tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

into69z · 02-02-2011, 01:55 AM

Thinking about going with a sport bumper and a hidden hitch. I have the "back in the day" set-up that could probably pull a house down. I want to know which years hitches will work on the 67-72 frames. anything to look out for with these later model hitches.

Frank71 · 02-02-2011, 02:06 AM

Here is a link to early classics, I just installed mine.

http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....iver%20Hitches

Also here is a tech article on the installation.

http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...kit/index.html

Hope this helps.

jeremiah king · 02-02-2011, 02:25 AM

Watch out for the early classics hitch. The guy that welds these is very bad at welding. I had one break!!!!!

capev86 · 02-02-2011, 02:29 AM

i wanted the hitch to be visible on my 72 burb c20 so no one would confuse it for a show only truck. plus, the hidden hitch is rated for like 5,000 pounds max.....that might handle a boat, but not the 71 holiday camper sitting in my driveway. i put a 15,000 lb rated class IV+ hitch on my truck so there will be no issues.

but the hidden hitch is a certainly a cool idea. i might go that route on my 87 ram 50 just to clean up the back end (rear bumper delete) and get better ground clearance. would be using the mini truck to haul sleds in the winter, etc, and 5k would be plenty of capacity!

Frank71 · 02-02-2011, 02:40 AM

The only trailer that I will be towing is my teardrop, it only is 1000 lbs empty with less than 100 lbs tongue weight.

jeremiah king · 02-02-2011, 03:07 AM

ec hitch

dubds10 · 02-02-2011, 03:19 AM

WOW!! So three of the four welded areas on the 2x2 broke??? That's pretty bad. I'd deff be all over them to recoup the damages done to the trailer. There's no way it should break like that if only towing 2000lbs or so.

Sicmaro · 02-02-2011, 05:32 AM

When did you purchase that hitch? I havnt had any issues with mine yet. Just curious so I can see when the bad one was done.

*lakeroadster* · 02-02-2011, 09:36 AM

So did the safety chain brackets break off too?

I just sent an email to Early Classic's with a link to this thread, asking them the following:

To whom it may concern,

I was planning on buying one of your 912-6572PB Track Bars, but after seeing this I have cause for concern. I would like to know a little more about your Quality Assurance program for your vendors, or for your own parts if these products are built in house.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444294

Are you aware of this?

Questions:
Do you do periodic audits of your vendors to ensure they meet your specifications?

Do the vendors that build your products use welders that are qualified to AWS or ASME welding codes?

Are welder certifications available upon request?

Are the material being used in compliance with ANSI / ASTM / ASME material specifications?

Is any mechanical destructive testing done, radiography, magnetic particle inspection or some other N.D.E. performed to ensure actual product strength?

Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.

into69z · 02-02-2011, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capev86

i wanted the hitch to be visible on my 72 burb c20 so no one would confuse it for a show only truck. plus, the hidden hitch is rated for like 5,000 pounds max.....that might handle a boat, but not the 71 holiday camper sitting in my driveway. i put a 15,000 lb rated class IV+ hitch on my truck so there will be no issues.

but the hidden hitch is a certainly a cool idea. i might go that route on my 87 ram 50 just to clean up the back end (rear bumper delete) and get better ground clearance. would be using the mini truck to haul sleds in the winter, etc, and 5k would be plenty of capacity!

this was a consideration too-having a hitch that can handle a load-I want to purchase a period Airstream to tow. Where did you get your "normal" hitch?
will any late model factory hitch work?

ECE · 02-02-2011, 11:49 AM

Just a couple of points to clarify, the destruction of the hitch was due to being involved in a wreck (the wreck occured first) note; the axles ripped out from under the trailer.The safety chain hooks were still intact, however the piece of 1/4 inch thick steel (3" wide) that they were mounted to was torn completely in two. This is the only instance that we have ever had with one of our hitches and now after seeing the pictures I have no question why the hitch broke.

dubds10 · 02-02-2011, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECE

Just a couple of points to clarify, the destruction of the hitch was due to being involved in a wreck (the wreck occured first) note; the axles ripped out from under the trailer.The safety chain hooks were still intact, however the piece of 1/4 inch thick steel (3" wide) that they were mounted to was torn completely in two. This is the only instance that we have ever had with one of our hitches and now after seeing the pictures I have no question why the hitch broke.

Personally, I'm not so sure about saying "after seeing the pictures I have no question why the hitch broke".

My uncle had his trailer flip while going down a mountain highway along with his truck etc. Everything was destroyed beyond belief. The problem was the Ford axle broke (that's he got for having a Ford

) but the hitch itself remained perfectly intact with no breaks or bends. I've seen a few trailer flips/accidents and still have yet to see a hitch snap like that. Even with the force of the crash I don't believe the welds should break off like that. That'd have to be a very low tolerance (so to speak) weld for one to snap like that during an accident. Another note, I've also seen quite a few trailers come unhitched because they weren't locked in place and the safety chains are what kept the trailer connected to the truck and the plating never broke open either. I honestly wouldn't say due to the accident that's the sole reason that hitch broke. Despite the accident I'd expect that hitch to hold up a little better when it's only carrying half it load rating.

Are these supposed to be class 3 hitches with 5000lb rating? I'm just curious what the actually specs are regarding these hitches.

BBrendal · 02-02-2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECE

Just a couple of points to clarify, the destruction of the hitch was due to being involved in a wreck (the wreck occured first) note; the axles ripped out from under the trailer.The safety chain hooks were still intact, however the piece of 1/4 inch thick steel (3" wide) that they were mounted to was torn completely in two. This is the only instance that we have ever had with one of our hitches and now after seeing the pictures I have no question why the hitch broke.

Okay with that being said ... How about some responses to Lakeroadsters excellent questions about your hitch.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 02-02-2011, 12:49 PM

So what exactly hit the trailer to shear off the hitch like that? But still with that damage I still do not believe that the hitch should have broke like that, I too have seen several wrecks involving towed trailers, and have never seen a hitch snap in half. I have seen several bend and some crack but never snap in half! That's just a little disturbing, because I have been planning on getting that same hitch from ECE for my truck, I have bought products from them in the past and never had a bit of trouble, hopefully this was just a one in a million freak thing!!!

Papaloo · 02-02-2011, 12:59 PM

Quite frankly, if something hit my trailer hard enough to shear the axle off and flip it through the air, I would much rather the hitch fail in that way to allow the trailer to break away from the truck as opposed to taking the truck, with me, and possibly a loved one along for a wild and dangerous ride.

Beelzeburb · 02-02-2011, 01:34 PM

How could anyone reasonably expect a trailer hitch to survive a serious accident? Just think of the enormous forces at play, and the fact that no two accidents are identical. Since this is a hitch that is sold to the general public and is regularly bolted to roadgoing vehicles, it would have to meet some sort of Federal certification. I think I'll keep my ECE hitch and be very happy with it.

flashed · 02-02-2011, 01:34 PM

I think I'll watch this thread before I decide to get my Hidden Hitch .I would also like to see those questions answered to give me peace of mind.

green68 · 02-02-2011, 11:53 PM

I find it puzzleing anyone would post such filth about a company that has a record of supplying quality products manufactured in the USA. I suggest you buy from another company that gets their products from china. Good Luck

wild4wheels · 02-03-2011, 01:56 AM

I never had a problem with my old one, I will be buying one for this truck. Does anyone know where I can get the lic. plate box though? I have the fleetside bumper.

magwakeenercew2jh · 02-03-2011, 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by green68

I find it puzzleing anyone would post such filth about a company that has a record of supplying quality products manufactured in the USA. I suggest you buy from another company that gets their products from china. Good Luck

I ran a hidden hitch from ECE on my '72 and pulled more stuff than I probably should have. I was going to pass on a hitch on this build.
But after reading this thread, remembering how handy and sturdy it was, I'm calling them tomorrow for one for the new '68/'71 build.

