99 500 zl efi Tow hitch

6824 Views 24 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Joe S, 2 mo ago

Greg C

Discussion Starter · Dec 20, 2019

I saw the $100 tow hitch that clamps on to the plastic bumper of my 99 ZL EFI, but that doesn't seem heavy duty enough to pull my otter out on the ice or pull a couple of kids in a sled. Is there a better option or a kit to upgrade the rear bumper?

1 - 20 of 25 Posts

KazukiTwin

· #2 · Dec 21, 2019

The hitch is tough enough. It’s the plastic bumper on the sled that is the weak link.
I’m 99% sure there’s a heavy duty option that includes a steel tube bumper that mounts below the plastic bumper, and then there’s a hitch specific to that steel tube.

Reactions: 1

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 21, 2019

Any idea how much I can get away with towing on the plastic bumper with the hitch? Do you know of any sources for the heavy duty rear bumper? Thanks again.

KazukiTwin

· #4 · Dec 21, 2019

eBay is your best bet.

zl-bob

· #5 · Dec 22, 2019

See if you can find a parts guy who rips apart older sledds for parts there everywhere and get a rear bumper from a 97 they were metal with plastic cover matter of fact my 1998 Zl -500 had the older style and they changed it 1999 to plastic for lightening reasons

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #6 · Dec 22, 2019

Thanks. The AC part number is 1639-507. Ebay has them for around $190. Seems steep, but I bought this sled to tow my portable shack out on to the lake. I'll see if there's an aftermarket part number or if I can find one used off of Craig's List or Facebook marketplace.

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 23, 2019

Arctic Cat part number is 1639-507, but they seem rare and expensive.

Royal distributing in Canada sells one. Quadrax part number 012-10451, but it doesn't look like they ship the part outside of Canada.

I'll make a few calls on Monday to see of there are more options.

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 23, 2019

I was able to call Royal Distributing in Canada and over the phone they said they could ship to the US. Total cost including shipping for part number 012-10451was about $130 USD. No luck with Country Cat, Dennis Kirk, etc. Looking forward to pulling the Otter out on the ice. Thanks to all for your suggestions and help.

martenal

· #9 · Dec 26, 2019

One business that I use and or call frequently for parts is Hudons Sled Salvage, they maybe able to source what you are looking for!

Reactions: 1

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #10 · Jan 2, 2020

4

Finally got a tow hitch mounted. Bought it from Royal Distributing for about $120 US (includes delivery via USPS to Minnesota). Install was easy and only required 11mm socket, 11mm wrench, T27, and T25. Fitment wasn't great, but a little work with a dremel and grinder and it worked great. Including waiting for paint to dry (for corrosion resistance on the grinded areas) install took less than 45 minutes.

My clam auger rack doesn't fit any more, so I'll have to fabricobble something in the meantime.

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KazukiTwin

· #11 · Jan 2, 2020

Sweet! That thing is heavy duty!

Reactions: 1

660catman

· #12 · Jan 2, 2020

Nice, looks like it’ll do the job!

Reactions: 1

Pmstoy10

· #13 · Jan 27, 2021

Greg C said:
Finally got a tow hitch mounted. Bought it from Royal Distributing for about $120 US (includes delivery via USPS to Minnesota). Install was easy and only required 11mm socket, 11mm wrench, T27, and T25. Fitment wasn't great, but a little work with a dremel and grinder and it worked great. Including waiting for paint to dry (for corrosion resistance on the grinded areas) install took less than 45 minutes.

My clam auger rack doesn't fit any more, so I'll have to fabricobble something in the meantime. View attachment 362720 View attachment 362721 View attachment 362722 View attachment 362723

This is exactly what I'm looking for, but I called Royal and they no longer have these. You must have bought the last one.

. Jk. And of course I can't find them anywhere else. I have a buddy that has the tools and skills to fabricate one. Any chance you would be able to get me some some dimensions on the side pieces? Thanks in advance!

Greg C

Discussion Starter · #14 · Jan 28, 2021

I'm out of town for another two weeks away from the sled, but hit me up again and I can get you some detailed measurements and pictures.

Pmstoy10

· #15 · Jan 28, 2021

Greg C said:
I'm out of town for another two weeks away from the sled, but hit me up again and I can get you some detailed measurements and pictures.

Rock on! Thanks!

Joe S

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Pmstoy10 said:
Rock on! Thanks!

Hi Greg, Do you still have the specs on the hitch that you fabricated? Thank you, Joe S

auburn6887

· #17 · 2 mo ago

i have 2 oem cat hitches we bought for ice fishing for 2003 panteras a few years back.
we have not been fishing so i have not installed them.
send me a pm if interested.

Joe S

· #18 · 2 mo ago

auburn6887 said:
i have 2 oem cat hitches we bought for ice fishing for 2003 panteras a few years back.
we have not been fishing so i have not installed them.
send me a pm if interested.

auburn6887 said:
i have 2 oem cat hitches we bought for ice fishing for 2003 panteras a few years back.
we have not been fishing so i have not installed them.
send me a pm if interested.

I am having trouble sending a PM. Can you advise the part number of the kit that you have? Thank you.

auburn6887

· #19 · 2 mo ago

0639-475 still in package

auburn6887

· #20 · 2 mo ago

Automotive tire Hood Tire Tread Automotive design

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