> Well, my hitch finally arrived last night.  Getting it bolted onto the
frame wasnt much of a
> problem.  I still have yet to figure out how to get my bumper installed
correctly.  I
> checked the picture again and it looks like my bumper is  different than
one
> in the picture.   I would bet a nice 6 pack of beer that it certain
bumpers
> shapes just dont fit very well.

There are two styles of Vanagon bumpers - metal (used on most Vanagons; same
size/shape whether painted or chrome) and plastic (used on later Vanagons in
the US; less common elsewhere in the world). The hitch is designed to
accommodate both. Two sets of bumper mounts are included with the hitch -
one set for use with the metal bumpers and one set for plastic. Just Kampers
sells the same hitch in Europe, where the vast majority of Vanagons have
metal bumpers, and it does work.  I have also sold dozens to people with
metal bumpers here in the States.

Make sure you are using the appropriate mounts (it should be relatively
clear which ones will obviously not work), and try a few positions until you
identify out the correct one.  Also, remember that you must slightly notch
or bend the bottom of the bumper to clear the hitch mount protrusion. If you
have the plastic bumpers you will find that there is already a marked spot
for the notch on your bumper (not surprising since both the bumper and the
hitch are genuine VW).  With a metal bumper, it is simply easier to slightly
bend up the spot right above where the protrusion is with a pair of pliers.
In neither case will the modification be visible once installed, unless you
are lying under your bumper looking up.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  (215) 234-VWVW
  www.busdepot.com