"Spring" Loaded Trailer Hitch

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Jan 16, 2008 | 07:27 PM

Nightrain

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From: Dixie - Tennessee

"Spring" Loaded Trailer Hitch

I bought a 1994 F250 Monday, and it has a "spring" loaded trailer hitch on the back.

It's a drop-step bumper with a tounge coming out just below the license plate. I think I've heard of these being called "cotton wagon" hitches in the past.

I'll try and get some pictures in the next couple of days and get them posted so ya'll can see what I'm talking about...

If anyone here does happen to know what I'm talking about, I have a few concerns about how much weight these units can handle... Any ideas?

Thanks for any insight!

Nightrain

Jan 16, 2008 | 07:36 PM

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

I would about bet it is an ag hitch, like maybe a DMI. I have one on my 86, and they are built to tow heavier than most receiver hitches, but I don't have any numbers for you at this point. The nice thing is that they move side to side most times, as well as out, so you don't have to be absolutely accurate in your positioning.
Check this to see if it is like what you have...http://www.rigidhitch.com/pages/pdfs/PAGE-197.pdf

Jan 16, 2008 | 11:29 PM

Nightrain

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From: Dixie - Tennessee

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellro86

The "QUIC-CUSH’N TOWING SYSTEM" that is pictured at the link you posted looks exactly like the one I have.

I wasn't sure on how sturdy they were or how much abuse they could take. I feel better now.

The hitch I have though, has two handles by the tounge. I assume one is to let the hitch itself in and out, but I don't know what the other one does. Any ideas?

Thanks for your reply!

Nightrain

Jan 17, 2008 | 12:54 AM

edgescreambeauty

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If you really do have that hitch, you'll break your frame in half before you hurt the hitch. Just look at the 1/2in steel plates that mount to your frame. Believe me, if you really do have that DMI, you have nothing to worry about. Plus I do believe there is supposed to be a sticker somewhere on the bumper that says it exceeds the weight ratings of one-ton trucks.(possibly higher-not sure)

Jan 17, 2008 | 06:38 AM

fellro86

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From: Marengo, Iowa

The other lever should let it move side to side.

Jan 17, 2008 | 10:54 AM

jasoncar40

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From: Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellro86

The other lever should let it move side to side.

One problem that often occurs is that the levers become rusted and don't function properly.

Jan 17, 2008 | 12:41 PM

Nightrain

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From: Dixie - Tennessee

Thanks for the replies, ya'll.

I wasn't sure just how sturdy these units were, but I feel better now!

The heaviest that I tow with a bumper-pulled trailer is about 6-7k pounds (of course, not on a standard factory bumper, though!). I usually watch my tounge weight closely, as long as the situation allows me.

This hitch and bumper on my truck looks as if it was spray-can primered before it was traded in. I'm going to closely examine it tomorrow and just see what kind of shape it's in. I've never towed with one of these, but I'll bet that it's alot more comfy that just a standard "rigid" hitch.

Thanks again for the replies!

Nightrain