I have had hitches on the last 3 vehicles for towing but now, with no bass boat to worry about, the hitch will be used for defense. What do I mean?
Once while crossing the Bay Bridge I was hit from behind. At the time I was in a 2000 Eurovan with a hitch from Draw-Tite. I don’t think I had the ball in it but it did major damage to the guy who hit me and no damage to me. I am convinced without the hitch we would have major damage.
Also in parking lots where the person parking behind you “taps” you so they can get a littler closer.
The hitch on the Sprinter is mounted so 
it is about 1″ forward of the rear bumper. I really wish it was flush. I have mounted a Rhino hitch step not for a step but for an extra bumper guard. If you have the stock extended bumper the Rhino will not function as a step. You can’t get it far enough from the bumper for it to work.
While the Rhino is a partial solution, it is not the best. For one, it does not fully protect the rear step – you can’t call this step a bumper – I think even a minor hit would result in costly (at least to me) damage. Two, it lowers the ground clearance by a couple of inches. So I will keep looking for a perfect solution.
Tags: hitch, rear bumper, rhino
November 3rd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Did not see where else to contact you so used this. I am the guy with the grey 144″ van at the Mercedes car show. Saw where you are thinking about a rear spare tire carrier. I did not like the one that Sportsmobile had at the show. I decided I can do better. I am not done with the design but have the assembly drawing. Still need to test it and draw the parts. The carrier will be mounted off the stock trailer hitch. It is a 1 1/2″ round SS tube that will have a square fiberglass spring inside the tube. One end of the spring is fixed and the other end has a bellcrank attached to the tire carrier. The tire carrier will pivot on the 1 1/2″ tube with two oilite bushings. When the tire is swung down the fiberglass bar will be twisted to provide a spring return. I am very busy with work so do not know when I will complete it and get the lasered parts ordered. I also need to test the fiberglass spring to see what size works best. I will keep you informed if you are interested.
Dave
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:24 pm
Hi Dave,
I am probably not getting a tire carrier until spring time because of the economy. I would be interested to see your design when you are finished. You can contact me as webmaster@ourexcellentadventures.com or keithmessinger(at=@)comcast.net.
Regards,
Keith
March 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
i have 04, that just got hit in the rear while parked @ the depot
i havent gotten the damage estimate yet but i can only guss around 2500
it tore the sheet metal behind the step as well and flolded the step down and away on the pasengers side
i found your post while looking for a better then stock set up
i was just thinking of the same idea you did but using a rhion double step newer design.
i found a hd step in uk online it looks like the style that would be found on a ford pick-up
the center is droped lower then the sides for a step.
one of the things ive loved about this van was a easy distance to step in the back door for my work
living @ the top of dc 495 i drive a fair amount and have a lot of close calls having to run off the side or come back off the upgraded breaks on it.
have you come up with something eles, the only other 2 items i found was a spring loaded bar that will give under impact and a new aftermarket step simular to stock with a v @ center for a hitch.
March 28th, 2009 at 7:21 pm
hi if anyone has any other ideas email me ryanelectric@verizon.net