Aerostar Hitch
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
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From: Southern California
Aerostar Hitch
I have an extended Aerostar. Is there any class 3 hitch around that will fit with a full size spare tire left in place, not the dinky spare tire that came with the van.
I would hate to forgo the spare tire when I put in a hitch. Help is badly needed here gentlemen!
I would hate to forgo the spare tire when I put in a hitch. Help is badly needed here gentlemen!
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 25
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There is one listed on Ebay now that states it is a 'new receiver hitch in the box, class III. It also states that full size spares must be relocated on short vans so I suppose that with an extended van you'd be OK.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT
This link should take you to that auction. You can find information including manufacturer, etc.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...RK%3AMEWA%3AIT
This link should take you to that auction. You can find information including manufacturer, etc.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
copper,
Check on a DrawTite hitch. We had a C-III installed years ago and even though we have the space saver, it appears there is plenty of space for a full size. I checked the DrawTite webpage and the same hitch is still available. There is a also a note that spare tire storage is retained with this hitch. I really like the installed appearance of this hitch. It is nicely integrated with the rear end and does not protrude outward nor hang down too far like others I have seen installed. Here's the link: http://search.cartserver.com/search/...ended&GO=GO%21
Check on a DrawTite hitch. We had a C-III installed years ago and even though we have the space saver, it appears there is plenty of space for a full size. I checked the DrawTite webpage and the same hitch is still available. There is a also a note that spare tire storage is retained with this hitch. I really like the installed appearance of this hitch. It is nicely integrated with the rear end and does not protrude outward nor hang down too far like others I have seen installed. Here's the link: http://search.cartserver.com/search/...ended&GO=GO%21
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 606
Likes: 3
From: Colstrip, MT
I also have a class III hitch on an extended aerostar from U-haul. The end of the hitch does not protrude beyond the end of the van until I install a receiver for the ball. I also have a full-size spare behind the hitch with room to spare(No pun intended). Getting off the subject, I noticed that there was a recall on the 95's to replace the full size spare with a doughnut, because the full size was rubbing on a brake line. I don't see a brake line in the area where the spare fits???
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: earth
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Washington state
if you have a top heavy trailer, a larger single axle trailer or a wide large frontal area trailer, yes, large sway bar helps control the vehicle/trailer unit.
wind gusts, passing trucks, curvy rough road all affect stability of the tow.
load equalizing/anti-sway towing is the only way to go above 2,000 lbs., far safer and cuts down on driver fatigue.
wind gusts, passing trucks, curvy rough road all affect stability of the tow.
load equalizing/anti-sway towing is the only way to go above 2,000 lbs., far safer and cuts down on driver fatigue.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Sacramento
Hidden Hitch
I have a "Hidden Hitch" from JCWhitney, with a flat insertable drawbar, not the square tube. At least according to Whitney's catalog about 8 years ago, it is a 3,500 lb hitch. Advantage is that it does not affect ground clearance at the bumper as much. Previous A-star had the conventional hitch, which was forever scraping on curbs. Full size tire fits fine on Hidden Hitch.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 882
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From: Wichita
I have the Valley Class III hitch on my 93 extended XLT with full size spare. It's the cleanest setup I have seen on an Aero. All you see from the back is the receiver - no cross brace. Check out the Instructions Sheet in the link.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Southern California
Thanks everyone for their suggestion. I finally decided, just because I'm exceptionally cheap, to go with the EAZ-LIFT 3035 listed on E-bay that cannon45 suggested. $83 total including shipping for a class III receiver. Like I said I'm cheap. It got here yesterday, and I installed it today. For whatever it's worth, it won't fit in a regular Aerostar unless you remove the spare tire, even the doughnut one.
On the other hand, it fits perfectly on my Extended van. Even with the full size spare tire, I still have about 1" clearance to the tire. Ground clearance is limited by my spare tire, not by the hitch, and the hitch is well hidden. You don't see the receiver until you put the tongue & hitch ball on. Quite a bit of drilling is required though! 4 holes on each side for a total of eight 1/2" dia holes. A real PIA to drill, but it's done.
Thanks again, guys.
On the other hand, it fits perfectly on my Extended van. Even with the full size spare tire, I still have about 1" clearance to the tire. Ground clearance is limited by my spare tire, not by the hitch, and the hitch is well hidden. You don't see the receiver until you put the tongue & hitch ball on. Quite a bit of drilling is required though! 4 holes on each side for a total of eight 1/2" dia holes. A real PIA to drill, but it's done.
Thanks again, guys.
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