Can tow bolt holes be used for trailer hitch

[xcrew229x]

#1. Remove rear inner bumper assembly. #2. Examine where the tow hook threads screw in. #3. Notice how much beef there isn't in the metal surrounding it. My opinion only, but I wouldn't flex that sheetmetal repeatedly on my car.

[sunnyokanagan]

Don't do it. Let me qualify that: if the 451 tow bolt goes into the crash bar like it does on the 450, don't do it!

The crash bar is made of rather soft aluminium and the threaded holes will get all distorted and "ovalled" and messed up by load vibration and wiggle-wobble.

Experience speaking. I made a rear bumper with spare tire holder for my car and that's what happened after just a month or so. More weight and stress, like with a trailer, will soon enough fail.

Apologies if the 451 construction is stronger... still skeptical. Though still wouldn't bet my life on it.

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by sunnyokanagan

Don't do it. Let me qualify that: if the 451 tow bolt goes into the crash bar like it does on the 450, don't do it!

The crash bar is made of rather soft aluminium and the threaded holes will get all distorted and "ovalled" and messed up by load vibration and wiggle-wobble.

Experience speaking. I made a rear bumper with spare tire holder for my car and that's what happened after just a month or so. More weight and stress, like with a trailer, will soon enough fail.

Apologies if the 451 construction is stronger... still skeptical. Though still wouldn't bet my life on it.

Since the 451 is built for the American market which has regulations for safety, would it not be stronger than the 450 vehicle?

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

Since the 451 is built for the American market which has regulations for safety, would it not be stronger than the 450 vehicle?

WHat does this have to due with safety? These are designed to pull you out of a ditch. They are not designed to do all the things people are doing with them. If you use them for other things that will put stress on these fittings YOU risk the results of them failing over time.

[BigWarpGuy]

Originally Posted by forestacademy

WHat does this have to due with safety? These are designed to pull you out of a ditch. They are not designed to do all the things people are doing with them. If you use them for other things that will put stress on these fittings YOU risk the results of them failing over time.

If a person is pulled out of the ditch too often, the tow hooks will eventually fail? This is a good reason to avoid ditches? I hope I never find out if it is true or not. Perhaps a better solution to towing anything is getting the Clever End by SmartCarUniverse?

[forestacademy]

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

If a person is pulled out of the ditch too often, the tow hooks will eventually fail? This is a good reason to avoid ditches? I hope I never find out if it is true or not.

The good news is when I wind up in a snowy ditch, I should be able to push it out by hand and not need those hooks to often.

[sunnyokanagan]

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

Since the 451 is built for the American market which has regulations for safety, would it not be stronger than the 450 vehicle?

Believe me, German regulations for safety meet or exceed anything in the US. The crash bar is made of relatively soft material, designed to deform in a collision to absorb energy. The tow threads are meant for emergency use, to pull you out of a ditch, or tow the vehicle up onto a flat deck wrecker.

I've seen these threads completely b*ggered after a single sideways pull out of a ditch.

They are not designed for the type of use you guys are contemplating.

[petep99]

Thought this might be of some interest... :-)

smart "micro kamping" with Single wheel trailer



Works great for us!

Pete

[jetfuel]

way to go Pete...awesome
...how much weight do you think you have pulled on that trailer?

jetfuel

[petep99]

Originally Posted by jetfuel

way to go Pete...awesome
...how much weight do you think you have pulled on that trailer?

jetfuel

Not sure, but guestimating around a hundred pounds or so. Sure get a lot of looks!