I have a 1990, GMC G 1500 Vandura. This is the uncommon (short wheel base / 110 ) version and it has dual exhast tail pipes along the driver side frame. The common long wheel base vans have different exhaust systems and are a simple installation

Even the technical people at various hitch companies cannot give me a definitive answer if their Classs 3/4 hitch will fit this short wheel base van without any alteration. I don't want to order a hitch only to find I will have to modify hangers, reroute exhaust pipes, or change to a single muffler/tailpipe, etc.

Has anyone on this forum actually installed a hitch on a GMC short wheel base van with dual exhaust pipes without modification?
If so, what manufacturer and model number was it?

Thank you,
BLT

The length of the van shouldn't matter much as the area lenthened isn't right at the rear and rear bumper area TMK.

Two biggies in the hitch biz are "Draw Tite" and "Reese" also U-Haul places frequently advertize part of their biz at some locations as "Hitch World"

Haven't purchased and installed one yet but even Wal-Mart has a selection of direct bolt on kits which state which vehicles they will bolt onto, the rating of the hitch (providing you haven't altered the frame) with brakets, and all hardware rated for a DIY installation. These seem to all fit between the frame rails leaving the outside to quarter panels free for exhaust stuff AND should allow for removal if needed for gas tank or whatever needs to be accessed in the future.

About $100 buck if I recall - name brand stuff and no doubt sold at many auto parts places also.

Those are the names and one place I know of for one stop shopping for this and total installation with wiring at the U-Haul places that do it. If they don't do the rating you want just ask who does in your area,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston

Thanks Tom for your reply,

However, my concerns were confirmed by another "technician" from Cequent which owns Draw Tite, Reese, and Hidden Hitch. The exhaust pipes run across the frame rail and interfere with any of these hitches, so there isn't a hitch made for this vehicle with this exhaust system. The only solution is to modify or bend new pipes along with relocating the hanger brackets or change to another muffler and larger diameter single tailpipe.
An expensive fix.

Brad

Another thought: How much weight and tonge weight are you planning to haul? Won't this vehicle take a "Step and Tow" bumper? If so the bumper had the ratings stamped right near the holes for the ball. Just an idea,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston