Community Forums

Jim_ Bob · 05-09-2015, 05:32 PM

On Monday my base plate will be installed on my Honda FIT. I am just guessing right now, till everything is completed, I think I am going to need a 6" drop receiver to get my tow bar almost level. I am looking in some catalogs and at the RV dealers the drop receiver is around $150 - $200. Over $150 anyway. Then this afternoon I run into Harbor Freight, looking at there high quality tools and I see a 6" drop receiver for about $45.
I looked it over good, of course being painted it looks ok. I am thinking, buy it, take the paint off of at least the welds to see what they look like then weld a couple of gussets on the sides to make it real strong. I saw some that had a 10" drop ($200+) with no kind of gussets. The only negative thing might be is the thing was made out of some junk steel.
I have everything to do it and I can weld. I know this is not the area to be cheap and save a few dollars but if I did not think I could make it better I would not think about it. Any thoughts or ideas. Thanks

nothermark · 05-09-2015, 05:47 PM

Check the specs and you may find the $200 version is also made in China probably at the same factory as the Harbor Freight part.

FWIW I just came back from a 3000 mile trip with one of the HF parts towing a Ford Escape on a dolly.

Easyrider · 05-09-2015, 06:36 PM

I've bought a few things at Harbor Freight and I am very happy with every purchase! I'd say that if the drop bar meets the specs needed your good to go. Nothermark is probably correct with both parts both made in China and probably by the same company. We tend to always think that if something costs less, it's not as good as another that costs more- quite often the fact that something costs more only means it costs more and that we overpaid for it.

Jim_ Bob · 05-09-2015, 08:08 PM

I am glad you guys wrote. I must worry too much. I understand what you are talking about and agree. And now that I think about it I have bought from Harbor Freight and I have never had a problem with anything. I am going to get that hitch in the morning. I will add some to it just to make it as good as it can be and also because I like doing it. Thanks

UFO Pilot · 05-09-2015, 11:34 PM

Does the HF one have a weight rating on it? Verify it will meet your requirements.

vettenuts · 05-10-2015, 06:21 AM

Check out etrailer.com, I bought a billet aluminum drop hitch for not much more made in the USA. Not saying you should get an aluminum (I prefer the lighter weight and the capacity far exceeds my needs) but they have many name brands some of which are made here.

DDDonkey · 05-10-2015, 07:54 AM

I have no issue with HF stuff, but I would not trust it with my Toad. I still have 2-3 extra hitches around here that I will loan out and that is because I finally broke down and bought a good hitch that does it all. I got the B&W 3 ball, solid shank hitch, 6" drop and it works great. I can move it from my van, RV, or truck and alway have the right height depending on what I'm towing. I would say get one and done, you spend more money up front but never worry about having the right hitch again.

Jim_ Bob · 05-10-2015, 12:16 PM

Last night I said I was going to get that hitch from harbor freight and fix it up. But I am sitting here on the couch feet up and I don't feel like doing it.... I could do it, I have a shop, lathes, milling machine, welder etc. And with the air off it must be 100 in there. So I am just going to sit here and not going to mess around with something so important. I'll get what ever it takes to do it right and not worry about it. And anyway tomorrow I have to finish what I have been doing today.

MSHappyCampers · 05-10-2015, 01:35 PM

I have bought a lot of stuff from Harbor Freight, but I would be reluctant to purchase something this critical from them! JMHO!

Tom N · 05-10-2015, 03:37 PM

UHaul sells drop receiver hitches. ~$30 with ball. See there website.

Big Dude · 05-11-2015, 08:09 AM

I have a solid aluminum, 6" drop down hitch with a 2" stainless ball that is looking for a home. If interested, drop me a line at grandpop1@yahoo.com

Theberrys · 05-11-2015, 08:27 AM

I have used one of these since 2007 with no problems. 5000 lbs. rating that's class III and only $24.95. Perhaps I don't worry enough but I got away with this purchase. Being adjustable means it's s bit heavy, but also means I haven't had to replace it in all those years.

8-in-1 Adjustable Ball Mount Hitch

Dick

BeachDude · 05-11-2015, 11:34 AM

I have been using that same 6" drop hitch from Harbor Freight for almost a year with my EZ-Tow dolly pulling a Prius/Jeep Wrangler.

As already mentioned, the $200-$300 hitches are very likely also made in China, (with a blatantly significant margin for the company/seller who's logo sticker has been applied).

nothermark · 05-11-2015, 11:55 AM

FWIW I will toss in that they are solid steel the same as the expensive one's. I will also point out that if they were breaking on any kind of regular basis the information would be all over the place. ;-)