custom Hitch
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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custom Hitch
I have a 76 f-350 supercab with what appears to be a custom built class 3 or 4 hitch. The truck is a factory trailer special, the hitch is welded in to place and has approx. 3 in of drop built in to it. I am not sure if this is factory or custom. I have towed with it for 4 years now with out a problem, but my question is... Do I need to replace it with a new hitch made by a reputable coompany or is this one good. I have checked all the welds and they look great, no cracks or rusting. The original ownes told me it has been on there since new. I just want some opinions. thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
I concur, if it shows no signs of stress, and is doing just fine, don't bother with it, the damage would be showing by now. Being welded to the frame, it has already heated the frame, so any damages is already done. I wouldn't worry about it too much as it has been proven in service.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Thank for both of your advise. I'll think I'll keep it the way it is. I sometimes worry about the hitch just breaking off one day and the trailer going goodbye. But it has work since new with no problems. thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,129
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From: Twin Cities, MN
Another thing to consider is a bolt on hitch still has the welds on them too and they also could break. I just helped my dad bolt on a hitch on his '97 e350, it had 4 holes on each side and we used every one of them.
I work with a guy that many years back they had towed a car of equal weight well over 1000 miles with no problems. Shortly after a buddy of his was towing a small utility trailer and the hitch just fell off. (I do not know if it was a bolt on or weld on)
I have also seen welded on hitches on some buses. (school bus and shuttle bus)
I work with a guy that many years back they had towed a car of equal weight well over 1000 miles with no problems. Shortly after a buddy of his was towing a small utility trailer and the hitch just fell off. (I do not know if it was a bolt on or weld on)
I have also seen welded on hitches on some buses. (school bus and shuttle bus)
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Just as you should do with a hitch from a reputable company, inspect it regularly for cracks in the members or welds and check for loose hardware. I doubt if this hitch as not cracked by now that it will just "fall off" without giving some warning signs first.
