Trailer hitch / cross member design? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

yossarian19 · 08-26-2014, 11:55 PM

I've got a Mustang gas tank in my '57, which means I chopped a cross member to put it there.
I'd like to replace the cross member and I'd like to add a trailer hitch.
The back of the frame has 2x 7/16 holes and 2x 9/16 holes per side. I'm thinking to myself "two birds, one stone". I'd like to take 1/4" plate, drill it to match the holes in the frame, weld (pay to have welded, my 90a box can't be trusted here) a 4x4x1/4 box in between them & add a receiver with gussets. Bolt it in place and voila - receiver + cross member in one.
My question is does this sound safe / reasonable? The only issue I can come up with is butt welding the square tube to the plate. I don't know if that's kosher for trailering, or if I need to come up with a new design.

OrrieG · 08-27-2014, 01:47 PM

There is another current TF hitch thread....

agnes the dog · 08-27-2014, 07:35 PM

My truck came with a fabricated hitch. I took it off because I don't have anything to pull. If you were closer, you could have it. (I'm in Indiana) I will take some pics for reference as soon as I can. It's hidden away in the attic now and it may take me a day to get to it.

LSXapache · 08-27-2014, 10:56 PM

i dont know what you plan on towing but consider this, the factory tow rating on a s10 stamped thin sheet metal bumper is usually around 3000lbs. I would think anything you fab out of thicker steel that is directly tied to the frame will handle anything you'll want to tow.

**mr48chev** · 08-28-2014, 11:04 AM

I like your idea myself. It shouldn't be that hard to find a used hitch that you cold modify to work the way you want and after tacking it together with your 90 amp haul the hitch/crossmember to someone who can weld it up and go back and bolt it in.

08-26-2014, 11:55 PM	#1
yossarian19 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nevada City, CA Posts: 908	Trailer hitch / cross member design? I've got a Mustang gas tank in my '57, which means I chopped a cross member to put it there. I'd like to replace the cross member and I'd like to add a trailer hitch. The back of the frame has 2x 7/16 holes and 2x 9/16 holes per side. I'm thinking to myself "two birds, one stone". I'd like to take 1/4" plate, drill it to match the holes in the frame, weld (pay to have welded, my 90a box can't be trusted here) a 4x4x1/4 box in between them & add a receiver with gussets. Bolt it in place and voila - receiver + cross member in one. My question is does this sound safe / reasonable? The only issue I can come up with is butt welding the square tube to the plate. I don't know if that's kosher for trailering, or if I need to come up with a new design. __________________ "Over my head" 1957 Chevy 3200, big rear window & 6 lug. Front disc, power steering, Vortec 4.8 / 4L60E swap, hydro boost brakes & patina.

08-27-2014, 01:47 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Trailer hitch / cross member design? There is another current TF hitch thread.... __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

08-27-2014, 07:35 PM	#3
agnes the dog Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 272	Re: Trailer hitch / cross member design? My truck came with a fabricated hitch. I took it off because I don't have anything to pull. If you were closer, you could have it. (I'm in Indiana) I will take some pics for reference as soon as I can. It's hidden away in the attic now and it may take me a day to get to it. __________________ Just because you can, doesn't necessarily mean you should. 1959 3100 stepside 355 + T5

08-27-2014, 10:56 PM	#4
LSXapache Registered User Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Eastman GA Posts: 64	Re: Trailer hitch / cross member design? i dont know what you plan on towing but consider this, the factory tow rating on a s10 stamped thin sheet metal bumper is usually around 3000lbs. I would think anything you fab out of thicker steel that is directly tied to the frame will handle anything you'll want to tow. __________________ '59 chevy apache: camaro clip, LQ4 with 5.3l 799 heads, Vengeance Racing tune, LTs, CAI, 4l60e, 8.5" ten bolt w/ truetrac

08-28-2014, 11:04 AM	#5
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: Trailer hitch / cross member design? I like your idea myself. It shouldn't be that hard to find a used hitch that you cold modify to work the way you want and after tacking it together with your 90 amp haul the hitch/crossmember to someone who can weld it up and go back and bolt it in. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.



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