Is my hitch set up strong enough

[mrhino]

Hey Guys Im putting a hitch on my project. First the hitch I have was not made for this truck. Second the truck use to have a hydraulic lift on the back. The only thing left of that is a extension made from tubing welded to the bottom of the frame. It used to be a rectangle tubing but we had to cut a section off with a torch when removing the lift.

After I cut the mounting tabs off of the hitch(didnt align anyway). The hitch fits nice and snug againt the inside of the outside wall of the tubing. My question is: If I drill holes bolt it with four 1/2 bolts on either side would it be strong enough to pull, lets say a car trailer safely? the tubing does appear to be welded very well and all the way around. If you don't think it would be safe why and what should be change to make it so. thanks for your input

[stroker87]

good question?

can you show where you cut the hitch, I'm sure you can get it to work might have to do some welding though?

how much weight would you be pulling?

[yousesteers]

how thick of a wall is that extension tube if it is heavy enough I would bolt it up using grade 8 bolts and if it was mine I would probably weld it also.

[mrhino]

Originally Posted by stroker87

good question?

can you show where you cut the hitch, I'm sure you can get it to work might have to do some welding though?


how much weight would you be pulling?

I dont have any pics of what i cut off, but what I cut off was just the mouting tabs. they were little L shaped tabs at the top so it would slide between the framrails.There were two on each side

Originally Posted by yousesteers

how thick of a wall is that extension tube if it is heavy enough I would bolt it up using grade 8 bolts and if it was mine I would probably weld it also.

the hitch is 1/4 and the frame extension piece is 3/16. I was going to use 3 1/2 grade 8's and a one 3/4 gr8 going through that big hole with a spacer to tie it into the other side. and last clean up that area that was cut with torch and weld that to the hitch.

[MalibuSSwagon]

I would say that your plan sounds solid. I have 4 1/2" grade 8 bolts holding on my hitch, of course mine is meant to fit a 73-87 and used pre-existing holes in the frame. I have been towing cars for 3 years with mine, no wear noted.

[yousesteers]

I would say do if you do it like you are talking your frame will break before that hitch comes off most are held on with a lot less than what you are talking