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01-15-2017, 10:27 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: NW Oregon
Posts: 144
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Is there an issue with multiple hitch extensions?
I'm looking at getting a ReadyBreak as a break assist solution. I would also like to have a double hitch to add a bike rack. Since both of these add length to the hitch, I'm wondering if the extra length and towing a vehicle will add additional stress to the hitch and/or connections?
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It is by the beans of Java the thoughts acquire speed,
The hands acquire shaking, The shaking becomes a warning.
It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion
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01-15-2017, 10:42 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Kamloops, BC, 60 miles from the Center of the Universe according to the Rinpoche, of the SF monks.
Posts: 7,305
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WhatsHisName
I'm looking at getting a ReadyBreak as a break assist solution. I would also like to have a double hitch to add a bike rack. Since both of these add length to the hitch, I'm wondering if the extra length and towing a vehicle will add additional stress to the hitch and/or connections?
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I would think if you figure out what you plan to use and give the hitch manufacturer or MH manufacturer (or both) a call, you will get the best answer for that one. Have the weight of your toad ready also, I'm sure they will want to know. Good luck.
__________________
Happy Glamping, Norman & Elna. 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J, W24, dozens of small thirsty ponies. Retired after 40 years wrenching on trucks! 2010 Ford Ranger toad with bicycles or KLR 650 in the back. Easy to spot an RVer, they always walk around with a screwdriver or wrench in one hand!
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01-15-2017, 10:49 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Clovis, CA, USA
Posts: 13,090
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I'm confused...explain a double hitch to me. Side by side??
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2004 Monaco La Palma 36DBD, W22, 8.1, 7.1 MPG
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
Criticism is easier than Craftsmanship
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01-15-2017, 11:18 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: NW Oregon
Posts: 144
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland
I'm confused...explain a double hitch to me. Side by side??
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MaxxHaul 70070 Dual Hitch Extension - 4000 lbs. GTW Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008CE09PM..._NugFybEXM2YS3
Vertical, one over the other. Tow bar connected to bottom, bike rack connected to top.
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It is by the beans of Java the thoughts acquire speed,
The hands acquire shaking, The shaking becomes a warning.
It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion
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01-16-2017, 12:06 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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I can't access the link, but I it's simply a dual reciever adapter. Many people using similar methinks. Need to ensure it has ample rated capacity. An alternative is a bike rack that connects by strattling the towbar shank.
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Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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01-16-2017, 04:57 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 679
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I have been using a Roadmaster Dual Hitch Adapter for 3 years now with no problems at all.
Top receiver has a Curt Spare Tire Carrier and a full size spare tire and rim.
Bottom receiver used to tow our Subaru Crosstrek.
Adds about a foot in extra length, but have experienced no difference between using it and towing without it.
Chose the Roadmaster as it's about the best one out. Rated at 10,000 pull and 400 carrying. Lot heavier than the imported stuff.
Grumpy..
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Steve & Cheryl + Zoey, and Ziggy, our furry kids.
2012 Forrest River Lexington 283ts
2013 Subaru Crosstrek toad
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01-16-2017, 06:38 AM
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: western NC mountains!
Posts: 4,106
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I don't think it creates any issues with 'multiple' extensions, unlike when towing a trailer where there is downward weight on the hitch - a toad tow bar system is only an extension of the hitch itself...
we use a 8" drop extension(in the upside down position to bring the hitch height 'up' to meet our tow bar height for our Fiesta), a 4-bike dual hitch receiver extension for our 4 bikes, and the BlueOxAlpha tow bar setup...
I believe the dual hitch and bike rack were both off-the-shelf at Walmart...
no problems at all in over 50,000 miles of towing...
we have a 10,000 lb hitch, and the extensions, bikes, and toad only weight in at about 2,700 lbs total...
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01-16-2017, 07:00 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 6,909
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WhatsHisName-
Consider carrying bikes on the rear of the toad. Easier to access, bikes go with the toad to the trailhead, no complication at the towbar end.
Check the installation/owner's manual for the towbar, and the coach's owner's manual, to see if there are prohibitions on the number or size of drop hitches/extensions.
You also have the option of using the ReadyBrute Elite instead of the ReadyBrake.
Whatever you decide, something to control play in the connections can help. I use the Roadmaster Quiet Hitch(es) to eliminate play.
