I got the caboose hitch today. It works great! It can be mounted up or down depending on the application needed and it took me about 5 minutes. I can't imagine it will take much more to remove it. Mine is used for a cargo platform and will see some towing in the future. Quality product and for the money, it seems like a low labor solution for those of us who aren't interested in removing the bumper.


http://www.countrymanconnection.com/...ler_Hitch.html

 

Looks good. Which cargo platform are you using?

 

Curt 20x48 Cargo Carrier for 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches from etrailer.com

 

I'm looking into going with a similar setup. Please post pics when you get a chance.
Also, it looks like the license plate is obstructed with this setup. Did you rig something up for the plate on the carrier?

 

This set up works really well for me. It keeps it so that even when the cargo tray has stuff in it, if it's not stacked too high I can get in the boot. I can also stand between the tray and the bumper to access the stuff(dogs) in the boot. The license plate is simple, a couple holes in the tubes, ss wingnut on a ss bolt, with a lock washer and a rubber grommet between the plate and frame. I will probably rig some LEDS to light the plate and put third eye brake on the cargo tray, but I don't plan on doing this much at night yet. I am installing a wiring harness for lights on a trailer so it will be easy to add. This set up wont be to some people's liking, but it works for me.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the info... This is the exact setup I'm considering. A place to store luggage/gear so that my Bullies can ride in the boot.

 

I ordered mine this week also!!!

I happened to be traveling to southern cal and had a chance to drop in on the caboose shop

Andy was kind enough to show me around the place and demo a bunch of Countryman and other interesting projects (folding bike anyone...) - He has a rich history in fabrication and after visiting him he worked out a solution to reuse my old bike rack that I had lost some pieces for

The pictures somehow don't do the hitch justice - its way more beefy than it looks and the new crackle paint finish also improves the visual appearance - the color matches the plastic trim of the lower valence

You should check out the trailer solutions which are pretty neat as they can be collapsed to store in a small garage. His gutted exhaust sound awesome also

Cant wait to get my hitch - just need a new mountain bike to go with it (blew up the suspension on my old rockhopper)

 

Man, that blue is captivating. After black, that would be my choice. In fact, maybe my next CMS will end up that way. Really pretty. Oh...the carrier is pretty nifty also.

 

I agree, it's beefy and I would have no worries about putting a pretty good sized trailer on it. My hitch is much more refined than the one on the website IMO. The welds are neater and the finish is nicer. He did a really nice job. Now I'm debating putting the lift kit on!!

 

So this setup can tow up to 1,000 lbs and carry 150lbs (including weight of rack)? I am debating on getting the cartop carrier or maybe this.

 

Haha. I have both, and I am getting ready to do a long trip next week that will involve them both being on the car so I will take pictures and post.

I figure I'll have as much cargo space as a Chevy Tahoe!

 

I can't find that hitch company online. I take it they're out of business now? Do you know of another company that makes something like you got that utilizes the bike rack prep?

 

Still in business, just altered their name.
http://www.coopercrap.com/countryman-hitch/

 

Awesome, thank you! Do you know how long they take to make/ship or where in California they're located? There's no contact info on the website. I'm going to be driving from Mississippi to Orange County, Ca in a few weeks.

 

I think it depends on the finish you choose. Last person I heard said about a month, but I think they said they had some other finish in stock. They are in oak hills california I think.

 

Thanks