Trailer hitch
Re: Trailer hitch
Thanks.
What bothers me is that they all look different. The used one is for pre-2011, so I don't trust it. If it's coming from AU, I want to order the right one. If I had a local (US) source, I'd buy a bunch and test them for fitment. It's a little harder to do when they come from AU. So I'd rather defer to someone who knows it will bolt up if I order from AU.
What bothers me is that they all look different. The used one is for pre-2011, so I don't trust it. If it's coming from AU, I want to order the right one. If I had a local (US) source, I'd buy a bunch and test them for fitment. It's a little harder to do when they come from AU. So I'd rather defer to someone who knows it will bolt up if I order from AU.
Tom (AKA: Storm)
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
- elc32955
- System Manager
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Re: Trailer hitch
Well, they are coming from at least two different manufacturers so probably design variations are to be expected. It'd be nice to see if someone could provide length measurements so you'd know how far it would extend back past the bumper, or you might just try EMAIL to the manufacturers. Don't know if there is a good solution to the questions remotely.
This is a situation where somone on the ground would be invaluable.... Hello C.P.!!!!
This is a situation where somone on the ground would be invaluable.... Hello C.P.!!!!
System Manager and your tour guide for the day. 2015 Caprice w/LFX, former NC DPS staff car. Partial hybrid G8/SS/Camaro SS interior mods, SS MyLink radio upgrade, 2016 Camaro V6 rims, GMPP Malibu chrome exhaust tips, otherwise bone stock for now.
Re: Trailer hitch
They can definitely tow. This bloke put his Holden Caprice on a boat, sent it to the USA, bought a trailer (we call them caravans) and toured the USA ! Then, he sold the van, put the Caprice on another boat to Europe and toured through Europe and Asia.
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f67/ ... ld-101864/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f67/ ... ld-101864/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Trailer hitch
Hayman Reese make Holden's OEM towbars. I have a 2100kg (4200lbs) towbar on my VY Commodore wagon.elc32955 wrote:Tom,
OK, here you go...... ask and you SHALL receive
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Holden-State ... 27bc949222
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WM-STATESMAN ... 19d3c401ab
And this one is auto salvage....
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/HOLDEN-STATE ... 2324cf7ac4" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I also found on some quick research that a company called Hayman Reese makes a 4700lb (2100kg) towbar for the Caprice V, it's concealed design, shipped weight is 26.5 kg. Here's their URL, they have a number of resellers....
http://www.haymanreese.com.au
Not sure where Holden gets their OEM bar from, maybe Troutman or C.P. can help out on that info.
Thanks and good luck!
Eric
- Crazy Paul
- Posts: 149
- Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:51 pm
- Location: PERTH, Australia
- Contact:
Re: Trailer hitch
Approx US$360 new from Holdenstorm9c1 wrote:elc32955 wrote:If I can get my hands on a hitch designed for the AU Caprice, I'll be happy to buy it, install it, and use it as a test mule and report back here.
Approx US$400 Airfreight to USA
Plug and Play Holden towing harness Approx US$120
I've shipped VE towbars before for fitment onto G8's in Canada and USA and know the fitment issues with those. Nobody is going to know the fitment issues of 2011 Holden Caprice towbar onto PPV Caprice until someone tries.
Re: Trailer hitch
OK, let's do it. I'll PM you.Crazy Paul wrote:Approx US$360 new from Holdenstorm9c1 wrote:elc32955 wrote:If I can get my hands on a hitch designed for the AU Caprice, I'll be happy to buy it, install it, and use it as a test mule and report back here.
Approx US$400 Airfreight to USA
Plug and Play Holden towing harness Approx US$120
I've shipped VE towbars before for fitment onto G8's in Canada and USA and know the fitment issues with those. Nobody is going to know the fitment issues of 2011 Holden Caprice towbar onto PPV Caprice until someone tries.
Tom (AKA: Storm)
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
Re: Trailer hitch
Update:
I've been working with CP quite a bit on this. He's been a great guy to work with.
Tonight I removed the rear bumper fascia to see what was going on under there -- and sent pictures to CP. The rear fascia is rather easy to remove. Three torx screws on each side wheel well area, three plastic pop "scrivets" underneath, many snap tabs that just need a good tug, and one wire for the license plate light that can be unhooked at the battery area and grommet pulled of the body. It takes two people to handle the fascia if you don't want to risk scratching it or scuffing it on the ground.
