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01-07-2014, 04:57 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 6
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Installing a receiver on a 5th wheel
Has anyone mounted a receiver on a 2008 Montana Big Sky for a bike carrier?
After almost losing our ladder and bikes during our latest trip to FL, I think it's time I abandon the ladder-mounted rack for something more secure.
The Big Sky has a molded back (and no bumper) so it posses special problems. I received a quote from a local welder of $350+ but I'm a born DIY-er, so I willing to give it a try. Is there a ready made hitch that available to bolt/weld on out there?
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01-07-2014, 06:51 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake County, IL
Posts: 1,584
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Are you certain that the frame can handle it? It might be safer and easier to install a ready made hitch on the front of your truck.
Joel
__________________
Retired electronics engineer. Avid paddler & birder.
2011 Silverado 2500HD, diesel, 4x4,crew cab, 8' bed
Palomino Puma 253FBS (27' 5er) & '94 19' Class B
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01-07-2014, 08:23 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: On the road.
Posts: 1,432
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I would dig out the 2008 brochure to see if a frame hitch was offered and at what weight limit. If so, then you should be good to buy a hitch from a hitch dealer that you could retrofit to the frame.
__________________
John & Diann
2014 Dutch Star 4364
2016 Ford Edge Sport
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01-07-2014, 08:38 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,312
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You will not find a premade hitch that will be better then a welder with experience can install.
Don't low ball on the price.
A good 2in receiver would be my min size with similar strength cross bars. 2 off might be best.
A well installed hitch will reinforce you trailer rear frame.
__________________
Barbara and Laurent, Hartland Big Country 3500RL. 39 ft long and 15500 GVW.
2005 Ford F250 SD, XL F250 4x4, Long Box, 6.0L Diesel, 6 Speed Stick, Hypertech Max Energy for Fuel mileage of 21 MPusG empty, 12.6 MPusG pulling the BC. ScangaugeII for display..
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01-07-2014, 09:37 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Surprise, AZ
Posts: 282
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Harbor Freight sell a receiver that mounts to the step area in the center of a pickup's rear bumper. I welded that receiver to the top of my pin box and used a bike rack in front of the 5er. I had a long bed pick up, so space need in making turns was not a problem. I had a concern that the heat from the welding would weaken the pin box, but was never an issue. This receiver would also be good for a cargo carrier.
I had also welded my own receiver hitch on the back of this 5er for a second bike rack I carried. Like yours, it had a fiberglass cap without a rear bumper. Using some scrap square tubing, I fabricated a hitch and welded it to the frame of the 5er. It worked fine for the bike rack. When I sold this 5er, I explained to the buyer that this was for a bike rack only and not for a trailer. In hind sight, I'm now whishing I had removed that hitch just to prevent someone from trying to pull a trailer with it.
Unless your a certified welder, I would recommend purchasing and adjustable trailer hitch that you can bolt to your frame. rvlifestyles.com sells one for $229. Part #94-0077 Range RV, in Hesperia CA.
Best of luck!
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01-07-2014, 09:57 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Dallas,OR
Posts: 4,584
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We did it on our Cedar Creek. Fabricated a rear carrier that is bolted to the frame. I took a lot of measurements to ensure that the receiver came out just under the bottom of the body. I also added two heavy duty pads for the rear stabilizers to bolt to.
__________________
Don and Lorri
Resident Dummy.
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01-07-2014, 12:12 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Western New York (summer) Sebring FL (winter)
Posts: 435
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I believe Hidden Hitch makes a bolt on receiver hitch, but probably not as strong and a well made hitch welded to the frame. There are options out there.
__________________
2018 Silverado 3500HD High Country Dually 4x4 Duramax/Allison, 2016 Redwood 39MB, Disc Brakes, Mor/ryde IS, Sailun 17.5" H tires, 5.5K Onan, Dual ACs, auto level, auto sat dish, stacked washer/dryer, residential fridge, King sleep number. Michelle & Ann
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