Community Forums

tim myers · 11-01-2016, 09:48 AM

I also agree with the common sense approach that shortening the length would do no harm, but I also understand the comments regarding manufacturers warnings and the legal aspects of modifying their piece of equipment. I am sure they would be more than happy to charge me a couple hundred for a shorter stinger for the tow bar even though it would be identical to mine with new holes, so I will not likely call them.

tim myers · 11-01-2016, 10:56 AM

Was looking at the Blue Ox website and they have three different length stingers. All three have two sets of holes, so if I modified mine to match one of the three it should be no harm no foul.

dix39 · 11-01-2016, 11:50 AM

Wouldn't a drop hitch without the extension work? I have the things (not Blue Ox) ranging from about a 0 drop to 11" with no extension.

I'm not an engineer, but I do a lot of fabricating and modifying things for myself. Years ago I had a problem with the Honda CT 90 wheels carried in a basket on the front of the Tracker hitting the RV bumper in a tight turn. I built a hitch 3' long for starters and the bike tire would still hit the bumper. After thinking about it a while, I added about a foot to the tow bar and went back to the standard hitch. That solved the problem, but I still don't understand exactly why.

I guess the point is, as previously mentioned, to be careful when you shorten any of the parts connecting your toad to the RV that a situation isn't created that causes it to hit the RV in a tight curve. After changing anything on mine, I would take it to a vacant area of a large large parking lot, with someone to watch, and test it before any real use.

If I had your problem I would either shorten the drop hitch you have or purchase another one without the extension and try it that way before doing anything to the tow bar.

Just my 2c.

Steve

Skilletface · 11-01-2016, 12:55 PM

Tim, your post did not indicate you where having an issue only a concern about the leverage forces being applied to the hitch assembly. I would keep the length and add some wobble devices to control the movement of the hitch assembly. Who knows you may want to add a bicycle rack to the coach one day.

tim myers · 11-01-2016, 06:37 PM

You raise a good point. My only concern is that all that length tends to droop a bit, and just looks problematic. When I was hooking of the toad last week I eased the CRV back a bit to engage one side of the tow bar and noticed that I could see the bumper move when the tow bar clicked into place. That shouldn't really have anything to do with the length of the assembly but rather the drop which provides the leverage against the hitch. Checked all the bolts and everything is tight.

Skilletface · 11-02-2016, 05:45 AM

I relate to your observation, I am using the same set up, only with an "8 rise & B.O. tow bar. Adding two of those anti wobble devices to the setup, midegated most all of the movement in the receiver and towbar.
I am guessing but I'd think the manufacturers of towing appliances allow for metal expansion and veriances in specifications, and thats where the play comes in when we start adding attachments.

tim myers · 11-03-2016, 08:57 AM

I know there are several styles of anti wobble devises available. Which one did you settle on?

l1v3fr33ord1 · 11-03-2016, 09:12 AM

Tim-

I use Roadmaster Quiet Hitches. As someone said in another thread: "that's a lot to pay for a u-bolt!" But, they work.

tim myers · 11-03-2016, 09:17 AM

$22 is not horrible, could be a lot worse. It's chromed so that should help the coach go a bit faster as well. Now if I could only find a set of Chrome Muffler bearings to go with it.

Did you install one at each point of connection?

Skilletface · 11-03-2016, 11:23 AM

Purchase from Gen-Y-Hitch part # GH - 033 for "2 hitch, thay make one for "2 1/2 as well. Roadmaster and Blue Ox produce simular products,
Each manufacturer uses a little different design but in the end the ones that fit all the way around and wedge between the receiver and hitch seem more secure.

l1v3fr33ord1 · 11-03-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim myers

Did you install one at each point of connection?

Tim-

Yes, one at the drop and the second for the towbar.

Chrome muffler bearings, eh? Maybe I should look into getting some. The coach isn't quite fast enough. ;-)