Oversize Hitch Pin

[photoadjuster]

I purchased a Beaver Patriot 425 Thunder two weeks ago. I am rigging up to tow a Forest River Class B motorhome, 4 wheels down. The FR is built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis and weights 6,500 lbs. I have installed a Roadmaster base plate with the MX type adapters (no cross brace required) and the Roadmaster Blackhawk 2, 10,000 lbs, All Terrain tow bar. The Beaver has a 2 1/2" receiver and an adapter from 2 1/2 to 2" to accept the tow bar. The MH hitch is 4" higher than the toad connection.

Upon first hookup there is two inches of play in the towbar at the pivot. This play is caused by the loose fitting of both the hitch adapter and the tow bar and because the pin and clip in the receiver are wallowed out.

I have now installed a 4" drop down to level the tow bar. This seems to keep the tow bar from raising up and down when starting or stopping like before.

Since this is my first towing attempt, please let me know how you would approach this.

Now I need to address the wallowed out pin and the sloppy fit of the adapter and receiver. What is the best way to correct the wallowed out pin hole in the receiver? I am thinking about drilling it out to 3/4" and using a farm implement pin or a a bolt and nut.

My concerns with the implement pin is unknown hardness and whether it can take the load of the tow vehicle. My concerns with a bolt and nut is not knowing what grade to use for the load. Will too high a grade become briddle and result in failure.

[jethro]

Sounds like it needs "lock bolt". Just drill a 5/8" hole on the receiver tube, weld a 1/2" nut over the hole,screw in that 1/2" bolt that you tapered the end to prevent the threads from being damaged,and you have a lock bolt . Good luck.