Max coupler

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Does anyone know what type of bushing is used on the inside of the Max coupler receiver tube ?  The outer one appears to be a lower control arm bushing used in the 4x4 suspension market.  I am building an off road(only) trailer and was considering the feasibility of building one.  The military pintle makes too much noise.  I listened to them for 20 years in the military.  The Max coupler  cost over $250 to buy and ship. Actually, I would like the satisfaction of building my own.  Google max coupler and you will find multiple photos of the coupler.  If anyone can help I would appreciate it.  Sometimes it makes more sense to buy it and maybe that is the case here.
Reply:I think it can be done on your own. this is what I would do.I would get a spindle and bearings (including the bearing chases)  for a non breaked trailer axle. I would get a section of heavy walled round tubing with an inner diameter slightly smaller than that of the bearing cases and have it machined out to fit the chase. I would attach the tubing to the trailer, assemble the spindle into the tubing with the nut towards the trailer. then attach the U joint section to the other side of the spindle. than use control arm bushings (or any other hard poly bushing) in the U joint. I recommend getting a grease fitting to allow you to grease the bushing. The design on google is pretty simple. It's just a matter of having the materials and tools to do the job.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:I don't see why you couldn't do it.Changed the tounge on my mower trailer to something similar.  (yard car whatever you want to call it)Although weight was much less of an issue I welded a bolt head to the tounge and sliped a piece of pipe over welded to the ushaped peice that hooks to the mower.  Put a nut on it the shoulder of the bolt allows the nut to be tight but overall gives it all a little bit of play so it can turn.You just need to go to a bigger scale.
Reply:Suspension bushing looks to be the right guess. Those are pretty readily available, just match up the dimensions. As for the bushing for the bolt with lock nut, it looks like it is just a sleeve made from a high molecular plastic that can be tightened down on by the nut and spin free in the drilled hole in the hitch. Possibly add some sacrificial washers under the metal washers to reduce wear on your hitch. o.d. of the bushing being the shank of your current ball and i.d. being the diameter of the bolt you are using. This piece would be the major wear item and would probably need to be replaced relatively often depending on use. This is very doable. Good luck and post some pics of the finished product.Cain's Mechanical LLC Southwick, MAwww.cainsmechanical.comRig:-2006 Chevy 2500 utility body-Lincoln Ranger 10-Miller Spectrum -Tons of hand and power toolsAWS D1.2 Structural Steel Certification
Reply:Called the company and the welder told me they use a 1" bolt into a threaded chuck of metal on the inside.  Questioned the wear and tear of metal against metal and he stated that is why the grease fitting is there.  I will try to make my own.
Reply:I think I'm going to try my hand at making a small version of this for an ATV walking axle trailer. just for the fun of it.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:If I was going to make this type coupler, I would consider using a machinery type universal joint for the vertical and horizontal action. A little welding on each end would complete the bolt down tab and rotation joint and attach the other end to the tongue. For an ATV, I have used a tie rod end which gives you everything you need and a nice tight joint.
Reply:That looks well within the realm of 'do-able,' as long as you are comfortable with your welding technique and penetration.I was just thinking how similar that is to a drive shaft u-joint...weld one section to the tow bar and weld the other section to the trailer tongue.  That would allow you trailer to fully articulate behind the tow vehicle.kevKevin / Machine_Punk from The Aerodrome Studio - Lincoln PowerMIG 210 MP - Meco N Midget w/custom welding station - Vintage Victor 100Current Projects: The Aerodrome Studio