Hey, everyone has expertise in some areas, and everybody has an opinion.
I have little expertise. But I've seen a semi turn into a ball of tin foil out on the highway.
So, I know I can't fault a product from a great company from some pictures of an accident. YMMV, of course.

wild4wheels · 02-03-2011, 02:22 AM

Sorry, just thought of something, first, Jerimiah, sorry that happened to you, I do hope everyone is allright. I'm not an accident investigator, so I won't comment on the accident but, one thing to remember that I have learned is ... --it happens! ... alot!... everyday.
.I was just thinking that Flight 232, if you remember the bad movie .. starring John Boy from the Waltons? (I digress) Flight 232 was brought down by a grain of sand .... A GRAIN OF FRIGGEN SAND! One little flaw in a fan blade (which there are hundreds on a jet engine) caused a chain reaction that caused a crash w a huge loss of life. You wouldn't say all DC10's are horrible airplanes, or all United Airlines flights will crash! I think its a fluke that your hitch broke...during an accident ...and that Beezl has a pretty good point! I was very impressed with Early Classics hitch when I got it and like I said, will order one again.
Into, personally I think you would be happy with a hidden hitch, the only other "normal hitch" I have seen readily available is at your local Uhaul store.

Alex Hayley · 02-03-2011, 01:25 PM

You're joking right? Since when is a valid concern considered "filth". I would much rather have a concern brought to my attention and discussed than hidden because someone does not like criticism.

I have purchased from ECE and was VERY happy with the product and support. Regardless, possible issues cannot be hidden and covered up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by green68

I find it puzzleing anyone would post such filth about a company that has a record of supplying quality products manufactured in the USA. I suggest you buy from another company that gets their products from china. Good Luck

big_al_71 · 02-03-2011, 05:54 PM

i BOUGHT ONE FROM ece AND SO FAR IT HAS WORKED REAL GOOD.....

BBrendal · 02-03-2011, 06:18 PM

We are trying to!!! ECE still hasent responded to Lakeroadsters excellent questions. That will determine if I buy one or not.

BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 · 02-03-2011, 06:32 PM

Just wondering will this hitch work with a blazer tank, with no problems?

02-02-2011, 01:55 AM	#1
into69z "brand new second-hand" Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: White House, Tennessee Posts: 526	tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Thinking about going with a sport bumper and a hidden hitch. I have the "back in the day" set-up that could probably pull a house down. I want to know which years hitches will work on the 67-72 frames. anything to look out for with these later model hitches. Attached Images __________________ Steve 69 3/4t custom camper tilt,am/fm,speed warning,air gauge,buddy buckets,aux battery, big block,p/s,p/b,a/c 67 Camaro 96 Impala ss-sold 04 hybrid Honda-saving gas for the blue truck!:b69:

02-02-2011, 02:06 AM	#2
Frank71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 190	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Here is a link to early classics, I just installed mine. http://www.earlyclassic.com/catalog....iver%20Hitches Also here is a tech article on the installation. http://www.sporttruck.com/techarticl...kit/index.html Hope this helps. __________________ "If you need to tell everyone how good you are - your probably not"

02-02-2011, 02:25 AM	#3
jeremiah king Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Julian, CA Posts: 696	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Watch out for the early classics hitch. The guy that welds these is very bad at welding. I had one break!!!!!

02-02-2011, 02:29 AM	#4
capev86 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Eliot, Maine Posts: 1,314	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch i wanted the hitch to be visible on my 72 burb c20 so no one would confuse it for a show only truck. plus, the hidden hitch is rated for like 5,000 pounds max.....that might handle a boat, but not the 71 holiday camper sitting in my driveway. i put a 15,000 lb rated class IV+ hitch on my truck so there will be no issues. but the hidden hitch is a certainly a cool idea. i might go that route on my 87 ram 50 just to clean up the back end (rear bumper delete) and get better ground clearance. would be using the mini truck to haul sleds in the winter, etc, and 5k would be plenty of capacity! Last edited by capev86; 02-02-2011 at 02:30 AM.

