Hitch receiver question
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
Hitch receiver question
Got a question about something, as it doesn't seem right.
My truck's got a hitch receiver on it, except the opening on the receiver tube is back about 4-5" behind the bumper itself. Every other truck I see has the hitch flush with the bumper. Why's mine like that?
My truck's got a hitch receiver on it, except the opening on the receiver tube is back about 4-5" behind the bumper itself. Every other truck I see has the hitch flush with the bumper. Why's mine like that?
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1
From: Living under the bosses d
Does it look like the bumper is original? Sometimes a guy will have a roll pan on the rig and that makes the hitch need to be further under the truck. If he wrecked it and the insurance didnt cover the roll pan.... he got a bumper... Just a thought
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
I'm suspecting an incorrect reciever install right off the bat!
Either it is the wrong one - or it is in the wrong place.
Reese is VERY specific as to what fits what. I wish it had a model number we could reference on it. If you can find any numbers on the reciever, post them here.
Here is a link to the reesehitches.com site. It has a "Hitch Finder" that is make, year, and model specific:
http://www.reese-hitches.com/
Either it is the wrong one - or it is in the wrong place.
Reese is VERY specific as to what fits what. I wish it had a model number we could reference on it. If you can find any numbers on the reciever, post them here.
Here is a link to the reesehitches.com site. It has a "Hitch Finder" that is make, year, and model specific:
http://www.reese-hitches.com/
Last edited by Greywolf; Jan 15, 2008 at 07:54 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,852
Likes: 1
From: Living under the bosses d
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Clarksburg WV
I'll have to look at it next time I'm home...hell, maybe it isn't the right receiver. I'll try to get a part number.
The guy that owned it said it originally had a receiver on it and somebody stole it, so he had that one put on. I dunno. It says it's a Class V hitch.
The guy that owned it said it originally had a receiver on it and somebody stole it, so he had that one put on. I dunno. It says it's a Class V hitch.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Its not that uncommon. My van has a factory installed reciever and a step bumper. They spec the same reciever for either bumper and the step bumper extends a few inches beyond the reciever.
I just bought a slightly longer ball mount. It works just fine.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
I just bought a slightly longer ball mount. It works just fine.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
The problem is that the hitch bar length acts as a lever on the reciever socket and mounting hardware. Add more length and the torsion on the reciever increases geometrically - welds are only so strong!
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Yeah, but the recievers are overbuilt and underrated. 4 or 5 inches of extra lenth isn't going to have much effect. My OE reciever with a slightly extended ball mount has over 200,000 miles pulling my trailer and its just fine.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 29,941
Likes: 46
From: Drummonds, TN USA
Keep an eye on the welds for cracking.
You want a reciever to come out far enough so a standard hitch will handle it.
You also want to know what that reciever itself is rated for.
If you have to modify anything - UPGRADE THE RECIEVER.
"Just getting by" destroys trailers and sometimes people.
You want a reciever to come out far enough so a standard hitch will handle it.
You also want to know what that reciever itself is rated for.
If you have to modify anything - UPGRADE THE RECIEVER.
"Just getting by" destroys trailers and sometimes people.
Last edited by Greywolf; Jan 16, 2008 at 08:27 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Hey, relax man... I haven't towed more than a half million miles in the last 20 years, with nothing more serious than a flat tire, for a reason. My rigs are thoroughly PM'ed on a regular basis.
Besides, hitch risers and drops apply the same additional torque to the reciever that an extension does. A 5 inch longer draw bar isn't a big deal unless you are already at or over gross.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
Besides, hitch risers and drops apply the same additional torque to the reciever that an extension does. A 5 inch longer draw bar isn't a big deal unless you are already at or over gross.
Steve
'95 Clubwagon XLT
