Towing Hitch

Old Apr 25, 2000 | 11:44 AM
  #1  
Vocaire's Avatar
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Post Towing Hitch

I was looking around online for hitches for my truck, and I saw this:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/productnoitem.jhtml?CATID=5248

I was wondering if anyone has one of these, pro/cons? It is cheap and I like that. If I was to ever put a trailer on my truck, I can't imagine I would go over the stated limits. If anyone has advice, please let me know. thanks.

Also, how long of a drop would I have to get for a my 4x2 at stock height?

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2000 F150 Black XLT "Sport", SC, SB, 4.2L, 5 Speed, 3.55LS, factory soft tonneau, keyless entry, factory fog lights
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[This message has been edited by Vocaire (edited 04-25-2000).]
 
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Old Apr 25, 2000 | 03:21 PM
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Thanks Raoul, your point is well taken, and, that toy truck belongs to me . The reason I was looking at it though, was because what I will haul will be either an open trailer with a motorcycle, or a small pop-up camper. Nothing that would stress a steal bumper at all.

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2000 F150 Black XLT "Sport", SC, SB, 4.2L, 5 Speed, 3.55LS, factory soft tonneau, keyless entry, factory fog lights
Mods - JVC CD Player w/ Infinity and JBL Speakers, Permatech Spray in Bedliner
Coming Soon - Leveling Kit, Step Bars, Bug Guard, K&N, etc, etc...


 
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Old Apr 25, 2000 | 04:59 PM
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From: the moral high ground
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Well, in that case the hitch you are looking at will be just what you need. It will save you some bucks and get the tongue down from bumper height, which is probably the most important thing on a small lightweight trailer.

I have rented some pop-ups and like I said a 2-inch drop draw bar worked great.

(I re-read my other post and I sounded kind of pompous. Thanks for not putting me in my place.)
 
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Old Apr 25, 2000 | 05:01 PM
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Vocaire,

Get a frame mounted hitch.

Yesterday, in Houston, a trailer seperated from the tow vehicle and jumped the divider and smashed through the windshield of an SUV that was travellig the opposite direction. The driver of the SUV didn't have a chance. Hopefully he didnt feel much.

I dont think the rig seperated because it was a bumber hitch rather than a frame hitch, it's just that the guy doing the towing that lost the rig has got to feel real bad.

Don't take any chances.

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Old Apr 25, 2000 | 05:50 PM
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I just got a Valley frame mounted hitch for my truck (Free). I don't tow anything but the class III hitch is great for recovering purposes if you get stuck off-road!

If you have any doubts about that product than the extra bucks will be worth the peace of mind

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Old Apr 26, 2000 | 12:42 AM
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From: the moral high ground
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Advice eh? I guess I'll have to add hitchs to my list of life's lessons. I've learned the hard way not to buy cheap house paint or cheap razor blades. When I'm towing, I got to worry about the extra length, cornering, backing up, crosswinds, braking distances, on and on. I don't need to be worrying about whether my rig is going to stay hooked together. I don't think that 50 or 60 dollars saved by not buying a frame mounted hitch is worth it. I rather worry about other things and know I've done all I can to be as safe as possible.

This hitch has one advantage over just putting a ball in the bumper. It allows you to drop the ball.
A two inch drop worked for all the trailers I've pulled with my 4x2.

If you still want this hitch try one more thing. Hold a toy truck with thumb and finger right where you'd mount this hitch on the bumper, shake it back and forth.
Now hold the truck underneath where a frame mounted hitch goes and shake it.
Feel any difference?

Now, give the truck back to your kid before someone see's you.
 
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