02-02-2011, 02:40 AM	#5
Frank71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Red Deer, Alberta Posts: 190	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch The only trailer that I will be towing is my teardrop, it only is 1000 lbs empty with less than 100 lbs tongue weight. __________________ "If you need to tell everyone how good you are - your probably not"

02-02-2011, 03:07 AM	#6
jeremiah king Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Julian, CA Posts: 696	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch ec hitch Attached Images

02-02-2011, 03:19 AM	#7
dubds10 Stalker Nate Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Langley, BC, Canada Posts: 1,556	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch WOW!! So three of the four welded areas on the 2x2 broke??? That's pretty bad. I'd deff be all over them to recoup the damages done to the trailer. There's no way it should break like that if only towing 2000lbs or so. __________________ 1957 GMC SWB stepper modified summer time driver 1963 Chevy Fire Dept. Command Center Van 2 ton - future food vending truck project 1965 Chevy P10 Ice Cream Truck project Instagram - TheDonutDiner FaceBook - @UscreamIscream Last edited by dubds10; 02-02-2011 at 03:20 AM.

02-02-2011, 05:32 AM	#8
Sicmaro Always wrenching!! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 301	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch When did you purchase that hitch? I havnt had any issues with mine yet. Just curious so I can see when the bad one was done. __________________ 71 C-10 5.3L/4L60E 72 Camaro LS6/4L60E 06 Duramax 19 RZR XP4 turbo Dynamix 56 Belair 5.3/4L60E swap in progress

02-02-2011, 09:36 AM	#9
lakeroadster Account Suspended Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: High Plains of Colorado Posts: 2,485	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch So did the safety chain brackets break off too? I just sent an email to Early Classic's with a link to this thread, asking them the following: To whom it may concern, I was planning on buying one of your 912-6572PB Track Bars, but after seeing this I have cause for concern. I would like to know a little more about your Quality Assurance program for your vendors, or for your own parts if these products are built in house. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444294 Are you aware of this? Questions: Do you do periodic audits of your vendors to ensure they meet your specifications? Do the vendors that build your products use welders that are qualified to AWS or ASME welding codes? Are welder certifications available upon request? Are the material being used in compliance with ANSI / ASTM / ASME material specifications? Is any mechanical destructive testing done, radiography, magnetic particle inspection or some other N.D.E. performed to ensure actual product strength? Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response. Last edited by lakeroadster; 02-02-2011 at 10:01 AM.

02-02-2011, 11:49 AM	#11
ECE Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: FRESNO, CA. Posts: 5	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Just a couple of points to clarify, the destruction of the hitch was due to being involved in a wreck (the wreck occured first) note; the axles ripped out from under the trailer.The safety chain hooks were still intact, however the piece of 1/4 inch thick steel (3" wide) that they were mounted to was torn completely in two. This is the only instance that we have ever had with one of our hitches and now after seeing the pictures I have no question why the hitch broke.

02-02-2011, 12:49 PM	#14
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch So what exactly hit the trailer to shear off the hitch like that? But still with that damage I still do not believe that the hitch should have broke like that, I too have seen several wrecks involving towed trailers, and have never seen a hitch snap in half. I have seen several bend and some crack but never snap in half! That's just a little disturbing, because I have been planning on getting that same hitch from ECE for my truck, I have bought products from them in the past and never had a bit of trouble, hopefully this was just a one in a million freak thing!!! __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA

02-02-2011, 12:59 PM	#15
Papaloo Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Southeast PA Posts: 57	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Quite frankly, if something hit my trailer hard enough to shear the axle off and flip it through the air, I would much rather the hitch fail in that way to allow the trailer to break away from the truck as opposed to taking the truck, with me, and possibly a loved one along for a wild and dangerous ride. __________________ Dave 1971 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy C10

02-02-2011, 01:34 PM	#16
Beelzeburb Devil's in the Details Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern Utah Posts: 353	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch How could anyone reasonably expect a trailer hitch to survive a serious accident? Just think of the enormous forces at play, and the fact that no two accidents are identical. Since this is a hitch that is sold to the general public and is regularly bolted to roadgoing vehicles, it would have to meet some sort of Federal certification. I think I'll keep my ECE hitch and be very happy with it. __________________ '70 K10 Suburban - TBI 454, 4L80E, NP241C, Dana 60 & 44 - The 10+ Year Project Thread Datsun 240Z, 510 2 door and an old Honda motorcycle Last edited by Beelzeburb; 02-02-2011 at 01:52 PM.

