lets talk about hitches....
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 936
Likes: 25
From: La Ronge Saskatchewan
lets talk about hitches....
I want to bolt a class 3 hitch to the rear frame but not sure how it will fit. The big brand names don't go back far enough for a part number.
A universal frame hitch will fit but i want it to tuck up tight and not hang down too low. Ideally it the reciever would be 1/2 inch below my license plate.
Anyone know of a part number or style that fits nice.
A universal frame hitch will fit but i want it to tuck up tight and not hang down too low. Ideally it the reciever would be 1/2 inch below my license plate.
Anyone know of a part number or style that fits nice.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: ELLICOTT CITY, MD. USA
I would try going to a place that installs them and see what might match up. I had a dump unit on my '88 and needed the hitch to go up where the spare tire was in order to clear the bed when it was up. The guy there worked with me to get the best location. They should know the dimensions of their hitches as they install them all the time.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks, AK
I've been thinking about the same thing. I would like to find one that allows me to keep the spare tire in the stock location. A receiver-type would be nice, but I would also consider a bumper-mount type if I have to. The trailer I want to pull is a light 2-place aluminum, with either a couple of snowmachines or ATV's as cargo.
Now, how do I get the trailer lights to work with my 6-volt set-up? I figure I'll probably just have to run without lights and hope Smokey doesn't see me.
Now, how do I get the trailer lights to work with my 6-volt set-up? I figure I'll probably just have to run without lights and hope Smokey doesn't see me.
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
Check out my gallery. The PO Did a hack job and installed a hitch welded INTO the frame.. Took off the bumper, welded the unit right in there.. existing bumper holes are now blocked by the hitch frame. Now I can't have a bumper. :P
Make sure you put that into your "What Not To Do" list.
Make sure you put that into your "What Not To Do" list.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by jeff5683
Check out my gallery. The PO Did a hack job and installed a hitch welded INTO the frame.. Took off the bumper, welded the unit right in there.. existing bumper holes are now blocked by the hitch frame. Now I can't have a bumper. :P
Make sure you put that into your "What Not To Do" list.
Make sure you put that into your "What Not To Do" list.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,910
Likes: 1,042
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
I'm doin like Tim.
my tank is behind the rear end... a mustang tank so I don't have a lot of room. I plan on fabbing up a mount.. I'm using a roll pan with frenched tag and will use a flip down/up tag mount. probably going to use 2 or 2.5" square tubing with 1/4" plate end pieces that will bolt to frame, hopefully using some of the existing bumper mount holes. A receiver tube will be made to center up behind the tag so it will be hidden when not towing...
I only plan on pulling a light weight Coke Box trailer...
probably less than 500 #s total when loaded. this isn't a hard build, you might consider taking a side grinder or cutoff wheel and removing the P.Os addition and starting from scratch... that way you can tuck it up under there nice and neat... at the very least but the universal and modify the mounts to shorten them to bring the pull bar up where you need it.
here's a pic of my plan
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/hitch.jpg
later
John
my tank is behind the rear end... a mustang tank so I don't have a lot of room. I plan on fabbing up a mount.. I'm using a roll pan with frenched tag and will use a flip down/up tag mount. probably going to use 2 or 2.5" square tubing with 1/4" plate end pieces that will bolt to frame, hopefully using some of the existing bumper mount holes. A receiver tube will be made to center up behind the tag so it will be hidden when not towing...
I only plan on pulling a light weight Coke Box trailer...
probably less than 500 #s total when loaded. this isn't a hard build, you might consider taking a side grinder or cutoff wheel and removing the P.Os addition and starting from scratch... that way you can tuck it up under there nice and neat... at the very least but the universal and modify the mounts to shorten them to bring the pull bar up where you need it.
here's a pic of my plan
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/hitch.jpg
later
John
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 388
Likes: 5
From: Florida
FatFenders, I thought of trying to do something like that. Hiding the hitch behind the tag. The Problem is the bumper mount holes.. I could try to figure something out... Maybe if I used a roll pan instead..
Not having a bumper is illegal in Florida, I've been breaking the law for months now
Not having a bumper is illegal in Florida, I've been breaking the law for months now
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,292
Likes: 876
From: Lititz PA
trailer hitch
For the 53-56 frames a Hidden Hitch # 82531 fits great with a little modification. I had to cut the welds on the frame mounts and slide them in to narrow it and reweld them. I think I cut 1 1/2" to 2" off the big square tube. The receiver ends up 1 1/2" past the rear bumper and 3/4" below the rear bumper. The hitch is almost hidden from view. Dennis
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 863
Likes: 2
From: Grain Valley Mo.
Dennis, we might be talking about the same hitch. My 2002 F150 came with a factory reciever hitch and under the bed spare. When I sold the truck I pulled the hitch. I slid it under the'53 and the width of the frames are exactly the same, but it hung down too low. I shortened each side enough to bring the reciever just under the bumper. You can't hardly see it. I have a side mount tank, so I don't know about a rear mount tank.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 97,442
Likes: 1,995
From: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Originally Posted by laynrubber
Anyone know of a part number or style that fits nice.
On my 56 the po had the right idea as he had bolted the hitch to the frame. It`s a shame, when I redo the truck I may not use it...It does provide some rear protection though.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
I will add that it's a good idea (when using the design like John's) that you cut a square hole in the end plate and let the tubing go INTO the plate then weld it on both the inside and outside of the plate. This puts all the load on the materials and not on the weld. Hope that makes sense, good luck to all
Last edited by fatfenders56; Apr 3, 2006 at 08:34 AM.