Trailer hitch opinions

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:35:41 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Trailer hitch opinions

In my state it is legal to tow a trailer behind a fifth wheel trailer as long as you are still within all state dot rules.  I have a 10' ATV trailer (1400 lbs w/ ATV) I  am planning on towing behind my fifth wheel.  The frame on my trailer is (2)2x6 boxs stacked and welded to form 2x12 frame rail. The rails are 71" apart.  There is a commercially available hitches available. HITCH I am not impressed with the quality of this hitch due to it spanning 71" and it being adjustable  on the tubing.  I am confident I can build a better quality hitch.  I modeled this to show the general design I was thinking.  The side plates are 5/16", the main tube is 3x3x1/4, and the 2x2 angled braces are 1/4" also.  I am looking for opinions between the two.  It is a small trailer but safety is number one. Thanks for your time.DaveLast edited by 12ValveDave; 07-25-2011 at 09:09 PM.
Reply:A well designed hitch mount is worth nothing if you don't have the skills to weld and assemble it well. You need to be able to do code quality welds, usually in all positions, if you plan to build anything that will go on the road. This is not a DIY project to learn to weld on. Not knowing your skill level, I'd strongly suggest you have a pro do the welding if you choose to go this route.I'm wondering how you plan to attach this to the trailer. Are the side plates tall enough to bolt it to the frame? Also there's a reason there is a bent portion to the factory mounts that cradles the trailer frame. It helps transfer the load to the frame if the hitch tries to twist. With a flat plate design like you have drawn, the bolts and side walls of the trailer frame have to combat the twist. Usually thats not as strong as using the underside and loading the frame in the way it was originally designed to support a load.I would NOT suggest welding the hitch to the trailer frame unless you are extreemly good at welding out of position. Most of the frames I've seen on these are very light weight material. You acn do some serious damage to the trailer frame if you don't know how to weld well in vertical and overhead. They design most hitches to mount with bolts for a reason..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Once a week, like clockwork...Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
ReplySW, I am planning on bolting whichever I go with.  The frame is not terribly thick.  I was going to cut the 4x4 bumper off to give access to the inner frame for bolting.As for the moment force,  the 3x3 tube is to be tucked up against the bottom of the frame.  I was planning on running some steel perpendicular on the end plates to reinforce this area.I am can weld out of position very proficently and would be confident of anything I put into service.  I am just weighing my options.  Thanks for any and all input,Dave
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldingMachineOnce a week, like clockwork...
Reply:Second all the DSW sez. Stiff side plates aren't just 'a nice thing to have'.The telescoping tubes on O.E.M. hitches allow for tight fit of the side platesbolted to the frame. If the fit isn't tight, the frame can rip, the hitch gets loose, etc.Without some adjustment--that means bolting and tacking upthe hitch framing in place--then removing, fixturing and welding without distortionthat will affect fit.Using shims for the fit-up and the final install helps 'make room'...sometimes...depends if the frame rails are parallel and square. (BTW-I've done all of the above,it requires a bunch of study and planning.)A doubler plate between the receiver tube and and the 3 x 3 tube, can allow forwelding that does not run across that main 3 x 3 tube--big no-no....unless the structurehas been designed for shear.The method of bolting attachments, backup plates, fastener sizes is all considered.I'll leave it to others to opine on the load vectoring you're proposing.Blackbird
Reply:Originally Posted by dave powelsonSecond all the DSW sez. Stiff side plates aren't just 'a nice thing to have'.The telescoping tubes on O.E.M. hitches allow for tight fit of the side platesbolted to the frame. If the fit isn't tight, the frame can rip, the hitch gets loose, etc.Without some adjustment--that means bolting and tacking upthe hitch framing in place--then removing, fixturing and welding without distortionthat will affect fit.Using shims for the fit-up and the final install helps 'make room'...sometimes...depends if the frame rails are parallel and square. (BTW-I've done all of the above,it requires a bunch of study and planning.)A doubler plate between the receiver tube and and the 3 x 3 tube, can allow forwelding that does not run across that main 3 x 3 tube--big no-no....unless the structurehas been designed for shear.The method of bolting attachments, backup plates, fastener sizes is all considered.I'll leave it to others to opine on the load vectoring you're proposing.
Reply:here we go.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:Originally Posted by dumb as a stumphere we go.
Reply:I' ll bet every trailer hitch poster has two lil guys sitting on his shoulders , whispering back and forth..... post the thread, dont postbut seriously, tandem towing is crazy, imagine backing that kinda rig up without hitting anything , imagine how squirrly a tandem tow rig will get when fishtailin......imagine how many joe schmoe drivers on the highways have no appreciation for these factors and imagine how it would be driving through dallas texas during rush hour......now Imma gonna have bad dreamsmlm
Reply:By allfluxedup;but seriously, tandem towing is crazy, imagine backing that kinda rig up without hitting anything , imagine how squirrly a tandem tow rig will get when fishtailin......imagine how many joe schmoe drivers on the highways have no appreciation for these factors and imagine how it would be driving through dallas texas during rush hour.....