling that weight!)
http://i404.photobucket.com/albums/p.../Picture-1.jpg

Yes, 'Draw Tite' was one of the few manufatcurers of hitches for the MKI several years back. Tongue hitches, like yours, and sleeve hitches, like the 'Hidden Hitches' unit, were both made. Some required a bit of bumper modification, like yours did, and others did not require as much, if any, but were more expensive.

'91mr2 · 10-06-2009, 08:57 PM

this thread makes me laugh

como · 10-06-2009, 09:23 PM

Laugh it up, I want one.

One that doesn't require too much bumper modification, if I can.

85SuperGZE · 10-06-2009, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by q-authority

Yes, 'Draw Tite' was one of the few manufatcurers of hitches for the MKI several years back. Tongue hitches, like yours, and sleeve hitches, like the 'Hidden Hitches' unit, were both made. Some required a bit of bumper modification, like yours did, and others did not require as much, if any, but were more expensive.

Cool good to know.Thanks for the insight

85SuperGZE · 10-06-2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by como

Laugh it up, I want one.

One that doesn't require too much bumper modification, if I can.

I still use the bumper and it doesnt even appear that a hitch was there.

q-authority · 10-06-2009, 10:44 PM

I knew I used to have some files on the one that I preferred, so I looked around and found that I had saved files on the Hidden Hitch unit. Here are the instructions for that hitch, and some specs on it. It doesn't look like very much would need to be done, in the way of altering things, to make it fit, and that is probably why I chose it, plus it uses the sleeve type, which I also prefer.

INSTRUCTIONS: Hidden Hitch (model #60932)
1986 MR2 use steps No. 1.2,5,11,12
NOTE: Certain vehicles will not have prewelded nuts inside the bumper. These vehicles will require the use of the tab nut assemblies (F) supplied in the bolt pack.
1. Remove the bumper from the vehicle. 2. Assemble with components (B) and (C) as in illustration. 3. Measure from the centre of the bumper towards each side 2 3/8" and drill two 1/2" diameter holes through the neoprene cover retainer and through the inner bumper. 4. Remove the two centre neoprene cover retainer bolts and drill the existing holes to 1/2" diameter. 5. Mark and trim the neoprene cover to accommodate spacer (D) between bumper and bumper bracket B. 6. Mark and trim bottom edge of neoprene cover to accommodate bumper bracket (B) and (C). 7. Enlarge the two existing holes to 1/2" diameter.
7a. Use two holes in bracket (C) as a guide to drill two 1/2" diameter holes in back of bumper. 8. Position hitch assembly and loosely install the two bolts (1) through the rear bumper bracket (C) into the prewelded nuts.
NOTE: See note at beginning of instructions. 8a. Position hitch assembly and spacers (D) against the four prewelded nuts in the bumper and fasten. 8b. Position hitch assembly and spacers (D) against the bottom
of bumper and loosely fasten. 9. Position the four spacers (D). 10. Position the two tab nuts (F) and install the two bolts through the bumper bracket (B) and spacers (D) into tab nuts. 11. Tighten all bolts; refer to the torque table on the instruction sheet. 12. Reinstall bumper.

Specs:

MAX TRAILER WEIGHT / POIDS MAX DE LA REMORQUE 1500 lbs. MAX TONGUE WEIGHT / POIDS MAX DU TIMON 100 lbs.
Bolt Size
Grandeur des boulons Metric / Métrique
3/8
7/16
1/2
5/8
3/4

Grade 5 Torque
30 Ft. Lb.
54 Ft. Lb.
72 Ft. Lb.
150 Ft. Lb.
245 Ft. Lb.

Metric
8 mm
10 mm
12 mm
14 mm

Grade 8.8 Torque
18 Ft. Lb.
36 Ft. Lb.
64 Ft. Lb.
103 Ft. Lb.
Grade 5 Torque
Dynamométrique
Grade 8.8 Torque
Dynamométrique

*Maximum torque for tab nuts is 38 Ft. Lb.
Warning: This hitch is designed to safely carry the loads specified. Under no circumstances do we recommend exceeding the towing vehicle
manufacturer’s recommended vehicle towing capacties.

