5 years ago I had a rear trailer hitch added to 5th wheel to carry bikes, didn't plan a towing a trailer behind but now would like to have the option. Once I get into SD I'm going to stop by a welding/ fabrication shop to see if they can add 2 side supports to eliminate any possible side movements. I think with the 2 supports that are welded to the frame of the trailer and initial hitch is strong but needs side angular support and a safety hook attachment added.

Here are the bikes mounted.


Here is what it looks like from underneath.





Hooked up with no flex or drop after loading the x4. Measured before and after.


67' total length from rear trailer to front bumper of truck, for the states in the west that we travel I'll be good in except Arizona and Nebraska. I'm going to have run everything over a scale again to recheck weights but from old weights and guesstimate on the toy/ trailer the total weight should be near 27,000#. The GCWR for the '16' dually is 32,100#.

Side note about the rear stands in pics. I add those for longer stays they help with movements that can be felt during strong winds or walking in the trailer. They eliminate almost all movements felt.

 

I would start over, that's not a very good hitch. Didn't even capture the rear c channel. That hitch is welded to the face of the c channels only. I would make sure it captures the main frame members.

 

that is not a good hitch, poor design. as said. you need the support of the frame in addition to what you have there. Any proper hitch uses the frame, not the cross members. You could rip or bend those easily.

 

That is what I was thinking but did want opinions. I'm going to get with a fab shop and see what it will take to replace.

Safety first.

 

grind the welds and remove.

 

It definitely needs tied into the back. The length from the last weld to the ball, introduces a lot leverage that shouldn't be there.

 

A lot of force back there swinging around. As others have said needs to be removed and find a professional welder, and get his thoughts on what you intend.

 

I won't tow with it the way it is. I'll be getting with a fab/ welding shop.

 

I think its probably fixable, doesnt look like you have alot to work with as far as bracing up the back, a crossmember at the back would help with leverage but looks like you close to end of trailer frame.
on other cross members some 1/4 plate to catch the web of the c-channel that welds around the tube would give it alot more meat.
if you cant get another crossmember at the back, a gusset standing along the top of the tube going back to the crossmember webbing would help brace it.
I can picture it, but cant explain it very well.

 

My original thought was a brace from rear 5th wheel frame to the 1st 'c' channel, with angular supports coming out the the c channels. Sort of like this but theres was a little voice in my head saying it won't be strong enough. The toy/ trailer only weighs roughly 2,600#. I need to run it across the scale, I don't like working with guesstimate weights.

 

I doubt you're coming this far north, but Glenn's Welding in Bismarck does a ton of these for guys pulling boats behind their 5'rs.

I haven't done mine, but so far I'm not planning on pulling anything behind mine. Lots of guys do up here though. Pretty common to see them running the highways with them here.

 

Did you ever get the receiver hitch upgraded?

 

No, with work I've been too busy and when there's time off it's nice enjoying the peace of the boondocking. I'm going to wait till I'm back in AZ this winter if I get time.

I think the wife likes the new truck for pulling the toy. I had to replace the cold intercooler tube on the 6.7 and I said to her I'll fix your truck and she said you can fix your truck you broke I'll take the new one. Funny now because she always reminded me the the 6.7 dually was hers. 🤔