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Topic: Hitch receiver extention (Read 743 times) previous topic - next topic

Hitch receiver extention

I've had a problem with opening the engine hatch on my 03.  My Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar has  a vertical piece that keeps me from opening  it.  Therefore, I have to pull the the tow bar when I check the oil, etc. which inhibits my desire to do regular checks. We just left FT and they are selling a 12" long strait extension rated at 6000#.  It has one pin hole for connection to the receiver.  No one in the FT shop or parts knew much about the product ("just got it in") but I was told I needed to use a 12 grade bolt with a locking nut to connect to the receiver.  Does that seem sufficient?  The last thing I need is to loose the toad.
Any feedback would be much appreciated!
Larry
Larry Boyd, Alice and Fritz the Cat
'03 U320 40 "Brutus" / '08 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #1 –
What would be the difference if you just used another of the pin that is used to connect the tow bar?  Whouldn't that be of the same quality and strength as what was holding the tow bar in the receiver?  Maybe I am missing something.

An option may be to call the manufacturer?
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #2 –
I had been using one with about that length since I got this coach and never had a problem with the regular pin and lock. I now have a different one as the old one broke at the bend when I grounded out the back end of coach in mex last winter. Sheared the ball part off!!
John h
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #3 –
Larry. I have used a "raise" extension on my receiver for 50,000+ miles. It was necessary to make my tow level. I had to notch the engine hatch to clear the raised extension. Works nicely and looks just fine.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #4 –
Be very careful when using hitch extensions (or long "drops") as the change in leverage can put excessive loads on your receiver if you bottom out.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #5 –
You should be able to use a regular hitch pin but you will probably need to make up some type of extention for the safety cables. Hope that your trip is going good, really enjoyed meeting you at foretravel
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #6 –
Hi Red Tractor!  Good to hear from you!

I've seen  some installation instructions on the web that state use a bolt-not a pin but didn't give an explanation.  Does anyone know why? 
Larry Boyd, Alice and Fritz the Cat
'03 U320 40 "Brutus" / '08 Jeep Cherokee

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #7 –
Quote from: LBoyd –
Hi Red Tractor!  Good to hear from you!

I've seen  some installation instructions on the web that state use a bolt-not a pin but didn't give an explanation.  Does anyone know why?

Perhaps because you can choose a Grade 8 bolt which will give much greater shear strength than the pins you can buy. Although I'm not sure I'd like to see what forces will shear the store-bought versions, actually.

Theoretically, the best arrangement would be a bolt/hitch insert arrangement that allows threads on both sides. So you'd have to screw it in until the bolt passes the first set of threads in the hitch... then screw it through both sides... then add a bolt. Seems unlikely that anyone would do this but our Yakima bike rack has an arrangement where the pin is threaded onto the rack's hitch insert but is open on the other end for a locking device.

Craig
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."
 

Re: Hitch receiver extention

Reply #8 –
Larry,

There is no such thing as a "Grade 12" bolt.  Highest grade is 8.  Perhaps they were thinking to make the hitch tight so there is less movement.  I would just use a hitch pin or locking pin from Reese or another reputable manufacturer.  Remember to check your pins (take them out and look at them) occasionally to ensure that there is no wear.  Toads have got away when there was elongation of the receiver pin holes allowing the pin to wear.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159