10-04-2009, 10:56 PM	#29 (permalink)
mr2tim SUPERcharZed ToyZ RacZer Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,789 Thanks: 8 Thanked 118 Times in 111 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (6/100% )	Here's my "Hitch" I put a 2" diameter receiver on my SC car 8 years ago, to tow my slicks, tools etc and our 2 bicycles to the racetracks. I personally did not use the bumper, with the rear bumper using only 2 bolts holding the bumper it appeared not up to the job. (I inspect steel structures for a living) I bridged the main OEM rectangular tube frames under the trunk w 1/4" plate which was installed as being removable in the future. I have a Custom Kaminari rear spoiler that required modification to accommodate this positioning. When I'm not towing, (or hauling bicycles) I have a 3rd brake light installed there for safety. If your interested in under the car pictures PM me. Supercharzed Toyz A Toyota Race Team since 1989 Attached Thumbnails

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09-29-2009, 12:39 AM	#21 (permalink)
mr2_jake Many skills... Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I suppose they expect you to tie into where the bumper reinforcement mounts... I have no clue tho

09-29-2009, 08:59 AM	#22 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	That's my confusion. The bumper bolts in on either side, using the same mounts under the car as the muffler does. In between the mounts, obviously, is the muffler. Sigh.

09-29-2009, 02:36 PM	#23 (permalink)
mr2_jake Many skills... Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 83 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Do you have the kit? Seen pictures of exactly what is included? May have special brackets to compensate? I guess the only way to find out is to buy the kit and try it.

09-29-2009, 06:21 PM	#24 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	everything I know about it is posted in this thread. I'm considering just buying it and seeing, but it's a fair bit of money to spend on something I don't need right off... especially if it's going to be a headache. I might just put this off until I do the engine swap, since I'll allready be screwing with the exhaust setup anyway.

10-01-2009, 02:13 PM	#25 (permalink)
dirocyn Cage Fighter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 1,178 Thanks: 14 Thanked 110 Times in 108 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	My lawnmower can handle a tongue weight more than 200 lbs, I've got a little garden trailer for it. Wouldn't want to take that on the highway though. To my mind, there's no point attaching a tow hitch that will bend or break its attachment points if I put my own weight (darn sure more than 100) on the tow ball. If I were going to design a trailer hitch, I'd build it to mount to the crossmember where the rear motor mount attaches. That's the only thing solid under the car, it would pull plenty of weight but it would not handle much tongue weight without twisting. If the hitch was designed to attach to that rail and also attach at the front motor mount (running a heavy bar under the engine) that could be plenty strong--the limiting factor would be the rear suspension. Do it right, you could run 350 lbs tongue weight (the hitch itself will probably weigh close to 50). I have no doubt the car is strong enough to pull 1500 lbs.

10-01-2009, 04:03 PM	#26 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I too have no doubt on the pull, although my poor antique transmission is going to get tired sooner or later. I think I'd design it to the bumper mounts (I had the bumper off, they're as strong as the motor mounts imo), but I'm not so sure how I'll manage. looks like this is off the main burner anyway, need this car out of the garage to fix up a winter vehicle before it starts to snow

10-03-2009, 08:29 PM	#28 (permalink)
q-authority Professional Multislacker Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 506 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	They mount to the bottom of the bumper. There used to be a number of these advertised some years ago, when I did a lot of research on them. The drilling required is usually either because they don't line up with the bolt holes of the trim support on the bottom of the bumper, or for through the 90 degree angled plate on the back of the bumper, that it also attaches to (if I recall correctly). You sometimes also have to modify that trim support bar, on the bottom of the bumper, to let the hitch sit flat against the underside of the bumper. I have seen a number of these in MKI pictures before, so I very much doubt there is any towing/tongue weight issue with them, or there would have been numerous lawsuits.

