Polaris Tow Hitch Help

[pole_smoker]

Hi guys. Getting ready for the upcoming ice season. Was hoping I could get some recommendations for a hitch for my 1997 Polaris Touring sled. I have a digger mount for the auger and really don't want to drill into the sled or back bar. Any input is appreciated. Pics even better!

[meandcuznalfy]

Might be able to use existing holes for the mudflap.

[Monticatgeek]

The easiest would be to just drill into the rear bump(bracket where you have your digger hooked to).this is what I did on my 1997 XLT RMK. another option might be to enlarge the bolt holes in the digger auger holder then get a digger receiver hitch and bolt that to the digger auger carrier then reinforce the whole setup with larger bolts instead of your current bolts. This is how I did it with mine but now I have moved the digger auger carrier over to my four wheeler but left the hitch on the sled

[pole_smoker]

Thanks for the come backs! I was hoping to find ax clamp on style bracket similar to the bumper mounted hitches I had seen on some ski doo's. Just hate drilling into stuff if there is a bolt on option.

[Garrett]

My first question would be, what are you planning on pulling with it? a lightly loaded 1man shack vs a loaded 3 man or a chain of shacks would change how I would mount the hitch. If you are going to pull only light stuff and the auger mount is secured well to the bumper, I would consider mounting the hitch to the digger mount. If it you are going to pull heavy loads I think you should consider drilling and mounting to the bumper.
Another option is to design a bottom plate for securing the digger mount to the bumper and incorporate the hitch into the bottom plate, similar to the plate already used.

After thinking more while typing this, I would mount it directly to the digger mount, and add a spacer block that spans the width of the inside of the bumper so that the force is transferred to the bumper during pulling compared to the 4 contact points in the current digger mount clamp plate.

[OldSailor]

I have a solution to your mounting problems that requires NO drilling. And that is to use automotive worm drive hose clamps of the appropriate size.You could even put a strip of inner-tube first and then the hose clamp, tightening with a ratchet wrench and socket!! Just make sure you tighten it enough to conform to the frame!!

[jaysun23]

Buy 2 of these, toss one of the rings, keep the other, use 2 carriage bolts to sandwich the thing on your bumper.  They sell them at Fleet Farm by the trailer hitches



https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/keeper-1-5-in-d-ring-anchor-point/0000000264591?bc=Keeper