Class 3 Hitches... do they really not exist?

So I know the Drawtite 41509 has been discontinued for awhile, and so has the Reese equivalent. I also know that Hidden Hitch does not make anything for our cars, but check this out:


I went on U-haul's website, and they said they didn't have any, but they are looking for a vehicle to use to make a hitch for us. You just have to go to their R&D center in Tempe, AZ. Cool, but... not something I can do. So I asked one of my other friends who is more well versed in this area to help me check it out, and I found this:

http://ecustomhitch.estore.catalograck.com/v5/Members/lookups/partdetail.asp?hdnPN=4830067&hdnSts=0&hdnUK=52857&hdnQ=1&hdnLK=844&hdnLT=1&hdnDCIPT=3390&hdnMM=72099&hdnVQ=595&hdnAPFlag=&hdnWN=1&hdnSuperCategory=Exterior+Accessories&hdnCategory=Towing&hdnSubCategory=Trailer+Hitch&hdnPartType=Trailer+Hitch&hidSearch=true

The Draw-tite 75146. It is listed for Caprice WAGONS, and is indeed a class 3 hitch.

Thoughts? Anyone ever heard of it? I can't afford to order right now, but I do need a hitch in the near future (like, before the end of summer to pull a trailer to my new apartment), sooooo.... if this exists, I just may order it.

Ray, I have on old (90s) uhaul hitch off a 77 catalina wagon. Would this bolt on your car?

That's a good question. I do not know.


Anyone?

It will/should. Same frame 77-96.

Sweet.


Anyone have opinions on the one I linked above?

Interesting find, it would be very interesting to see if they actually ship the hitch after its been ordered.


Edit:
Also noticed the installation instructions list the Fleetwood which is not compatible with the wagon hitches. The hitch in the manual is a bolt together style like the one on my 9C1. I have a feeling its listed wrong and only fits sedans.

Huh. That's weird. It also lists the Catalina wagon, but not the Caprice, RMW, or OCC?


Guess they suck. Bah.

Here's my input. February of this year my step-Dad called literally over 20 places all that claimed to have the Class III wagon hitch "in stock", almost every place he called had the wagon hitch listed, but when asked to VERIFY if they could actually get them, the answer was no, they had been discontinued. Everyone just drop-ships from the factory, so "in stock" meant nothing more than "it's in our computer". Actually, the place you've linked is one of the first places he dealt with. In addition to not having the hitch he paid for and not having any other suggestions (besides a class I/II), they told him a car like that could never tow anywhere near 5,000 lbs. Anyway, the last place he tried was U-Hauls Hitch Central in AZ. At first they told him NP, they could find one. Then two weeks later they said they could not find one, but if he wanted to go out to AZ, they would make one for free. Long story short(ish); I found him a nice used one off the SS forum. Then I proceeded to stock up for myself lol! Someday I will get the LT1 wagon I want to tow wagons with, and someday I will get a camper for my OCC. As for the one you found, I dunno about it. Like Dave pointed out it lists the Fleetwood, and other sedans that a wagon hitch wouldn't normally fit. When my step-dad was searching for hitches, I told him to look for the Custom Cruiser in the fitment list since the OCC was only a wagon model, there's no room for confusion. Here's a pic of what a Draw-tite/Reese Class III wagon hitch looks like BTW. This is the one I got from Fred while in FL.

A quick Google search brought me to this site for the 75146. Says it is for sedans only.

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Draw-Tite/75146.html

Well damn it all.

Somebody get out to Tempe, AZ. lol

Lynol wrote:

Here's my input. February of this year my step-Dad called literally over 20 places all that claimed to have the Class III wagon hitch "in stock", almost every place he called had the wagon hitch listed, but when asked to VERIFY if they could actually get them, the answer was no, they had been discontinued. Everyone just drop-ships from the factory, so "in stock" meant nothing more than "it's in our computer". Actually, the place you've linked is one of the first places he dealt with. In addition to not having the hitch he paid for and not having any other suggestions (besides a class I/II), they told him a car like that could never tow anywhere near 5,000 lbs. Anyway, the last place he tried was U-Hauls Hitch Central in AZ. At first they told him NP, they could find one. Then two weeks later they said they could not find one, but if he wanted to go out to AZ, they would make one for free. Long story short(ish); I found him a nice used one off the SS forum. Then I proceeded to stock up for myself lol! Someday I will get the LT1 wagon I want to tow wagons with, and someday I will get a camper for my OCC. As for the one you found, I dunno about it. Like Dave pointed out it lists the Fleetwood, and other sedans that a wagon hitch wouldn't normally fit. When my step-dad was searching for hitches, I told him to look for the Custom Cruiser in the fitment list since the OCC was only a wagon model, there's no room for confusion. Here's a pic of what a Draw-tite/Reese Class III wagon hitch looks like BTW. This is the one I got from Fred while in FL.