__________________
Mark
2008 Holiday Rambler Admiral 30PDD (Ford F-53 chassis)
2009 Honda Fit Sport
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01-16-2017, 07:09 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Port Orchard, WA
Posts: 4,215
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We use the Roadmaster spare tire carrier which is in effect an additional hitch extension, with the spare tire holder coming out the top and the receiver for the standard hitch for the toad out the bottom. Try to make the arrangement in as straight a line as possible, avoiding ups and downs unless absolutely needed. Also be aware that every connection has it's own "slop" or slight undersize/oversize that allows you to easily install/remove. These move around as you accelerate and brake putting a slight "hammering" affect on your connecting pins. I periodically inspect my connecting pins for wear and the holes for elongation as well.
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Scot & Laura Kellersberger, U.S. Army (ret)
Newmar 4 wheel drive Dutch Star 3891, SOLD
Now RV'ing on the water in a Trawler!
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01-16-2017, 07:16 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Brighton, MI
Posts: 775
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The added length will add to the lateral force against the hitch. Most gas MHs have a lot of rear end hanging out past the rear axle. Make a sharp turn, the rear swings out the other way. The hitch must force the toad in that direction as well. The farther the toad is from the rear axle the farther it must be forced over. Make a slow speed sharp turn and you may be literally dragging the front tires across the pavement as the wheels don't have time to react and turn in the direction of travel. Now figure in the effect of leverage and that additional length also adds to the lateral force on the receiver.
Having said that, I have a drop receiver that adds close to a foot ln length and have towed like that for over 10,000 miles with no issues. I did just drill new holes in the drop receiver and tow bar to shorten things up. Like I said no issues but why add to the stress on the hitch.
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Hank & Lynda
2003 Winnebago Adventurer 35U, Workhorse W22
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01-16-2017, 08:01 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Fleetwood Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: NW Houston TX
Posts: 447
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I have what your talking about. I needed a drop down hitch for my rig and I welded a straight one on top of the drop down one for my bike rack. Then I had to add to add a 8in extension to the drop down to get the toad a little further back so it wouldn't hit the bike tires in a sharp turn. Been using it for over a year and no issues to date... love the ready break system.
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Dave & Debbie with furbabies Max & Myla
2020 Fleetwood Discovery LXE 40M w/2013 CRV Texas Boomers, Discovery Texans and FMCA members
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01-16-2017, 10:15 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: St. Maries, Idaho
Posts: 959
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkrobath
I have what your talking about. I needed a drop down hitch for my rig and I welded a straight one on top of the drop down one for my bike rack. Then I had to add to add a 8in extension to the drop down to get the toad a little further back so it wouldn't hit the bike tires in a sharp turn. Been using it for over a year and no issues to date... love the ready break system.
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Did the exact same thing. We carry two electric bikes (50lbs each) on a 1upusa bike rack and have the ready brake system. Three years and no problems.
Bill
__________________
2003 Country Coach Intrigue 36'
Cummins ISL 400
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01-16-2017, 11:41 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club Spartan Chassis
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ON THE ROAD...SOMEWHERE
Posts: 6,973
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According to Etrailer.com FAQs, adding a hitch extender reduces the usable tow and tongue weight ratings by 50%. A dual hitch adaptor is, in effect, an extension.
BTW, I use the dual hitch adaptor and a 2" longer tow bar shank for carrying my bikes and bumper clearance of the toad. Since I flat tow I'm not remotely worried about tongue weight. OTOH given the extension and longer shank I would be a tad bit concerned if I was towing something bigger than our CRV.
https://www.etrailer.com/faq-hitch-a...extenders.aspx
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Don, Sandee & GSD Zeus. Guardian GSDs Gunny (7/11/15) & Thor (5/5/15)
2006 2015 DSDP 4320 4369, FL Chassis, 2013 CR-V 2020 Jeep Overland, Blue Ox Avail, SMI AF1.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
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01-16-2017, 01:59 PM
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#14
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"Formerly Diplomat Don"
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Moorpark, Ca.
Posts: 23,914
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Here is something I've done on my last two motor homes. I added a second receiver to the OEM receiver. I had a hitch shop weld it on. It solves height issues with all of the heavy adapters and adding length to the assembly.
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Don & Mary
2019 Newmar Dutch Star 4018 (Freightliner)
2019 Ford Raptor
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