When I picked up my 1992 U280, the tow hooks were installed in frame. They protrude out through cutouts in lower front bumper fascia. The holes are definitely factory. My question is: was this the standard configuration? i.e. Did they deliver it with the tow hooks installed or were there some sort of pugs or covers for the holes.
If there were no covers or plugs, how did PO's keep debris and rust out of receptacles? I am thinking about making and painting covers for it. But if this is "stock", I'll leave it as is. I have seen photos of many different setups including solid panels with no knockouts or holes.
Also, did front upper access panels have gaskets or seals? This one has none.
Comments please.
jk
'I can not imagine these are "tow hooks". See towing your new to you rv. They more likely are to temporarily use to backup trailer, such as boat trailer, or carry equipment such as, wheel chair, scooter, bicycles, etc. Do you have pictures from underneath? Are you talking about covers for the cutouts in the fiberglass or the end of the "tow hooks"? Are they bolted on or welded on?
Look up under the front and see if you have 2 hitch pins holding them in.
No gasket on lids.
My 91 has them but it is the receiver piece. I have the towing pieces in cargo bay.
J & K,
Those strange receivers behind the "bumper" on GV models are often a source of puzzlement. Why are they there? Many have asked, yet the question has never been positively answered, at least to my satisfaction. Here is a old thread on the subject, with some more info:
Front Receiver hitches on 94 GV U240 (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=31594)
The majority of Grand Villa coaches we have encountered look like ours (photo below) with solid covers in the bumper and no holes. To use the receivers we would have to completely remove the covers.
And, as Stump says, no gaskets on the upper access lids. I put a piece of weather stripping in each "bottom" corner to stop rattles.
From what the old timers at FT told me these were where the wooden bumper systems that were used to move the rigs around the yard at FT were inserted. My 94 U240 had them as well. Just bought a couple of rubber plugs used on hitch systems to fill the holes and called it a day. Often thought it might be interesting way to hold a slide in step for window washing on the front of the rig.
If you have the male tow bar parts the coach can be flat towed with a axle pull.
A sling damages the body, most wreckers are not able to get under the front tires and lift the coach and not damage the front end if memory serves me
I saw an oncoming GV with a bicycle rack built utilizing the two behind the low bumper hitch receivers. Good idea.
Pierce
Or a scooter carrier:
Levers? (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=26342.msg211002#msg211002)
This is the information on them in my manual.
Lots of good points guys. I'm pretty sure they are there so a wrecker can lift it right there in front. They are indeed secured in the receiver end by 5/8" pins and cir clips. They are rusted in place right now so I am PB ing them good and will drive them out with a persuader. I will get the soft plugs inserted, store the iron and leave the holes open. And hope I never need to put them in >:D
jk
Thanks for all the tips.
p.s. Chuck I hope to avoid the scooter for a few more years. But idea noted and stored in back of my head.
Great info JackFitz. Looks like you route chains through the holes to save spoiler from damage. I have saved this in my Foretravel electronic file.
jk
I don't think any tow trucks today would use this feature. They all seem to have an apparatus that reaches under.
I was towed some 15 years ago and even then the tow truck reached under all the way.
Something like these might look funky cool, add some chrome bling to the ride and give you a step up for warshing your windshield. ^.^d
Amazon.com: RAFTUDRIVE Universal Stainless Steel 4" Curved Hitch Step Rear... (https://www.amazon.com/RAFTUDRIVE-Universal-Stainless-Vehicles-Receiver/dp/B07571W8MC/ref=zg_bs_15737411_26?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Z3JZ9AX0M52E8Z9YZNZ7)
I'm guessing a Motorcycle rack. or, Bicycle. A friend had a similar dual hitch setup in the back of a rig for his motorcycle, much more stable that a single hitch. Sure they can be used for something cool.
You Could always have one of these built....
(https://www.facebook.com/ogrenengineering/photos/a.988590594515630/1648807375160612/?type=3&theater)
https://www.facebook.com/ogrenengineering/photos/a.988590594515630/1648807375160612/?type=3&theater
Yeah, then I could put wife behind the wheel. :))
jk