This is exactly what my hitch looks like too!
Just installed.

Some one want's to pay the gas, I'll be happy to vacation in Tempe, buy some desert relic and tow it home with my new free hitch, which I will give you when I return.

lol I know, right?

https://gmlongroof.4umer.com/t6333-class-iii-hitch-on-ebay

Reputable source methinks.

This is actually engineered to be a class IV hitch, but both use the 2" receiver:

Buickwagon,thats some impressive metal work and welding.Wish I was able to weld like you do
but just cant anymore.More pics when you get done please!
Jim

It's done. Been on the car for close to a year now. The only thing missing in the last picture is the trailer light connector. It's a combination 7-pin and 4-pin. (I have something like 7 trailers around here -- some have electric brakes, reverse lights etc. and need the big connector. Some are just utility or boat trailers with the plain, flat 4-pin). (For an added bonus, I ran #8 wire to the 12v pin and have a winch on a trailer hitch so I can haul my dang kids out of the ditch in the winter)

Anyway, non-welders could take the dimensioned drawing to a fab shop. I offer it as an option for those that need it.

Whoa. Awesome.

I knew they were hard to find, but I didn't know they were THAT valuable. Makes me even happier that I got a clean Class III Wagon hitch at the U-pull it. For... and here's the kicker, $17 out the door.

^^^Whaddya know... a NEW way to make some money, eh?

That's some nice work there. I'm currently have a co-worker weld new mounting arms onto a rusted out hitch for me, no way is it going to look that good when done!

jimbeau wrote:

^^^Whaddya know... a NEW way to make some money, eh?

I too was pleased to find that my hitch is a class III. Don't want to sell it ....yet..

As soon as I did, I'd end up regretting it and needing it on the same day.

It may come off when I lower the car though, it already hits a lot of entrances.

Pavement clearance is why I never thought much of a hitch. They scrape everywhere.
Someone a few years back posted a pic of his geniosity, where the hitch receiver was centered in the middle of the bumper. It looked great.

Okay I Just found this It appears that their website still has class III/IV trailer hitches available for our wagons.

http://ecustomhitch.com/lookup.html?PartTypeTree=Trailer+Hitch&hdnLT=1

if that link doesn't work try going to the home page and then clicking the link for trailer hitches and put in the parameters for your car. I used 1993 Buick Roadmaster Estate

http://ecustomhitch.com/

scoffman wrote:

Okay I Just found this It appears that their website still has class III/IV trailer hitches available for our wagons.

http://ecustomhitch.com/lookup.html?PartTypeTree=Trailer+Hitch&hdnLT=1

if that link doesn't work try going to the home page and then clicking the link for trailer hitches and put in the parameters for your car. I used 1993 Buick Roadmaster Estate

http://ecustomhitch.com/

ECUSTOMHITCH like many others may still list a CL III hitch but do not actually have any instock. I have talked to them in person as well as Reese and Drawtite. All will refer you to a part number of a 1 1/4" class II hitch. That is not adequate for much more than a small utility trailer of bike rack.

No one has these new that I have found. One sold a couple weeks ago on ebay for a couple hundred bucks.
Finding one used is still possible but they are heavy and shipping could be $75-100 depending on location.
I bought one in GA NOS from a closed GM dealer and shipped to OR for a total of $200. The fabricated hitch in this thread looks great. Still costly if you consider materials and labor.

