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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 09:49 PM
  #1  
matt_97xl's Avatar
matt_97xl
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From: windsor ont canada
Stupid question

I'm about to remove the trailer hitch to clean up some rust. Does it add to the rigidity of the frame? That’s a serious chunk of steel and seems to tie the frame rails together at the end I'm taking a trip out to the Canadian bush with this 2X4 with a load near capacity in the bed. I won't get the hitch back on in time and now I wonder if I should leave it on until I get back.
 
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Old Jun 28, 2004 | 10:45 PM
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axe
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From: MB Canada
Are you talking about an after market hitch that bolts to the frame? If so, then I would not worry about it, as the function of that unit is not to support the frame anyway. Its purpose is to fasten your trailer to your truck frame in a secure way and has no bearing on the load you can carry.

I have an after market hitch that bolts to the frame rails at the back of the truck...and I am assuming you have the same thing I do. If that is the case, no worries...your truck will carry up to its load rating with the hitch on or off.
 
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 04:31 AM
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mrwhitefolx
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From: Orange Park, FL
as axe has already said the purpose of a trailer hitch isnt to add rigidity to your frame its to allow you to tow trailers and what not but any time you put a piece of steel between the frame rails it will add some rigidity to your frame but i wouldnt worry about it for carrying something in the bed as long as you dont go way over the max load for your truck you should be just fine
 
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Old Jun 29, 2004 | 06:19 PM
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matt_97xl
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From: windsor ont canada
Ok just got it off and found it's a Draw Tite hitch with a 10,000# rating and feels like it weighs 60#.I did't know if it was factory and part of the frame.Thanks again for the replies.
 
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