10-05-2009, 07:53 PM	#31 (permalink)
Beau Corso Ignores Retards. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pair-o-dice Posts: 310 Thanks: 3 Thanked 11 Times in 8 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	from MR2BBQ.COM

10-05-2009, 09:43 PM	#33 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	That, right there, is exactly what I want to do. Only I was thinking I might take the frunk and the trunk, and cut out all the middle-space somehow. considering photoshop

10-06-2009, 03:49 PM	#34 (permalink)
85SuperGZE Multi MK1 Owner Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Dallas, Tx Posts: 87 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	I have a hitch that I took off my 89 s/c, it was bolted into 4 places on the underside of the bumper, the bumper cover was cut about 6 inches, and the metal bar on the bottom that holds the cover on was also cut to accommodate the hitch.....when I was buying my first mr2 in 87-88 Toyota of Irving(dealership) had a dealer option that actually offered a "fun pack" where you could get a dirt bike and trailer, or a jet ski and trailer, they were small single "toy" trailers.....I wish I could prove that...I have even contacted them to see if they had an old brochure with it in there, and of coarse they dont.....anyway here is a pic, though I dont think this one was dealer installed or ???? no manufacturer markings on it and reads "DRAW TITE" (could be the manu)and 3500 pounds on the ball.(YEAH, I wont be pulling that weight!)

10-06-2009, 08:57 PM	#36 (permalink)
'91mr2 No Skills Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 41 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	this thread makes me laugh

10-06-2009, 09:23 PM	#37 (permalink)
como Road Warrior Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Southern Maine Posts: 652 Thanks: 13 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Laugh it up, I want one. One that doesn't require too much bumper modification, if I can.

10-06-2009, 10:44 PM	#40 (permalink)
q-authority Professional Multislacker Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 506 Thanks: 0 Thanked 17 Times in 17 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	I knew I used to have some files on the one that I preferred, so I looked around and found that I had saved files on the Hidden Hitch unit. Here are the instructions for that hitch, and some specs on it. It doesn't look like very much would need to be done, in the way of altering things, to make it fit, and that is probably why I chose it, plus it uses the sleeve type, which I also prefer. INSTRUCTIONS: Hidden Hitch (model #60932) 1986 MR2 use steps No. 1.2,5,11,12 NOTE: Certain vehicles will not have prewelded nuts inside the bumper. These vehicles will require the use of the tab nut assemblies (F) supplied in the bolt pack. 1. Remove the bumper from the vehicle. 2. Assemble with components (B) and (C) as in illustration. 3. Measure from the centre of the bumper towards each side 2 3/8" and drill two 1/2" diameter holes through the neoprene cover retainer and through the inner bumper. 4. Remove the two centre neoprene cover retainer bolts and drill the existing holes to 1/2" diameter. 5. Mark and trim the neoprene cover to accommodate spacer (D) between bumper and bumper bracket B. 6. Mark and trim bottom edge of neoprene cover to accommodate bumper bracket (B) and (C). 7. Enlarge the two existing holes to 1/2" diameter. 7a. Use two holes in bracket (C) as a guide to drill two 1/2" diameter holes in back of bumper. 8. Position hitch assembly and loosely install the two bolts (1) through the rear bumper bracket (C) into the prewelded nuts. NOTE: See note at beginning of instructions. 8a. Position hitch assembly and spacers (D) against the four prewelded nuts in the bumper and fasten. 8b. Position hitch assembly and spacers (D) against the bottom of bumper and loosely fasten. 9. Position the four spacers (D). 10. Position the two tab nuts (F) and install the two bolts through the bumper bracket (B) and spacers (D) into tab nuts. 11. Tighten all bolts; refer to the torque table on the instruction sheet. 12. Reinstall bumper. Specs: MAX TRAILER WEIGHT / POIDS MAX DE LA REMORQUE 1500 lbs. MAX TONGUE WEIGHT / POIDS MAX DU TIMON 100 lbs. Bolt Size Grandeur des boulons Metric / Métrique 3/8 7/16 1/2 5/8 3/4 Grade 5 Torque 30 Ft. Lb. 54 Ft. Lb. 72 Ft. Lb. 150 Ft. Lb. 245 Ft. Lb. Metric 8 mm 10 mm 12 mm 14 mm Grade 8.8 Torque 18 Ft. Lb. 36 Ft. Lb. 64 Ft. Lb. 103 Ft. Lb. Grade 5 Torque Dynamométrique Grade 8.8 Torque Dynamométrique *Maximum torque for tab nuts is 38 Ft. Lb. Warning: This hitch is designed to safely carry the loads specified. Under no circumstances do we recommend exceeding the towing vehicle manufacturer’s recommended vehicle towing capacties.