Hitch Question

[asterix]

I was at the yard and saw that a lot of the 80 vans look like they are on the same width frame as a 80's k5. Is ther any reason that a hitch would not fit from one to the other.

Brett

 

[dyeager535]

Frame "horns" on the K5 angle down in the back. The trucks (not sure on vans) don't angle at all.

So the mounting points on the hitch for a truck are flat, while the rear points on a K5 hitch are angled to match the frame.

Again, not sure on the van, but I somehow doubt they are the same.

 

[backyardbuilt]

Vans are straight to, I would see if they will let you get one and try it if it won't fit take it back.

 

[asterix]

Thanks for the info, i'm goign to check the measurments and head back. These are 7000 lb class 5 hitches, yea i cuold buy a new one for 140 dollars but that could also go to beer and other things...

Brett

 

[dyeager535]

I don't know much about towing, but the K5 isn't optimal I know that much, and going over a class 3 just SOUNDS like a bad idea. I'm sure it can be done setup right, but the suspension alone (along with the axles, etc) just aren't made to be beat on like a 3/4 and 1 ton truck.

I'd just wait and get the right one off of a K5, they are plentiful, and if your time is worth anything, a better idea to just buy one that fits. Still a pain to install even when they are the correct one.

 

[84_Chevy_K10]

No harm in buying a heavier duty hitch than needed, just don't get any ideas about pulling more than 5,000 lbs with your K5.

 

[rick88blaze]

why not measure the distance between the frame on your K5 and then measure it on the van to see if they are the same width. /forums/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

Rick

 

[asterix]

My plan this weekend is to measure and head back up there. Hopefully they will have some k5's or something close, they had nothing when i last went. I do not plan on doing really any towing. but i have the recivers with a hook just incase someone needs to get pulled out, i don't have a winch right nw so i just need some good pull points..

 

[dyeager535]

For the guys that need more clearance, I think the new style "tubular" hitches would be a good idea.

I figured that by going that route you could save almost an 1" of clearance, which helps departure angle. On the guys with no lift, like myself, I think that is even more of an issue...I've dragged the hitch on pretty small inclines.