Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I had to ask...

My 69 2000 has a pretty nice and sturdy looking trailer hitch on the back. It doesn't look like home grown job.

It is attached to the center of the bumper and reinforced by it being fastened to the chassis underneath.

Would anyone know if this thing is a Nissan option?

I've never seen any to say there was a trailer hitch option, never seen a part number (and I have read the dealer parts catalog from cover to cover. I found some cool stuff, but no trailer hitches.) I have heard of people putting them on however. I wouldn't do it, but thats just me.

Will

I am certain that it is aftermarket. I have seen several Roadsters with them installed. (A shame since the bumper is drilled to do it.) Back in college there was a guy with a 67 1600 that towed a Catamaran. It was pretty funny looking. If he ever got in a wreck and the cat launched, it would just about clear the sides of the car as it went sailing by.....

Thanks Sid, Thanks Steve...

I though somebody out there had an idea. It is a shame that the bumper id have some bolts put into it. It looks clean though.

I guess the bright side is that the bumber can now take a stiffer bumb.

I probably never use the hitch.

Then again maybe I can take it camping with one of those little pup trailers. Nah, that justs mean I have to buy one.

You know, a hitch is very handy for towing one of those really small box-like trailers that hold your very sticky not-street-legal autocross tires and a floor jack. Not a bad option to have - I might add one myself.

You know what.

It would be pretty cool to believe if maybe (a bit of a long shot) but maybe one of previous or the original owner did a little SCCA back in the day with this baby.

Cool... Thanks Brian.

Years ago my buddy bought a Roadster to rebuild. It had a custom made receiver hitch. He removed it, but kept it somewhere. I keep hounding him to find it. I think that it is a fantastic idea - you get the hitch capability, without having the tongue hanging out there all the time. I like the idea of a small trailer to carry whatnots. Now if I can just find the time to get the car finished.....

You know...

If our good buddy Will to get his machinist buddy to produce one. Sid, that might solve your problem.

Any decent welding shop can do a reciever hitch. If you really want one, just take it to a place that does trailer hitches and they will get you set up.

Will

I have never had any luck with those guys. Of course, I am used to people looking at me like I just grew a third head when I am looking for Roadster bits.....

I can see why they would look at you funny. The car was never ment to pull a trailer, its not a matter of how, but a matter of why. It will be diffucult to do because of the gas tank but it could be done. Also you run the risk of running aground coming out of driveways and parking lots. My tailpipe usually scrapes around here.

Will

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SLOroadster wrote:I can see why they would look at you funny. The car was never ment to pull a trailer, its not a matter of how, but a matter of why. It will be diffucult to do because of the gas tank but it could be done. Also you run the risk of running aground coming out of driveways and parking lots. My tailpipe usually scrapes around here.

Will

Tge rear axle on the roadster is one of the best parts of the car. My hitch says a load limit of I think 300 lbs. I have to go back to my buddies take a look at again to be sure. I'll check this weekend.

As reference for those who care, mine is setup in like triangle. Two lower flat bars attached to the chassis meeting in the middle into a hitch where the hitch attatches beneath the fender. (Ask and I can send you a picture)

I can imagine why... Not a lot of trunk space. Occasionally I can imagine trying not to tear up the interior with spare tires or something. For example, not everybody tows their car to Shasta or arrives by themselves. You need cargo space to bring minor cargo back home. Even worse something heavy in the trunk like a 2 ton jack slopping around poking dents into the fender.

The point I was trying to make was that the car is a sports car, not a pickup truck. My car will never be a trailer queen, and will be driven all the time, even when I have it finished. Placing a 2 ton jack in the trunk is a bad idea anyway.

Will