David Marshall wrote:
>
> Check out my parts page at http://parts.volkswagen.org I have a complete
> Vanagon bumper that is made from drilling pipe ( 1/4" wall ) and mounts
> directly to the frame.  It is effectively a class three hitch.  It takes
> all standard trailer tungs and if someone runs into the rear of your
> Vanagon I pitty them!
>
Are you sure this is an effective bumper? To be effective it should have
some 'give'. If it is too strong, an impact might damage the frame and
result in even worse damage.
Back when cars had to have the 5 mph bumpers (my 1982 Toyota Corona
does, so did my 1979 Fiat X1/9), the bumpers were attached to the frame
with shock-absorbers. After an impact, the bumper was undamaged but the
shock-absorbers were compressed and had to be replaced.