I can testify about the VW hitch.  I got one about 10 years ago for a
previous Vanagon and moved it to my current Westfalia when I sold the old
one.  It is quite strong and is mostly invisible, the bumper hides most of
the hardware.  Easy to install too, but you do need to make a small
clearance cut in the bumper on the bottom in the center where the hitch
sticks out.  I can't count the number of times it has come in handy for
towing U-Haul type trailers and such.  I'm glad Ron can get them, as I know
they were hard to get for a while.  I had to get mine out of Canada.

Bill Knight
Raleigh, NC

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of The Bus Depot
Sent: Thursday, February 18, 1999 9:59 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Class 2 Trailer Hitch for 84 Westy?

> Does anybody know of an inexpensive source for a class 2 trailer
> (frame-mounted)hitch for my 84 Westy?

I will have some geniune VW trailer hitches available in the spring (about
6-8 weeks, I hope).  These are the actual hitches sold by Volkswagen South
Africa for the Vanagon, although I am getting them directly from the O.E.
supplier to Volkswagen.  The hitch actually has Vanagon bumper brackets
integrated into it.  You simply remove your bumper brackets and bolt this
hitch directly to the bumper bracket holes in your frame.  The bumper (metal
or plastic) bolts right to the brackets, just like the stock ones, except
now you also have a hitch.  So it's a simple and sturdy installation.
Still, these are light duty hitches, intended for small utility trailers and
the like.  Will come with 1-7/8" and 2" balls (not a receiver hitch).  Price
will be very reasonable, should be well under $150.

- Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com