Paul indicated that there are a few towbars available for the Caprice. So we are still sorting out which one may fit best. The first one he ordered looks like we would need to delete the entire aluminum bumper (they call it an impact absorber) metal subframe and replace it with the towbar. I'm still trying to decide if this is a good thing. It looks like it will leave the upper part of the fascia with nothing behind it. But will also make the lower part reinforced with steel. Bye-bye 5 MPH bumper certification. LOL. I'm hoping there's another option that will keep the aluminum impact absorber in place for extra safety (and support of the fascia).
I'll keep you posted.
I've been working with CP quite a bit on this. He's been a great guy to work with.
Tonight I removed the rear bumper fascia to see what was going on under there -- and sent pictures to CP. The rear fascia is rather easy to remove. Three torx screws on each side wheel well area, three plastic pop "scrivets" underneath, many snap tabs that just need a good tug, and one wire for the license plate light that can be unhooked at the battery area and grommet pulled of the body. It takes two people to handle the fascia if you don't want to risk scratching it or scuffing it on the ground.
Paul indicated that there are a few towbars available for the Caprice. So we are still sorting out which one may fit best. The first one he ordered looks like we would need to delete the entire aluminum bumper (they call it an impact absorber) metal subframe and replace it with the towbar. I'm still trying to decide if this is a good thing. It looks like it will leave the upper part of the fascia with nothing behind it. But will also make the lower part reinforced with steel. Bye-bye 5 MPH bumper certification. LOL. I'm hoping there's another option that will keep the aluminum impact absorber in place for extra safety (and support of the fascia).
I'll keep you posted.
Tom (AKA: Storm)
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
2011 Caprice 9C3: L77, 8K miles, first-owner, purchased July 2011.
1995 Caprice 9C1: LT1, 178K miles, summer car.
1995 Impala SS: LT1, 21K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 62K miles.
1995 Caprice Wagon: LT1, 128K miles. Rust In Pieces
1994 Caprice 9C1: LT1, beater winter car.
1969 Chevy C30: 383ci stroker, 4L80E, rollback car hauler.
1972 Chrysler Newport: 400ci big block, survivor 27K miles, 2-door hardtop.
1969 Dodge Charger: 383ci big block.
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- Administration Staff
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- Location: Canton GA
Re: Trailer hitch
I need to do a follow-up contact with the person I spoke with at Draw-Tite, to see if there has been any movement in their consideration of my request.
I still wonder whether their G8 piece would possibly fit, even with minor tweaking. The floor pan in that area may or may not be same or similar (enough)....others may know.
Interesting that Holden offers hitches as accessories for sedans, but here, Chevrolet instead offers to sell towing customers a different vehicle as the solution.
New VF & WN models still have hitches as accessories, and GM is going to have an accessory line for the new SS, but GMNA/Chevy seem only to focus on visuals, rather than substantive things.
Off soapbox.....
I still wonder whether their G8 piece would possibly fit, even with minor tweaking. The floor pan in that area may or may not be same or similar (enough)....others may know.
Interesting that Holden offers hitches as accessories for sedans, but here, Chevrolet instead offers to sell towing customers a different vehicle as the solution.
New VF & WN models still have hitches as accessories, and GM is going to have an accessory line for the new SS, but GMNA/Chevy seem only to focus on visuals, rather than substantive things.
Off soapbox.....
Bill Harper
inov8r@windstream.net
inov8r@windstream.net
- Crazy Paul
- Posts: 149
- Joined: Fri Apr 26, 2013 1:51 pm
- Location: PERTH, Australia
- Contact:
Re: Trailer hitch
Your great pics and couple of component part numbers will help a great deal.storm9c1 wrote:Update:
Paul indicated that there are a few towbars available for the Caprice.
The 2007 Caprice towbar part number and fitting Instructions both indicate that the rear horizontal crash impact bar gets retained.
The part number and fitting Instructions have been updated many times and as such the current Caprice items do not retain the crash impact bar.
I'll put some research into it & try to find the missing link.
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- Administration Staff
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Re: Trailer hitch
Followup since last posting:
Contact with Draw-Tite needed--spoke to them a few weeks ago, but need to call again.