02-02-2011, 01:34 PM	#17
flashed Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: canton ga Posts: 12,724	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch I think I'll watch this thread before I decide to get my Hidden Hitch .I would also like to see those questions answered to give me peace of mind.

02-02-2011, 11:53 PM	#18
green68 Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: cajun Posts: 42	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch I find it puzzleing anyone would post such filth about a company that has a record of supplying quality products manufactured in the USA. I suggest you buy from another company that gets their products from china. Good Luck



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02-03-2011, 01:56 AM	#19
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch I never had a problem with my old one, I will be buying one for this truck. Does anyone know where I can get the lic. plate box though? I have the fleetside bumper. __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

02-03-2011, 02:22 AM	#21
wild4wheels Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Queen Creek, Arizona Posts: 1,626	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Sorry, just thought of something, first, Jerimiah, sorry that happened to you, I do hope everyone is allright. I'm not an accident investigator, so I won't comment on the accident but, one thing to remember that I have learned is ... --it happens! ... alot!... everyday. .I was just thinking that Flight 232, if you remember the bad movie .. starring John Boy from the Waltons? (I digress) Flight 232 was brought down by a grain of sand .... A GRAIN OF FRIGGEN SAND! One little flaw in a fan blade (which there are hundreds on a jet engine) caused a chain reaction that caused a crash w a huge loss of life. You wouldn't say all DC10's are horrible airplanes, or all United Airlines flights will crash! I think its a fluke that your hitch broke...during an accident ...and that Beezl has a pretty good point! I was very impressed with Early Classics hitch when I got it and like I said, will order one again. Into, personally I think you would be happy with a hidden hitch, the only other "normal hitch" I have seen readily available is at your local Uhaul store. __________________ Dave aka "Wild" Current truck "Ida Mae" 71 K5 Blazer Former Trucks "Loretta" 71 Longbed (AZ) "Tanya" 69 Stepside (AZ) "Ferdinand" 71 Longhorn (SD) "Patches" 67 Panel (IA/ KY) "Rosita" 68 C30 (KY) Instagram @Wildforwheels @k5_klub @c10university Profile pic provided by Jeff Sundance

02-03-2011, 05:54 PM	#23
big_al_71 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Florida Posts: 11,375	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch i BOUGHT ONE FROM ece AND SO FAR IT HAS WORKED REAL GOOD..... Attached Images __________________ Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please!!!!!. Sylvester's build thread >>>http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ht=big+rebuild

02-03-2011, 06:18 PM	#24
BBrendal Recalculating..... Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: New Lenox Il Posts: 686	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch We are trying to!!! ECE still hasent responded to Lakeroadsters excellent questions. That will determine if I buy one or not. __________________ Brian - (BBrendal) 1969 Chevy Camaro Z28 1972 Chevy Blazer CST 2004 GMC Yukon (The truck that pulls the car trailer) 1972 Chevy Blazer CST #2 (Finished and sold!) Blazer build link... http://s1213.photobucket.com/albums/...rendal/Blazer/

02-03-2011, 06:32 PM	#25
BLACK AND BLUE 67-72 Firefighter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Yellville, Ar, USA Posts: 1,943	Re: tow hitch set-ups-hidden hitch Just wondering will this hitch work with a blazer tank, with no problems? __________________ '72 Chevy SWB 350 Auto '67 GMC LWB 350 4 speed '70 Chevy 4x4 Stepside 350 Auto Yellville, Ar. USA Last edited by BLACK AND BLUE 67-72; 02-03-2011 at 06:32 PM.

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