73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 73-87 Chevy & GMC Trucks => Topic started by: corndiesel on April 14, 2011, 05:16:43 pm
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I know this isn't the best picture but would you guys be comfortable pulling a 7000 pound car trailer with the bumper/hitch setup that I have.
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Here's is a picture from farther away. I'll try to get a picture of how it is connected underneath. Thanks.
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Is it a single axle trailer?
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No, dual axle with brakes on trailer and controller in truck.
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With a home made set up it is hard to say, sorry...
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How doe that bumper attach to the frame? 4 bolts, 6 bolts, welded?
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It's bolted but how many bolts I am not sure. I'll have to go get a picture of it in the morning for better analysis.
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First question I would ask is, Did you weld the bumper/hitch ? 2nd question, are you a good welder ? If you are comfortable with the welds and it is bolted in at least 6 spots ( class 4 hitch specs ), 7000 lbs should be no problem. 3rd question, what wall thickness is the metal ?
If you know nothing about the welder or welds, find someone who welds and have them look at it, they should be able to tell you.
If you can do none of the above, hook up the trailer and block the wheels, put some strain on the hitch and see if it stretches or cracks, more than likely the person who built it, built it to tow and probably went overboard and made it stout enough.
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most hitches can only carry 5000 unless you have a weight distribution kit, which will allow up to 10k. Without a sticker to tell you the hitch specs, I wouldnt. Just think of the liability if it were to break and if someone who was injured were to find out...
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I know this isn't the best picture but would you guys be comfortable pulling a 7000 pound car trailer with the bumper/hitch setup that I have.
As you said, the picture isn't the best, but from first glance the reciever tube does not appear to be very thick, it doesn't have the reinforcement collar on the outside, and who knows about the quality of the hitch mounting design or the welds. I don't see any provisions for safety chains either. I personally wouldn't do it.
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Nice catch. There currently is not any means to attach safety chains. I traded in my 2003 1/2 ton silverado for a car so my old truck has come in charge of pulling the trailer around. It definitely has the power to pull just needs an upgrade in the hitch. Does anyone know of any good companies that sell receivers for a 1 ton truck that have used these receivers. Thanks.
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Whenever I need a hitch I go to uhaul. It's. About $150. For a class 3 hitch for your truck.
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You should be able to find a Class 4 hitch. look for a dealer for either valley, draw tite, or hidden hitch.
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My dad just bought a class 5 hitch from Curt for his 1 ton Van. Paid $200 and it come with wiring t-harness and ball mount hitch.
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http://www.curthitchdepot.com/trailer-hitches-multi-fit-receiver-hitches-c-82214_82216/multi-fit-receiver-hitch-p-16598
Biggest\baddest hitch 15,000lbs tow rating and good price, bolts right on. There are HUNDREDS of places that sell it, find the best price with free shipping and go for it! Dont just use a U-hail hitch, not very heavy duty.
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drawtite makes the hitches for U haul. Drawtite is a very reputable hitch supplier.
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From my hometown, I use them all the time. (Curt manufacturing)
http://www.hitchesdirect.com/index.cfm
Even have one on my car so I don't have to do truck stuff with my truck.
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Just make sure it is for your year and make, these old chevy truck frames curve up where the bolts would go closest to the cab, I just put one on and the legs farthest away from the reciever are curved up.
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Beastie I will say it again the U-haul hitches are not very heavy duty! I have one, they are OK for light pulling. You need a hitch that goes around the leaf spring bracket for more total mounting area. You haul makes 2 models for these trucks, both are class III, go big or go home, do it once and do it right!