In a message dated 98-07-06 23:31:32 EDT, Rob Wilke writes:

<<I am looking for recomendations for a trailer hitch.  I am interested in
 a unit that possibly also replaces the wimpy bumper unit.  If your going
 to send me images which i would love please make them something a Mac
 can download.. thanks in advance  rob >>

Rob,

I have a "Valley" hitch that was (and I presume still is) sold by Sears
Automotive.
The maufacturer is:   Valley Industries
                                1313 S. Stockton St.
                                Lodi, CA
their number is (was) (209) 368-8881
It bolts inside the supports for the rear bumper and attaches to the frame
rails on either side where the bumper supports go through the rear apron.
Quite a sturdy mounting, from my experience.
It is a model no. 6870, has a gross trailer weight rating of 1500 #'s and a
tounge weight rating of 150 #'s.
According to the installation instructions, it fits Vanagons from 1980 to
1990.
When I bought it in 1991, it cost $79.29 delivered and was Sears stock number
28 R22779.
If I interpret the sales slip correctly, the Valley part number is 687081.
I would try to contact Valley directly because I don't think that Sears has
the best price on this - I have seen Valley hitches sold at several FLAPS in
my area.

Sam Bateman
Fork Union, VA
'87 Vanagon GL