Materials were around $100. The grade 8 bolts had the biggest sticker shock. Most of the time revolved around the measurements and set up. With the measured drawing, that part is eliminated. Care must be taken in regards to distortion control of course -- welding tends to warp joints and must be allowed for and/or prevented, but that's pretty standard stuff for any welder worth his salt.

buickwagon wrote:

Materials were around $100. The grade 8 bolts had the biggest sticker shock. Most of the time revolved around the measurements and set up. With the measured drawing, that part is eliminated. Care must be taken in regards to distortion control of course -- welding tends to warp joints and must be allowed for and/or prevented, but that's pretty standard stuff for any welder worth his salt.

I asked two welding and fabrication shops near me about building a hitch. Neither wanted to accept the liability. I think I could have found someone eventually but found my drawtite in GA.
They were both capable worth their salt welders. It is unfortunate they were too afraid of being sued.
Dick

^^^ if you offer to pay cash and there is no paperwork = no lawsuit...

I wonder what welded product might exist that does not carry some risk of damage or injury if a weld fails? They must have a very limited clientele.

Sprocket wrote:

^^^ if you offer to pay cash and there is no paperwork = no lawsuit...

Sorry, today you would be wrong. We have allowed lawyers to infiltrate things to the point that there is no such thing as "no liability".
It's: "Do it yourself and play dumb, or don't do it at all."

Hi Buickwagon,

I wonder if you have a digital file you could email me with your drawing? My email is jefferywdennis at gmail dot com

Thanks, Jeff

bamalongroof wrote:

Hi Buickwagon,

I wonder if you have a digital file you could email me with your drawing? My email is jefferywdennis at gmail dot com

Thanks, Jeff

Hi Jeff,-

First off, I suggest you edit your post and munge your e-mail address similar to what I have done in the quote above. Spammers run spiders on websites like this searching for e-mail addresses they can use or sell -- once they find one, your inbox will be filled with offers for male enhancement products and proposals from unscrupulous Nigerian bankers.

As for a digital drawing, all I have is a scan of the dimensioned sketch I did. You can download that at:
http://picturehosting.verhey.org/RMW_hitch/hitch_dimensions.jpg

I hope it helps.

Thanks I'm sure this will help me I intend to tow a travel trailer and would like something a little over built. Jeff

Please let me know if anyone has actually purchased or fabricated a 2" receiver for the GM whales (ie Buick Estate 1996)?

Thank you in advance, I will post anything I can find/do.

luckygino wrote:

Please let me know if anyone has actually purchased or fabricated a 2" receiver for the GM whales (ie Buick Estate 1996)?

Go to page 1 of this thread and you will see the pictures I took while I "actually fabricated" the 2" Cl. IV receiver currently on my wagon. I even included a dimensioned sketch.

Hi, buickwagon, seems your picture server is down right now or something...
Anyway, Thank You!
I saw your drawings and fabricated a similar receiver a year ago. Had to make some minor changes, but your drawings and pics were of enormous help, and it came out pretty nice. Towed with it many times last summer.

Now I should find some time to take it off for cleaning and some proper paint; I just painted it with some spray bomb a year ago, and it already has surface rust pretty much all over after the winter...

andy caprice wrote:

Hi, buickwagon, seems your picture server is down right now or something...

Odd, it seems to be up now.

Glad to hear it was of use for someone. I am curious, what changes did you have to make?

Yes, I too can see the pics now.

The design was great, so nothing too big...

I didn't find suitable angle bar, so I made the sides from 6mm plates welded together with some small triangles to keep them perpendicular. I put two triangles instead of one to the both ends of the long rectangular pipe just to be sure.

Also I removed the front (IIRC) left attachment bolt hole and made two smaller holes instead. There was a towing eye attached with two bolts under the frame rail. I have a '95, guess only the later years had these towing eyes at the rear and front of the car.

On the big plate under the receiver and on the wire socket bracket I just used some of my own creativity. Have now means for making rectangular holes, so made ones with a hole saw.

I also made a mistake to fabricate the receiver pipe from a pipe that was 50mm x 50mm inside, so I had to grind it bigger inside and sand the 2" x 2" (= 51mm x 51mm) hitch pipe down outside. That was a major PITA, but I still have enough material thicknesses left for the trailer weights this car will ever tow, and have a nice snug fit between the pipes. Also, if I made it again, I wouldn't use a 5" angle grinder to make parts from 6mm plate, but buy the parts pre-cut, at least if I again made the side angle bars from plate.