Howdy folks,

 

I'm in process of trying to get Subi3 back on the road working again once I have my new CCR motor fully broken-in, and was wanting to install some sort of a mount for a high pole set up.

 

Several people have suggested I install a front receiver hitch as I can readily get everything else I need for the set up to fit a 1 1/4" or a 2" receiver hitch...anyone every done this or know if the hitch made for the rear will fit the front?

 

The pole itself only weighs ten pounds, my mechanic cautioned me that some Subis air bags deployed if the tie-down hooks hit the ground... is this something I should worry about?

 

Any advice or suggestions are much appreciated.

Mal

Sorry, But what is a high pole setup? To tow???

OH... no.. sorry.. I should've posted a pic.

 

A high pole set up on a pilot car is essentially mounting a pole on the front in order to check low clearances... no towing involved.

 

Similar to this pic:

 

The max weight the receiver hitch would hold is 10 lbs. which is just the weight of the pole itself.

 

Thanks,

Mal

Edited March 22, 200917 yr by SubiPilot
additional info

I would probly have to say pop open your phone book, and look for a store that does custom hitches.

 

Now realize this, they will have to cut holes in your bumper cover to mount that hitch, and have it available for you to mount the pole onto it.

Hmmm...

I've had my mechanic look at the Subi and we found some holes in the frame crossmember he said we could mount something to, or perhaps even attach to the tie-down hooks... was gonna run it under the bumper.

 

The mounting tube has the tongue that fits into the receiver. The tube would go in front of the bumper to hold the pole. Would prefer not to cut anything if possible.

 

On this site there are some pics of solutions people have found to mounting this on smaller cars if anyone is curious. Scroll down about mid-page.

http://pilotpole.com

 

Thanks,

Mal

I have been thinking about doing the pilot car thing for awhile. I already have a CDL, but dont want to drive the rig anymore. Where does one find the escort type companys in Colorado, and other states?

 

.......... my mechanic cautioned me that some Subis air bags deployed if the tie-down hooks hit the ground... is this something I should worry about?

 

Hogwash. I can verify at least up to the 2005 models, hitting the recovery hooks doesn't set of fthe airbags.

 

If it did, people would have them going off in there face everytime they pulled all the way up to a high curb in a nose in parkinglot.

Either here on the USMB or over on the outback board someone used a generic step bumper receiver mounted to the front of his OB for a winch attachment.

 

Found a link go here

 

I think he is around and hopefully he chimes in.

There was a service bulletin for the SVX where the technician was asked to cut the bottom of the towhook off with a rotary cutter to prevent it but I never heard of any other Subaru being affected.

There was a service bulletin for the SVX where the technician was asked to cut the bottom of the towhook off with a rotary cutter to prevent it but I never heard of any other Subaru being affected.

 

All '95 Legacies had to have the front hooks cut off.

I have been thinking about doing the pilot car thing for awhile. I already have a CDL, but dont want to drive the rig anymore. Where does one find the escort type companys in Colorado, and other states?

 

Well the pilot car industry is more or less made up of independent contractors and pilot car companies/brokers who use their services.

 

A good place to get info on companies in certain areas, as well as state regulatons is http://uspilotcars.com I do know Colorado, Utah and Kansas require certification. Info is available on the state DOT sites.

 

A word of caution tho... times are tough in the pilot car industry as everywhere else. To set up your vehicle for pilot car work will run you 1-2 grand... no guarantees you'll get work either. Best to check the states you're interested in to see how work is before taking the plunge. I get calls and emails all the time from people interested in getting into this business, or pilot car drivers looking for work... the work just isn't there yet this year.

Mal

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

Some good info as always on this forum.

 

I like how the receiver looks on the OBW for the winch, but I would really prefer to use existing holes/hooks and run it under the bumper if possible.

 

Anyone have a chance to see the solutions others have found on http://pilotpole.com ?

 

 

Thanks,

Mal