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Old 06-10-2004, 10:32 AM
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custom hitch

Like a number of other people, I'm after a hitch for my RX-8.

I emailed the guys at hitch-web.com and spoke to Tony. They do not have a hitch made for the RX-8 yet, but if someone is in LA (Van Nuys, CA to be exact) or Eau Claire, WI, they can prototype a hitch and then sell based on the prototype.

Is anyone that live near these guys willing to let them crawl under your car and put together a prototype hitch?

Many people would be greatful for your effort.

Tony's contact info is:

7242 Woodley Ave.
Van Nuys, CA 91406

email : info@hitch-web.com
call : 800-300-4067 ask for Tony

BTW, if you are able to take your 8 out there, PLEASE post here so we know the current status. Hell, if it wasn't across the country, I'd drive out myself. If I don't get a response here, I'll post to the board local to California.

Thanks,
Brian
Old 06-10-2004, 03:38 PM
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Have you looked into the euro version 8? They have an option for a hitch.
Old 06-10-2004, 03:49 PM
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i've seen hitches on Saturns. besides, it all depends on what you are pulling. he might have a wagon full of puppy dogs to sell, not a boat.
Old 06-10-2004, 04:03 PM
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Actually, I want to tow a tire trailer to and from solo2 events. Being able to take a small load to the dump would be nice as well, but mostly... just a tire trailer.

Brian
Old 06-26-2004, 05:44 PM
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Anyone? Anyone at all? Please?
Old 06-27-2004, 03:16 PM
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It would prolly be more in you interest to go buy a 88' f-150 for around 1000 bux than to put more wear and tear on your 8. for gods sake you just spent 30 grand or better on a top of the line sports car. Im sure you could dig in your pigging bank and find the money to buy a truck. dont wear out your 8 on a damn tire trailer or hauling trash. wear it out on the track
Old 06-27-2004, 03:32 PM
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Originally posted by bam_bam_39
It would prolly be more in you interest to go buy a 88' f-150 for around 1000 bux than to put more wear and tear on your 8. for gods sake you just spent 30 grand or better on a top of the line sports car. Im sure you could dig in your pigging bank and find the money to buy a truck. dont wear out your 8 on a damn tire trailer or hauling trash. wear it out on the track
Here here! It's ludicrous to put a hitch on a sports car, especially the RX8.
Old 06-27-2004, 03:39 PM
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I don't want a truck. I have no place to park a truck. I want a hitch for my RX-8. I already have a small trailer (purchased it from a lotus super 7 owner that can't use it. his car would bend by towing a trailer.)

I want to tow a small trailer with my RX-8. I'm not the only one. A search for "hitch" shows at least 20 other people that would buy a hitch. We just need one of them to live in LA.

Brian
Old 06-27-2004, 11:23 PM
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I've pulled trailers with many cars with less torque.

I don't care that you think those of us that want a hitch are nuts.

I do care if someone from LA could go out and have a prototype made from their RX-8.
Old 06-28-2004, 12:32 AM
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Torque, smorque. I pull a small trailer carrying a shifter kart with a Miata. You won't have any problem pulling a tire trailer.
Old 06-28-2004, 08:19 AM
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jfeingold says he had a custom hitch fabricated.

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=hitch

But he seems to have disappeared.

I'm still looking for a bike rack solution that doesn't touch the painted surfaces.
Old 07-08-2004, 11:52 PM
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bump. anyone? please?
Old 07-22-2004, 11:31 AM
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I have talked to several people about doing a customized hitch, and what they tell me is the construction of the exhaust system, height of car from ground, and the bumper area it would be extremely difficult to have a minimum class 1 hitch.

So, unless you are willing to go to a welder who wants to attempt a hitch you are out of luck. Guess we'll have to wait for someone to figure it out, or have the guts to do it.

Just another thing to add to the con list for the RX-8.

Yes, yes its a sports car and like bmc hooking up a trailer to pull things would be extremely helpful.
Old 07-22-2004, 09:50 PM
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who did you talk to? Two tow-truck builders out here said they could do it with ease but they want $500+ for a hitch.

These people said ~ $300. U-Hall's hitch supplier said $350.
Old 07-23-2004, 05:10 AM
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I am having a friend of mine fabricate a hitch for my 8. He is also going to make a template for anyone who wants one made for them. I will let you know. The hitch is a receiver type and will come through the rotor on the bumper.

As for towing, I have had all three gen 7 and towed with all of them. The gearing on the 8 will be more adiquite for compensating for the low torque. I used to tow my ITS RX-7 with my 89 Convertible RX-7. I sold my 89 last year with 174000 miles on the origeonal brake rotors and the first clutch replacement at 171000. The 8 will tow due to a wheel base longer than a lot of SUVs.
Old 07-23-2004, 09:12 AM
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John,

Keep us posted. As I'm sure that there are several of us, myself included, that would jump at the chance to buy a decent Class I hitch.
Old 07-23-2004, 10:17 AM
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U-Haul said they could do it for roughly $350. The problem is I am nervous about U-Haul and if they'll do a good enough job to protect the undercarage of the car.

I did find someone that may be able to do a custom job. I am heading over there now. I'll update you all as soon as I hear anything. Hopefully it doesn't cost a lot. I might have bought a $30K sports car, but the gas milage is killing my pocket book
Old 07-23-2004, 12:31 PM
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Didn't the Prowler have some sort of tag-along? I thought it was kindy of cool for the Prowler. A reciever for an 8 for my bike rack. Hmmmm Good Idea.
I never liked the rack that clamped down on the trunk.
Goog luck John !
Old 08-02-2004, 08:00 PM
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I got my Hitch today. It replaced the 5mph bumper that is under the bumper cover. The receiver comes through the rotor symbol in the bumper. Carlos said he will build them but anyone that wants one will have to sign a statement that they will be using it for a bike rack and will not be towing anything with it. I am trying to figure out how to post pics.
Old 08-02-2004, 08:05 PM
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[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\John Corbitt\Desktop\Hitch[/IMG] Here it goes.
Old 08-02-2004, 08:07 PM
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I think I figured it out.
Attached Thumbnails custom hitch-hitch.jpg   custom hitch-hitch-closeup.jpg   custom hitch-bumper-.jpg   custom hitch-bumper-off.jpg   custom hitch-bumper.jpg  


Last edited by John Corbitt; 08-02-2004 at 08:21 PM.
Old 08-02-2004, 10:14 PM
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Hey John,

That looks great!

Would you mind asking Carlos if he thinks that this would work with a track trailer (i.e. very small utility trailer carrying 4 wheels and tools)?
Attached Thumbnails custom hitch-111_trailer_side_lg.jpeg  
Old 08-03-2004, 07:44 AM
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It will work fine, but he is not going to endorse that for liability reasons.
He said he make more for $200.00 each.

John


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