Lol Hitch recommendations

[Koizumi]

I’d like a 2” hitch to carry bikes. Relax, not a trailer! Just a big rack. No, no, roof racks are for those with good backs. I need a rear tail.

Anyone know of a good middle of Los Angeles welder and perhaps can share some specs? I’d like to do something like the old clamp it to the bumper shocks and under or behind the license plate receiver. I’m asking here first before I get lost in the trailer hitch u-haul diy fail minutiae.

PS. YES! I have a WTB in the classifieds for anyone who has this type of setup that they want to cash in on

[mikesarge]

Have you seen willwood systems’ setup?
Edit- Kevin has the link, I don’t know how to use the internet.
http://www.willwoodsystem.com/

[Canada Kev]

Mike, your link is a bit off. Try this: Willwood System - Porsche Hitches and Bike Racks

[Koizumi]

For some reason I was under the impression that Willwood was no longer making parts. This is good news and worth an inquiry! Thanks for reminding me!

[76FJ55]

Those Willwood hitches look really nice. I've considered doing a hitch on the 911, but too many projects to make it a priority. I am however one of the few that managed to find a factory hitch for my 928 (currently still on me deceased 85, thanks Chrysler 200). The 928 tows remarkably well. I am still debating moving that factory hitch to my 86.5, or using it as a pattern to create one with some slight variations in the design. the biggest issue I have with the factory hitch is that it uses a dedicated ball assembly, which extremely nice in design, doesn't give me the options that a receiver would for installing a bike rack or other assemblies or ball sizes. The Factory hitch is 50mm which equates to 2" so at lease that is a usable standard.

The first issue I see with the Willwood hitches is that he has placed the hitch pin in the vertical direction instead of the horizontal (standard) orientation. This essentially leaves you in the same predicament as my factory Porsche hitch where you cannot use and standard hitch accessories, and though he may currently have some items available, the question is how long will he support this configuration, and does he make the accessory you want. I see bike racks, but none of the more modern designs... and if you have more than one vehicle you will not be able to use the same rack across your fleet, since the pinning is not universal.

[Jack Stands]

These are some other ideas for hitches that could be fabricated by a skilled welder. I wondered if a receiver that hides behind the rear license plate may not be a bad idea. However, I’d be concerned about the additional weight hung off the back of a 911 for handling issues. A bike rack should still be fine.

[76FJ55]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

These are some other ideas for hitches that could be fabricated by a skilled welder. I wondered if a receiver that hides behind the rear license plate may not be a bad idea. However, I’d be concerned about the additional weight hung off the back of a 911 for handling issues. A bike rack should still be fine.

That is very reminiscent of the factory 911 hitch. I'd thought about trying to find a factory one, but then I would end up with the same limitations I have with the factory hitch on my 928; a proprietary ball coupling.

[Koizumi]

Ideally I’m looking for the classic sideways pin universal mount because of this particular unit:

https://hollywoodracks.com/collections/bike-rack-hitch/products/sport-rider-fat-tire-electric-bike-hitch-rack?variant=46430699910

Does anyone know the specs of that nifty custom-style unit? I take it that it is mounted via the rear tow zones? Or perhaps u-clamped on the bumper shocks? Either way, both mounting techniques seem clever.

I’d have the receiver mounted behind or just under the license plate. Would be really cool to have it behind the license plate and mount the plate to a sliding up/down or flipping bracket.

https://bighitchproducts.com/i-30497564-flip-up-license-plate-bracket.html

[Jack Stands]

This guy tows with the factory hitch on his 911 - brave man!

[Koizumi]

Amazing speedster trailer combo!

[Jesse16]

Because I bought a hitch from sporttows (for my Cayman) who I believe bought the design from Willwood but kept the web-site for now. Not sure they even make one for the aircooled cars. Check Sporttows web site, its pretty basic as I remember. I welded up my own years ago (took a welding class at our local high school) that mounts behind the bumper and like willwood/sporttows requires you to cut a hole through the bumper behind the license plate. Mine clamps onto the bumper shocks using standard U-Bolts and I used it to tow a little Harbor Freight tire trailer probably 6000 miles over 3 years without issue. I can assure that the 911 can easily tow 500lbs all day long and handles just fine. Even hooking up the lights is easy since its old school electrical vs. computers which complain about such things. Mine had a 1.25 receiver which is fine for 1 or 2 bike carriers all day long. I never did a bike rack on that car so no comment if the height is pretty low.
Sport Tows addressed a weakness in the Willwood design in that it could not be a Class rated hitch. The Sport Tow version is.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

Because I bought a hitch from sporttows (for my Cayman) who I believe bought the design from Willwood but kept the web-site for now. Not sure they even make one for the aircooled cars. Check Sporttows web site, its pretty basic as I remember. I welded up my own years ago (took a welding class at our local high school) that mounts behind the bumper and like willwood/sporttows requires you to cut a hole through the bumper behind the license plate. Mine clamps onto the bumper shocks using standard U-Bolts and I used it to tow a little Harbor Freight tire trailer probably 6000 miles over 3 years without issue. I can assure that the 911 can easily tow 500lbs all day long and handles just fine. Even hooking up the lights is easy since its old school electrical vs. computers which complain about such things. Mine had a 1.25 receiver which is fine for 1 or 2 bike carriers all day long. I never did a bike rack on that car so no comment if the height is pretty low.

Sport Tows addressed a weakness in the Willwood design in that it could not be a Class rated hitch. The Sport Tow version is.

Thanks very much for the cool info! Now I know why I haven’t heard back from Willwood via the single page website. I’ll shoot an email to Sport Tows right now.

Fingers crossed

[Koizumi]

Nobody has responded to my email inquiries. I guess I can assume that this will have to be fabricated via a custom welder / hitch guy.

Does anyone have any dimensions info on a viable existing setup?

[Koizumi]

Was hoping someone could share the dimensions of a proper hitch setup

[Jesse16]

39.75" ish between the bumper shocks, the curve is roughly that of the bumper and the end of the receiver was just shy of the inside bumper surface. Just need 4 "U-Bolts" to attach. I towed a little HF trailer with track tires about 6000 miles with this no problems, about 450 lbs. Nearly shook the trailer apart but never a hitch problem. I just wanted it to be invisible behind the bumper. You do have to cut a hole in the aluminum bumper behind the plate. I made a little custom plate holder that attached to the hitch.
I'd be happy to sell it if someone can figure a way to ship it. Car is sold to its next owner.

[Koizumi]

Originally Posted by Jesse16

39.75" ish between the bumper shocks, the curve is roughly that of the bumper and the end of the receiver was just shy of the inside bumper surface. Just need 4 "U-Bolts" to attach. I towed a little HF trailer with track tires about 6000 miles with this no problems, about 450 lbs. Nearly shook the trailer apart but never a hitch problem. I just wanted it to be invisible behind the bumper. You do have to cut a hole in the aluminum bumper behind the plate. I made a little custom plate holder that attached to the hitch.

I'd be happy to sell it if someone can figure a way to ship it. Car is sold to its next owner.

I’ll take it off your hands! PM sent

[Bill Douglas]

Handy for parking too. Great for supermarket situations where old ladies tap the ass of the 911.

[Koizumi]

Hehehe, my Los Angeles parking lots....

Dent Circus!

[patkeefe]

I think Willwood was a one man shop, and he doesn't do much, if anything, any longer. If someone has heard from him, please let us know.

[Koizumi]

Willwood etc have all ridden into the Sunset on 911 hitches.