Towing question - drop hitch fit? (1 Viewer)

[CharlieS]

I have an interference problem with the towing setup, and I need to tow a boat this weekend. So, I'm looking for some advice.

I did a search, but didn't come up with what i am looking for. Maybe it is my vehicle or tow hitch...

I'm not sure what the thing is really called - it is the part that you put a tow ball on and insert into the 2" reciever hitch...

Well on my cruiser (with spare in the stock location) the 2x2" insert is too long - it bangs against the tire before I can line up the holes for the locking pin.

Is this a common issue, or do I have a problem on my rig? Maybe an issue with the location of my spare?

The hitch seems to be a factory hitch. It is solidly mounted. I am using a Reese drop hitch that I have used for years on my other vehicles (with a change-a-ball - which is a cool product by the way).

At this point I am thinking i need to shorten the drop hitch, by cutting off the part that hits the tire. ???

Any thoughts?

Charlie

 

[cruiserdan]

The OEM hitch uses a specific draw bar that is supplied with the hitch. It does not protrude past the inside edge of the receiver tube. The part number is 00214-00913, the current suggested list price is $26.38. I do carry it in stock.

 

[wob]

At this point I am thinking i need to shorten the drop hitch, by cutting off the part that hits the tire. ???

Do that, or drill a new hole further out on the drop hitch.

 

[cruiserdan]

It would be easier to cut it off. Drilling a 5/8 hole thru two surfaces and getting everything to line up perfectly is a biatch. I would lower the tire a bit and slide the bar in and pin it. Then scribe around the back and pull it out. Cut it with a hack saw. Before you start grab a couple new blades.

 

[CharlieS]

Wow, you guys are fast and good!

I didn't get that part from the PO. Drat.

I'll cut this one off like you suggested, Dan. I don't have time to get one from you, so this'll have to suffice.

Thanks !!!

Charlie

 

[Brentbba]

Try droping your spare an inch or so and push it toward the front of the truck, then hoist back up in frontward position. Is your drop more than 8"? That's the most comon length.

 

[Dirk Diggler]

You could also take out your spare and put it in the rear cargo area ;p

Yes, I am guilty of doing that last fall.

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks, Dirk. Great idea, but it won't work on this trip. No room in the back to spare.

We'll have a vehicle full - one kid in a car seat, 2 labs (one is 60 lbs, the other is 90 lbs), all of the requisite clotehes and family crap for a weekend at the friend's house, plus a bunch of my fishing gear and my compound bow. Even with a roof mounted cargo box, it'll be tight.

For now, I'll just chop off the end of the hitch. Shouldn't be too bad. If it ends up being too much elbow grease, I may just use the sawzall.

Thanks!

Charlie

 

[TX_TLC]

I had to do this same thing as my po didn't give me the insert for the receiver either. Slide it in...marked the backside and took it to a metal shop and said...cut this on that line...he even ground the sharp edges off...and didn't charge me for the 3 min. of work.

If I were doing it by hand (hack or sawzall) for safety reasons I would clamp it in a vise to make sure it doesn't go anywere on you.


Now where is that thread of the pictures of Butch's thumb vs. Sawzall......