I considered that option but I don't think there is a uhaul configuration that would have allowed me to tow both my van and cargo trailer.

My design could probably be reinforced to suit your needs but it would take some significant reworking. I would agree with "mdmead", which is why I linked to that thread at the beginning of mine. :) Either way I think you will be significantly challenged to make the dirtbike-on-the-front t...

Small world. I'm actually in Sanford, my place of birth.

Went to school in NH, most of my Maine time growing up was in Alfred.

I called the first mechanic (that made my situation worse) and to his credit he actually refunded most mostof my bill (less parts and labor for the fuel filter). I still wouldn't recommend bringing your vehicle to them bit it was only fair to let you know they took steps to make the situation right....

Great positive attitude! I think I would be more upset than you are. I hate to say it but would it be better to sell the van and buy something else rather than throw $6k into it? The other side of it is that with a new engine, you should be good for a lot of miles. On your way, if you run into trou...

3/4 of a day in labor chasing down the damage and issues of my existing motor, reman motor, parts to satisfy the warranty requirements of the new motor (new oil cooler, etc), installation of the reman motor and the cost incurred from the previous wingnut mechanic and this is looking like a $6k disas...

Here's the new thread describing my nightmare...

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8992

I had a beautifully authored and lengthy post in process but I somehow closed the tab (stupid netbook) before I was able to submit it. This is congruent with the state of my life right now I suppose. So now, the very short story. Moving back to Maine from Washington State with a recently purchased 1...

Well, all of that work was for nothing. After two days of loading my van and trailer I finally got to the bikes/rack. Once on the rack I realized they were a bit higher than I would have preferred but it looked like it would still work so I proceeded to load and secure bikes. Once everything was loa...

@Astrophysics Yeah, I was really happy with the way the piece installed and looked. Too bad it wasn't strong enough. The bike rack is so top heavy, even without bikes on it. It would have far too much leverage for the licence plate eyebolt idea. I've only had the van for a month or so and I've put l...

5 minute fix complete. Feels solid and roadworthy. The cable will be eliminated in the future to make way for a better solution. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-caryxXO7vv4/UONzb_iwhbI/AAAAAAAAFVY/GI55aMT7zNM/s800/CAM00046.jpg https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-upywgjTd9xE/UONzbxfyMLI/AAAAAAAAFVc...

Not a bad idea but it would involve drilling into the sub-frame which is something I have been trying to avoid. On top of that it's more time and paint. I've literally been waiting for paint to dry/cure for over a week (also working on another project I'll link to soon) and I'm just tired of paintin...

Welding would make it strong enough but it would make removal messy. In addition it would create bare metal which I can't successfully paint in cold weather, bare metal that will soon be inundated by heavily salted roads in Maine.

The good news: The receiver mounted in less than 5 minutes and looks great. The bad news: It is not robust enough to support my bike carrier and bikes. My design MIGHT have worked had I used a thicker piece of steel on the bottom of the receiver. The existing design would be bomber with the addition...

To be fair, I must admit that my good friend Jim welded everything pictured. I designed everything and he often gave suggestions to improve or aid in the design process. I have very little experience welding so my "work" tends to come out strong but "chunky". I recently fabricate...