Met with Steve Eckart while in TX, and discussed--he is not looking to tow, only wants to mount a bike rack, and we're now looking at the idea of buying the G8 1.25" hitch kit from Draw-Tite and (if necessary) modifying it to work.
http://www.draw-tite.com/content/produc ... part=24821" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Economical Class I Receiver Style Hitch
1¼" Square Receiver Tube Opening
Comes complete with Removable Drawbar, Pin and Clip
Attaches to Frame and Bumper
E-Coat Base w/ Black Powder Coat Finish
Rated up to 2,000 lbs. (GTW) Weight Carrying (WC)
Solid All-Welded Construction for Maximum Strength and Safety
Custom Built According to Manufacturer & Model Year
Ensures Perfect Fit and Top Towing Performance
Computer-Aided Design and Fatigue Stress Testing
Designed to Withstand Road Abuse Within Specified Capacities
Backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty
For $150, Steve thinks it's worth it to find out if it WILL work, and Scott Williams is (likely) going to lend a hand in the process. If it's close, I'm betting they can make it do the job.
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/D ... 24821.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The PPV (2011, at least) clearly has the underlying provisions for hitch installation--the cutout line for a hitch (pass-thru) on the outer lower fascia, and the gap in the inner panel that is covered by the outer fascia, which provides room for a full size (2"?) hitch.
An interesting twist to this is that the 2012 & later PPV no longer has the separate outer lower rear fascia panel....finally confirmed this with a side-by-side shot of my car & Tom Slick's 2012 PPV on my way through Dallas. I had noted that the parts book deleted the lower fascia filler panel after 2011, but had not been able to see a later model PPV until now--this picture:
http://newcaprice.com/forum/download/fi ... db9a89ed05" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The 2012 fascia also has a slightly convex "rib" at the lower edge, which we assume is to act as a stiffener for that area of the cover.
Maybe a picture of the underside of the 2012 car will reveal more factual information than my guessing--Tom, can you post something?
The point is that even if the inner panel of 2012 or newer PPV has a hitch cutout, there is no obvious external "cut line" for the hitch receiver to extend through as there is on the 2011 version.
Contact with Draw-Tite needed--spoke to them a few weeks ago, but need to call again.
Met with Steve Eckart while in TX, and discussed--he is not looking to tow, only wants to mount a bike rack, and we're now looking at the idea of buying the G8 1.25" hitch kit from Draw-Tite and (if necessary) modifying it to work.
http://www.draw-tite.com/content/produc ... part=24821" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Economical Class I Receiver Style Hitch
1¼" Square Receiver Tube Opening
Comes complete with Removable Drawbar, Pin and Clip
Attaches to Frame and Bumper
E-Coat Base w/ Black Powder Coat Finish
Rated up to 2,000 lbs. (GTW) Weight Carrying (WC)
Solid All-Welded Construction for Maximum Strength and Safety
Custom Built According to Manufacturer & Model Year
Ensures Perfect Fit and Top Towing Performance
Computer-Aided Design and Fatigue Stress Testing
Designed to Withstand Road Abuse Within Specified Capacities
Backed by a Nationwide Limited Lifetime Warranty
For $150, Steve thinks it's worth it to find out if it WILL work, and Scott Williams is (likely) going to lend a hand in the process. If it's close, I'm betting they can make it do the job.
http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/D ... 24821.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The PPV (2011, at least) clearly has the underlying provisions for hitch installation--the cutout line for a hitch (pass-thru) on the outer lower fascia, and the gap in the inner panel that is covered by the outer fascia, which provides room for a full size (2"?) hitch.
An interesting twist to this is that the 2012 & later PPV no longer has the separate outer lower rear fascia panel....finally confirmed this with a side-by-side shot of my car & Tom Slick's 2012 PPV on my way through Dallas. I had noted that the parts book deleted the lower fascia filler panel after 2011, but had not been able to see a later model PPV until now--this picture:
http://newcaprice.com/forum/download/fi ... db9a89ed05" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
The 2012 fascia also has a slightly convex "rib" at the lower edge, which we assume is to act as a stiffener for that area of the cover.
Maybe a picture of the underside of the 2012 car will reveal more factual information than my guessing--Tom, can you post something?
The point is that even if the inner panel of 2012 or newer PPV has a hitch cutout, there is no obvious external "cut line" for the hitch receiver to extend through as there is on the 2011 version.
Bill Harper
inov8r@windstream.net
inov8r@windstream.net