HITCH FOR DELICA

[mdrive]

The hitch finally arrived. Guys, who left a deposit for the hitch, please contact us via phone and let us know what time you are picking it up so that we can bring them from our warehouse. thanks for your patience.

[jaggedfish]

Just picked up my hitch today. Looks like a decent hitch so far but....

Looked at the package and noted the bolts should be replaced with the automotive high-strength bolts (can't remember the terminology). While the ones that are supplied may likely suffice for most applications, it is sort of like a compliance thing in that if an accident were to happen with the non high strength bolts failing under load, you would probably be held liable by the insurance companies. If nothing else, a good piece of mind to know your fasteners meet MOT standards. Sabbir also noted the lack of lock washers in the package as the nuts supplied are nylock - personally wouldn't trust nylocks with my boat's well being.

Seems well made and, yes, the other 2 receivers in the hitch bar are the same size. Maybe I can get 3 propellers on the back, eh Jay? Would that mean 3 times faster too? Always did like propellers....

Anyway... just a heads-up before anyone goes too far installing the hitch with the supplied bolts. Hope that helps.
Cheers all!
Ian

[konadog]

Thanks for the sage advice Jaggedfish - I am expecting my Max-O. hitch to arrive any day and would have bolted it straight on without giving the bolt quality or nylock nuts a second thought. I'll be sure to make the upgrade first now... Can't wait to start dragging the trailer and using Hazel for work - not to mention lugging the often muddy, wet bikes on the outside of the bus, off the hitch. Thanks again.

[delicat]

I installed it on my Deli but it wasn't a straight fit as I was told. The attachments interfere with the rear sway bar so I had to trim some metal (1/4" steel, fun!) Aside from that it worked out fine and I still like the design.

[mdrive]

I am very sorry to hear that you had some problem. I quoted you what I was told, would you share the photo if you have so that I can get them all fixed? Thanks for your time.

[delicat]

I'll try to get pictures for you but it's the "horizontal" plate that sits below the frame and butts against the torsion bar receiving plate and bolts. I had to trim about 1/2".

[konadog]

OK, I just got in from "bolting" in my M-drive hitch and have to thank delicat for the heads-up on the required modification. Easier to deal with such things when they are expected. And if I didn't have a couple of frozen bolts and a hacksaw-drill-easyout show to contend with as well. It's in and ready for the work trailer and bike rack now though, whew. Here or a few shots of the flange that needs the grinding... Have fun out there!

[mdrive]

Thanks for the photographs, I will do the necessary mods so that future customer won't have any issue. My apologies.

[daveyboy70]

Curious, how are these hitches working out. I am searching for a straight forward hitch to bolt on to my '93 Super Exceed. Would like something I could bolt up myself rather than a fab shop making me up one.

[glenn]

no complaints from me. It does what it should, and it was an easy install. Make sure the mod is done to the hitch before you take it - it should only take them a couple minutes if they haven't already done it (call ahead). I regularly pull a utility trailer, and have loaded it up with as much as 1.5 yards of soil. I also pulled a tent trailer over the rockies. I think the hitch can take a lot more weight than you would want to pull with a delica. Even with the most basic tent trailer, I was being passed by almost everyone, even tractor trailers. I don't have much use for the extra receivers though. Unless you have very specific needs, I can't imagine needing more from a hitch.

[delicat]

The other receivers can be used for extra bike carrier or custom spare tire mount or spare fuel container mount... That's what caught my attention in the first place.

As the hitch is made of two pieces, have you had problem with the receiver's piece tilting down? Mine keeps tilting down and since I often use it with a basket (made to carry 500lbs but only loaded with 200lbs) it's a bit of a pain as the basket drags when it's in a little of a dip. I'll have to clean the paint off and tack weld it in place so it doesn't move. I've also used high strengt bolts and torqued them to over 100lbs/ft so it's not that it's not tight enough, just not keeping in place.
Just curious if it's only mine... But aside from that, the price and design were very appealing!

[glenn]

Now you mention it - yes. Mine has settled into a slight downward tilt, which I haven't done anything about. I don't really mind the tilt, but it does look a little off. The tack welding seems like a good idea, although you would lose the ability to take it apart. I can't think of any reason why you would need to though, I think you could remove the whole thing in one piece.

[Twister]

just received some more photographs of the actual hitch installed. Towing Capacity with trailer brakes 4000-4400 lbs, without trailer brake 1700 pounds in 100 kmph.

Not to change the subject at all, but I noticed that the sliding door is on the right hand side on this blue Delica as opposed to the left. I also noticed the "CMC" on the back as opposed to the "MMC" on ours. I'm simply curious to discover where this Deli is from and if they are being imported?

[dfnder]

I have thought of an application for the 3 receiver hitch, I was thinking about making a motorcycle carrier that would swivel/tilt on the center receiver but could be locked horizontal using the the other two receivers. Just thought it would be an easy way to load/unload a bike and although street bikes would maybe be too much a load for a Delica I think a dirt bike would prolly be ok.

[glenn]

I also thought the two extra receivers might be used for a spare tire mount for those with a WVO system. Maybe I'm dreaming, but a hinge on one side, and latch on the other? I don't even know if the hitch is compatible with a WVO tank.