The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Trailer hitch

I have wanted to build a tear drop trailer for a long time. I finally ordered plans. I have pulled a hay rack trailer converted to a float for our local historical society using an old fashioned clamp on type bumper hitch with my 49 Suburban. This worked pretty good as I only had to keep up with the high school marching band going maybe 2 mph.

I want to install a frame type hitch on the Sub. I need advice from fellow Bolters who have done this. I have a 31 gallon tank between the frame rails at the back of the AD frame so any welding is probably not a good idea. There is also a 2X2 square tube across the very end of the frame that supports the tank. On my 06 Chevy 1/2T the hitch is bolted to the rails. Can I bolt a hitch to the rails of the AD frame?

Suburban has a 283/TH350 combination with what I believe to be a 2:89(?) rear and drives, steers and stops well. Brakes are power front disc rear drum with a 2 compartment master cylinder. I won't know the trailer weight until I receive the plans. What say you?


Weeds

I can't help you with the trailer hitch but here is a sit for your teardrop www.tnttt.com, your tear drop should weight around the 5 600# range

Weeds, in Ontario, it is illegal to weld a trailer hitch on to a tow vehicle. Not sure about other jurisdictions.

If the frame is anything like my '58, I think you can. I ordered a drawtite to fit and with a bit of modification was able to keep the spare mount.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/Avette4me/My%2058/BPhitch.jpg

you can get Reece hitches at most Flaps and some are adjustable.

yes you can bolt it to the frame. do not weld it. the hard part will be drilling the holes in the frame if they aren't already there. other than that it's mostly just fab work to make it all fit.

daren

I'd suggest building a framework out of either 2"X2" angle iron with 1/4" wall thickness or maybe 2X2 square tubing that fits the rear of the frame with a 2" square receiver hitch tube in the middle. Bolt it to the frame with 1/2" or 5/8" Grade 8 bolts. Even if you don't plan on using a weight-transfer hitch, the receiver tube allows you to remove the hitch ball when the trailer is not in use. Nothing hurts like catching a shin on a protruding hitch ball, plus it's a hazard in a crowded parking lot.
Jerry

Measure your frame width, and get correct hitch. I put a Draw-Tite under my 55 and it is hardly noticeable unless hitch ball is installed. Installation is fairly simple, providing you use a good (not a cheapie) sharp drill bit. Safty glasses, and long sleeves are a great idea also as the metal shavings are hot and go everwhere! Good luck!