Tow bar for 1994 Super Custom

I bought my Hiace a month ago in Vancouver area and drove it to Toronto. I’m hoping to pull a trailer back west in two weeks but I cannot find a trailer hitch/tow bar here. I could import from AU or NZ but it will take at least a month. I tried to get specs from Australian manufacturer of tow bar but they wouldn’t give me them. Anyone have specs for a tow bar for 1994 Super Custom Limited 3.0 Diesel 4WD? I’m hoping to get a welder to fabricate one for me ASAP. Thanks in advance. Or if you have a suggestion on how to get one to Toronto in two weeks (sept 4/5) please let me know.

I don’t have any suggestions on a tow bar, but I sympathize with you on the search for one. I also found that the only model specific pictures I could find online for from Australia. Others had them custom made, especially because they needed to work around the spare tire. I had planned to buy a stock towbar from Curt And do the fitting myself up in Seattle to drive my super GL down to Oakland towing a trailer. It never worked out though. I did get a quote in Seattle for a custom fitted receiver hitch. The materials cost was $300 and the labor $1000! Groan. Would be interested what your solution is... Tom

Hi Tom. If you’re in Seattle there are some people in Vancouver BC area that do custom hitches for JDMs. I was told they could do one for about $300 but I didn’t have time to get it done before I drove across the country. I didn’t realize how difficult it would be in Toronto. You can try calling some of the JDM importers in Vancouver. I got my Hiace at Silk Road Imports. They may be able to set you up.

Thanks for the advice! I’ll ask around. I know it’s a bit tricky and not a stock item or install

PatriciaH wrote:

Hi Tom. If you’re in Seattle there are some people in Vancouver BC area that do custom hitches for JDMs.

Hi PatriciaH, I'm in Seattle and looking to get a tow hitch installed -- TorkLift in Kent says $750 to $1500 -- depending.

If you happen to know the names of the folks in Vancouver that are doing Hiace hitches for under $500 -- I would appreciate it.

Vanlifenorthwest has previewed a prototype of a new hitch on Instagram stories (disappear after 24 hours so no permanent link to share). No solid information yet regarding pricing or an expected timeline.

IDK. Looks like eTrailer sells an adjustable hitch for RVs that might wor

]https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Hitch/CURT/C13702.html#exp-productdetails=.reviews.

At the prices that TirkLift wants and what VanLifeNW typically charges for their priiemium products, it might be cost effective to get the adjustable eTrailer hitch and rent a welder for a day. (I already know how to weld)

I know it's another import - but the UK is closer than NZ or Oz. https://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/import_vehicle_towbars.html

I have a bunch of different photos and web-translated installation manuals of Hiace hitches.  I'll link to them in this post to give any adventurous type of person an idea on what need needs to be done when making your own.  From what I gather there are two types of hitches depending on your era of Hiace.

Brilliant!

What a fab post!

There’s a parallel post on tow bars also running and also with up to date questions and responses. I do wish it was easier to merge / cross reference but the Forum architecture isn’t great at this.

The other thread is here:

https://hiace-super-custom.forumotion.com/t4009-receiver-hitch-1996-kzh-138#24854

I’ll post this URL there, too and we’ll see what happens...


Today, I’ve emailed VanLife Northwest with an extensive (~10) bunch of questions. Will see what they come back with.

Cheers!

Meant to also add that these leaf springs in some of these pics that have the damper at the end of the spring hanger are completely different to mine. I have the damper on the front part of the spring.