Community Forums

Ken Gluckman · 05-03-2018, 06:16 PM

Because the new Spartan hitches on King Aire and others are 2.5 inches, the hitch stabilizers I was using wouldn't work. I discovered a new and much better stabilizer called Hitch Vise. Just installed it and it is rock solid and very impressive and works great on the new Spartan hitch. I've included a photo of it installed and a copy of the installation information. The web site is Hitch Rider Racks: Bike racks, trike carriers and no wobble tow carry racks.

(Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the company and don't know the owners -- but I am very impressed with this gadget.)

FSU Camper · 05-03-2018, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Gluckman

Because the new Spartan hitches on King Aire and others are 2.5 inches, the hitch stabilizers I was using wouldn't work. I discovered a new and much better stabilizer called Hitch Vise. Just installed it and it is rock solid and very impressive and works great on the new Spartan hitch. I've included a photo of it installed and a copy of the installation information. The web site is Hitch Rider Racks: Bike racks, trike carriers and no wobble tow carry racks.

(Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the company and don't know the owners -- but I am very impressed with this gadget.)

I like the looks of this one. I’m currently using the blue ox version but I have to keep tightening a few times every season. Might give this one a try. Thanks for sharing.

10 fan · 05-03-2018, 06:44 PM

Looks like a good design. Anyone know what size receiver the 2018 DS come with?

Stuart W · 05-03-2018, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10 fan

Looks like a good design. Anyone know what size receiver the 2018 DS come with?

2 inch

TJ · 05-03-2018, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Gluckman

Because the new Spartan hitches on King Aire and others are 2.5 inches, the hitch stabilizers I was using wouldn't work. I discovered a new and much better stabilizer called Hitch Vise. Just installed it and it is rock solid and very impressive and works great on the new Spartan hitch. I've included a photo of it installed and a copy of the installation information. The web site is Hitch Rider Racks: Bike racks, trike carriers and no wobble tow carry racks.

(Disclaimer: I have no financial interest in the company and don't know the owners -- but I am very impressed with this gadget.)

So, are all the 2018-and later K3 chassis coaches 2.5-inch? This is a new wrinkle for me. If the new MADP comes with a 2.5" hitch, I will need to accumulate the necessary parts to convert our current 2-inch setup over to 2.5-inch.

TJ

Ken Gluckman · 05-04-2018, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

So, are all the 2018-and later K3 chassis coaches 2.5-inch? This is a new wrinkle for me. If the new MADP comes with a 2.5" hitch, I will need to accumulate the necessary parts to convert our current 2-inch setup over to 2.5-inch.

TJ

Not a big deal -- all you need is a reducer, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/3800-aluminum.../dp/B00BSD9W2U

TJ · 05-04-2018, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Gluckman

Not a big deal -- all you need is a reducer, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/3800-aluminum.../dp/B00BSD9W2U

Thanks. But, aluminum? Wouldn't steel be better? No dissimilar metals issues and no deformation of the softer metal. I suppose the Hitch Vise would keep the hitch from moving around inside and probably eliminate the deformation issues.

I do see that they are available in steel as well. I'll probably go that way...just "because."

So many new things to learn after you thought you knew everything!

TJ

Stuart W · 05-04-2018, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

So, are all the 2018-and later K3 chassis coaches 2.5-inch? This is a new wrinkle for me. If the new MADP comes with a 2.5" hitch, I will need to accumulate the necessary parts to convert our current 2-inch setup over to 2.5-inch.

TJ

This should be all you need

Stuart W · 05-04-2018, 07:47 AM

Aluminum would also be fine, just a spacer

FLJOE · 05-04-2018, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

So, are all the 2018-and later K3 chassis coaches 2.5-inch? This is a new wrinkle for me. If the new MADP comes with a 2.5" hitch, I will need to accumulate the necessary parts to convert our current 2-inch setup over to 2.5-inch.

TJ

Jim, not sure what you will be towing. But if you want to reduce your receiver from 2.5 to 2" simply get the reducing sleeve. They come in steel or aluminum. My F350 came with it but almost any place sells them.

Stuart W · 05-04-2018, 07:51 AM

Jim these have been standard equipment on the large capacity pickup trucks for years, I see them on the side of the fwy all of the time, people take out the hitch and forget to remove the spacer sleeve, they vibrate out, keep you eyes open[emoji851]

TJ · 05-04-2018, 07:59 AM

Thanks, guys!

We currently tow a 2014 Honda CR-V with a Roadmaster Sterling All-Terrain setup. The Ventana LE has a 2" receiver. When we pick up our new coach, I want to be able to plug the existing setup into the MADP and tow the CR-V home. Looks like a simple sleeve adapter will make the old setup compatible with the new coach.

TJ

10 fan · 05-04-2018, 08:33 AM

When filming in L.A. we rent a lot of Fords with the 2.5" and they give us an adaptor that fits and works well. Steel.

TJ · 05-04-2018, 03:15 PM

I just looked out in the shop and have some 2.5x.25 wall square tube. ID is 2.0". Seems like that would make a fine adapter.

Can anyone with a Newmar MADP (or other model with 2.5" receiver) tell me how far back from the receiver lip the cross pin hole is drilled? I don't have access to such a hitch to make my own measurement.

With that information, I can simply fabricate a 2.5"-to-2" adapter.

Thanks.

TJ