Added trailer hitch to 5er

[MSHappyCampers]

I just had a local metal fabrication shop install a trailer hitch on the rear of my Cedar Creek, mainly to use with a bike rack. I felt he did an excellent job, using two pieces of 3x3 square steel tube 1/4 inch thick between the main frames that run front to back, then he used a standard 2" receiver tube long enough to weld across the two supports and out the rear. He welded some additional supports where the receiver tube attaches to the cross pieces. He charged me $250 for the installation. Has anyone else had this done and what did you have to pay? Thanks for your comments!

[shortlance]

When I saw the thread saying adding a trailer hitch to a 5er my first thought was --are you nuts? But when I read what you were using it for it made sence and sounded like a good idea. The price to operate a buisness nowdays makes it sound like you good deal at $250.

[Franka548]

Jminyard, I would say that is a reasonable charge, especially with the price of the steel, tubing and hitch. I have one on my Alfa that is factory, and the load rating is ridiculasly low like under 500#, but anyways, sounds like you got a good deal and a quality job. Have fun and enjoy the bikes.

Frank

[wingnut60]

I am quoted $700 for same deal, but includes lots of labor to clear belly/tire from underframe and replace.
Joe

[MSHappyCampers]

I'm gonna try for some pics! By the way, I haven't painted it yet. Plan to use Rustoleum after buffing most of the rust off.

[Matusky]

Did something similar..... Had a crazy idea recently or trailer mounting a hot tub on and 8x12' trailer deck, gross weight about the same as the boat, outriggers on each corner just to level and support to drag along behind for relaxation....... But then again I have a fab business,..... And I'm nuts, LOL

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matusky Did something similar..... Had a crazy idea recently or trailer mounting a hot tub on and 8x12' trailer deck, gross weight about the same as the boat, outriggers on each corner just to level and support to drag along behind for relaxation....... But then again I have a fab business,..... And I'm nuts, LOL

Don't bring that rig out to the west coast unless you plan to move each separately!

[Billieg]

I think you did good at $250. I'm building a swivel wheel trailer for the back of my 5th wheel to trailer my bike without the double tow thing. Hooks into the receiver and acts like part of the frame. I now need to see if the receiver will hold the weight.....

[Cat320]

Quote:

Originally Posted by shortlance When I saw the thread saying adding a trailer hitch to a 5er my first thought was --are you nuts? But when I read what you were using it for it made sence and sounded like a good idea. The price to operate a buisness nowdays makes it sound like you good deal at $250.

My initial thought was exactly the same. But if you keep the weight down to the bikes you'll be okay.

[saltfever1]

Joe: Very nice receiver hitch! Mebbe consider Por-15 at your local auto body supply. Spendy though, about $35/pint. Just not real uv resistant, comes in semi or gloss.

[flasher]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matusky Did something similar..... Had a crazy idea recently or trailer mounting a hot tub on and 8x12' trailer deck, gross weight about the same as the boat, outriggers on each corner just to level and support to drag along behind for relaxation....... But then again I have a fab business,..... And I'm nuts, LOL

nice set up,I did the same thing,but insted of a boat I had a 14' flat bed with a sand rail on it,lots of people doing it out west legaly,I pulled thru ca,az,ut,id,nv,never a problem

[tvman44]

I think $250.00 for that is a great deal. I paid that much for the one I bought and then installed myself.

[MSHappyCampers]

Thanks for the nice comments folks! One thing I have decided to do is to have the fabricator come back and weld a piece of 3x3 angle iron 1/4" thick over the splice in the receiver tube. We needed a 28" receiver tube and the only one available locally was only 12", so he welded another steel tube on the extend it. I will just feel more comfortable with the reinforcement when we are on some of the horrible roads that feel like evereything is going to come apart!

[wingnut60]

I noticed that splice--you are right to reinforce it.
Joe