Towing with a Geo Metro.

[irwinx]

I bought a hitch for around $120, a few years ago, for my 1999 chevy metro (16 valve). To locate it I did a web search and came across a hitch website where they advertized one that would go up under the rear bumper to a ridge where the uppper body and lower body had a strong seam, then you drilled out holes for 4 large bolts with huge 2" washers to spread the load, and on the bottom, it connected to the middle of the spare tire well with two bolts, and the same huge washers.

[GeoRandy]

Thanks guys, still haven't done it. But, I will.

[redpepe]

the three points of attachment work well. my '91 has pulled many loads. one of the more spectacular was a load of styrofoam blocks 5' square and 16' long.

i welded a triangular 3/16" steel plate, lightened with strategic holes cut to reflect the triangulation, between the upper attachment spots and the hitch tube and then welded a square tube extension about 20" forward onto the spare tire well.

i adapted the hitch to do many things including a telescoping 't' pole to carry the rear of my kayaks ..... telescoping so that i could still open the rear hatch.

i found that carrying a 10" alum boat was very difficult however. i suspected that the wind resistence of the open hull / transom was the culprit. i tried covering the hull but it still made an incredible drag, far worse than those blocks of foam and i think the foam was heavier than the boat.

i just picked up a pile of heavy machine stands with the trailer and continue to get impressed looks as i load to the gunnels before the unbelievers.

i often drive in 4th gear with loads and rarely go over 55mph. brakes are the waekest part of the system but have always proved adequate.

[GeoRandy]

Wow, I'd like to see pics. of the assembly.

[redpepe]

i've finally gotten a digi camera and will be glad to send some shots asap. been meaning to send some photos of the baja cow incident damage too. the hitch support is behind the bumper and not visible.

not sure how to include photos in these replies / threads???

btw .... very much appreciate your and other's replies to this thoughtful metro gang regarding 'elec conversion' ... specifically the issues of grnhs gasses and fuels and nuc energy and externalities. this is a long overdue conversation for conscientious metro owners. many seem to think that if 'everyone' drives at 50mpg, life can go on sustainably [usually with the caveat that population needs to be reduced .... volunteers? the questions become .... why do populations stabilize and what is your fair share of the total energy available which will allow sustainable heat equilibrium in the biosphere? ]. thinking only in nationalistic 'mpg' terms about a developing 7billion world population is very short sighted.

i recommend george monbiot's writings most highly .... his latest book was 'heat'. heat is the ultimate determinant of limits and consequently of social constructions .... tempered by myths and collective narratives of course.

been meaning to respond in the other thread but ...... time presses on.

[redpepe]

just posted some photos .....here since i wasn't sure how to do it ....

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=772048