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Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:17 pm
by meetthespeakers
Hey guys, have possibly an interesting question, over the last weekend I hauled home inside of the van 15 boxes of Mini parts. I was filled to the top, and the van had probably about 1/2" of travel between the bumpstop and the frame. My question is I would like to add a hitch so I could either rent or buy a small enclosed trailer in the future to haul this stuff. My problem is I have a "roll pan" installed, it is a wings west bodykit bumper.

So I assume this will have to be a custom hitch since I don't want to hack the new bumper up? Second question is I have drop leafs (2.5" drop) and would I still be able to install Timbren system? Or would I be better off getting those Load helper shocks for the rear? Hope you guys can help, I got till mid april to get it sorted before I head on a 3 hour trip with this stuff. Thanks!

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 4:25 pm
by GEJ
Just my opinion and idea.Maybe you could fashion a section of the roll pan to flip down to allow a hide-a-hitch use.Spring load that section like those that where in use for license plates and the filler for gas.I would think air shocks would help with additional load while having a trailer hooked to Big Blue.

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Mon Mar 16, 2009 8:13 pm
by dilly
i've seen rollpan hitches for gm trucks but never seen um for vans.

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 11:18 am
by meetthespeakers
I am currently trying to find a local welder to fab up something. I think everyone knew what I meant by Timbrens (spelt it wrong I think earlier). I was almost thinking about switching back to the stock leafs, but if the Timbrens would work it would be the best of both worlds. Cheers everyone.

-J

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 12:27 pm
by meetthespeakers
Just wanted to update you guys. Timbrens will not work on a lowered van... in a sense that they would be "engaged" all the time. I measured the distance between the bumpstop mount and the frame and I had 3 1/4". The Timbrens need I think they said a min. of 4 3/8" (1" for bracket + 2 3/8 for shortest Timbren + 1" required free space). So basically the van would have been riding on them all the time which would of made a very stiff ride.... Back to the drawing board. Starting to think about putting the stock leafs back on. I did find a local guy that can weld me a hitch, so I will be working with him shortly to either build one from scratch or modify a stock one to fit. Cheers guys. :dunce:

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 5:51 pm
by GEJ
Could you/would you plse take pics of the custom hitch during the build??.Thanks.

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 10:24 pm
by Spike99
.

Hi meetthespeakers.

Sounds like your van is more of a "show van / light passenger van" and NOT a heavy towing / heavy hauling van. And, it sounds like you want to upgrade the van's rear suspension for the odd time you might load rear cargo or connect a trailer. And with a "lowered" suspension, traditional suspension "depth" reduction products (like Timbrens) aren't a simple "store bought - bolt on solution".

As a suggestion, do investigate "Air Bag" solution as well. Not the traditional "bolt on" air bag solution. If possible, do investigate the HD Platter system. For example: http://i11.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/fd/65/d36e_1.JPG With manual air pump or onboard air compressor, one can adjust the van's suspension depth and if needed, make its rear rise. Especially for loading or unloading your "lowered" van for car ramp / building ramps situations. Especially during your car show events. With a Welder (or your local welder guy) and a HD Air Bag Platter system, I'm sure one can "make it fit".

If possible, do search E-Bay for "air bags". There's many different designs that might spark a good install idea. Especially for your van's unique need.

Hope this helps...

.

Re: Hitch and Tibrens

Posted: Fri Apr 17, 2009 11:40 am
by meetthespeakers
I'm still on the fence on what to do. Currently in another thread I need the fuel injectors and pcm replaced. I am doing that this weekend, and all extra funds are going to correct that situation. Hopefully I will get it fixed tomorrow and be able to go pick up 31 16' deck boards. So we will see how it plays out, luckily I am not to far from home depot. But seems the rear suspension has def settled over the last year, and went from a modest 2.5" drop to a 3" drop +.

I don't haul stuff all that often, but I def do use it for home repairs and projects. And even loading it up with 4 passengers I had maybe 2 or 3 times it bottomed out on a 3 hour trip. Again, not terrible, but I don't like the fact that it does. Even if I got the hitch made, I assume the added weight of a trailer would only bring the rear closer to the ground as well. Anyway, cheers, and back to thinking and hopefully come up with a plan once I get some more money set aside.