Hidden Hitch Weld Cracks

[jfwandrn]

I know there was a lot of discussion back around 2005 and 2006 about the welds cracking on the Hidden Hitches on Newmar Motorhomes. As a result of that, I've had my dealer inspect my hitch twice a year. Last Friday, the inevitable happened, the weld between the horizontal tube and the plate that bolts to the frame is cracked about 2/3 of the way around the tube. We contacted Newmar and all they'd say is to send in pictures and they would forward on to Hidden Hitch. This is on a 2004 Mountain Aire gasser model 3651. The vehicle I tow is a 2000 Jeep Wrangler that weighs 3700 lbs so I'm well within the weight limitations. Is anyone aware of this problem still cropping up on these rigs and what Hidden Hitch has been doing about it? Also, does anyone know of a replacement that is a better quality hitch in case Hidden Hitch won't cover the problem. Obviously, I'm not doing any towing of my Jeep until the hitch situation gets resolved.

Thanks in advance.

Jack

[Norm4015]

Newmar has used two types of Hidden Hitches - tubular and square. The square type has not had problems, but the tubular or round type has had many problems. On some the weld breaks and others the mounting bolts work loose and even sheer off. The use of a raise or lower adapter to make the tow bar level makes the problem much worse because it twists the Hidden Hitch. I have talked to several people who had problems with the tubular hitch and even two who lost their toads. All hitches should be inspected regularly, but those with the tubular hitch should inspect them every trip.

["007"]

Was looking for this thread last night and no luck. Well here it is Hitch Welds , someone recently watch his tow pass him by in his motor home and tow hitches are on some peoples mind of late.

[EngineerMike]

Jack- The OEM hitch welds can be v-ground & re-welded. A good trailer outfit can do this. While you are at it, you can have the welder beef up the affected areas w/gussets, stiffeners, etc.

Post your photos to the Photo section here (see pull-down menus @ top of this page), then you can link them into your next post on this thread and get more specific advice on a good fixit.

[jfwandrn]

Right now my dealer has the pictures and has forwarded them to Newmar / Hidden Hitch. As soon as I get home, I'll get under the rig and take my own set of pictures. When I am able to get some pictures, I will try and post them.

Thanks all for the responses. There certainly is a history of problems with this hitch.

Jack