I'd rather post this here, instead of the towing forum, so I'd appreciate if it doesn't get moved.

I've got an idea on how I'd like to set up a tow bar on my Bronco, but would like some feed back and ideas a better/easier/safer way if possible.
This is what it looks like.

Go to this link, and click on the attachment posted by IB Arian (might have to save it to view it).
Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums - View Single Post - STGs Minions general purpose thread Mk XI

This would be a frontal view of how I'd like to set up a tow bar:

I'm not sure if I'd want to bolt or weld this assembly to the frame....(would grade 8 bolts hold up fine..I'd think so..)

The two open rectangles at the top on opposite ends represent frame rails.

I'd put some square tubing (could be something else) between the front of the frame rails to make a crossmember.
Some more tubing to drop down vertically from the main horizontal crossmember between the rails, then joined by another horizontal piece at the bottom as you can see (making a U shape).

The tow bar has bolt on tabs, so I'd bolt or weld them onto the lower horizontal tubing.

The little squares below the main horizontal tubing are where I was thinking of setting something up similar to a truck reciever hitch (U shape would slide into 2 recievers off of the main horizonatl crossmember and be held in place by pins). The Lower U shaped part could be connected with hitch pins so after I get towed somewhere I can undo the pins and take off the whole drop down U assembly (except for the horizontal crossmember between the frame rails).




I was planning on some type of triangular support to prevent the assembly from moving back and forth when being pulled and stopped.
I was thinking of either one or two bars going back toward the frame by the top of coil springs (something like this \| ), but not sure how I could easily mount them? (for easy on, easy off; like I plan on doing with the U by using hitch pins). Got any ideas?


Overall, what do you guys think….

I’d mostly be used to pull the Bronco 15 miles or so at a time(with an occasional 50 mile trip), at max speeds of 55.
….beats having to put it on insurance and easier/cheaper than a trailer.

 

I'm slightly confused. The photo that Adrian put up, that U in front of the tow bar, is that like a drop bracket? never mind i see what you're doing. So the U mounts like a hitch, i get it thats pretty cool.

As for the triangulation, where would that be exactly? Does that attach to the U?

What are you using for the crossmember between the framerails?

If you like i can draw up a solid model when i get home?

 

just to make sure im reading this right. you want to drop the hitch level with the tow vehical then run a a frame style hitch like a normal tow bar and have it all disconnect by pins except for the cross bar on the frame??? i just dont want to give ya feedback and not know whatyour talkin about 100%

 

it looks like it already has hitch pins to detach from

 

I'm going to try and explain this (typing isn't the easiest way)...
Tony, sounds like you understand what I'm typing (sure could explain it better in person)


My bumper is to tall to mount the tow bar to, so I want to put an assembly inbetween the frame rails that will drop down (not exactly sure how much) to be basically the same height the hitch on a towing vehical (to have a level connection for the tow bar).

I want the main horizontal bar to stay between the frame rails, but I was thinking of setting something up with pins, so the U drop down part could just be removed...instead of hanging down, and getting hung up on something (and being ugly).


I know the tow bar can be removed from it's mounts, but I want to be able to remove what the tow bar mounts are on also (the drop down U).

 

thats what i thought you were talkin about matt. i understand 100%. now what i would do is build a frame simmilar to a snow plow mount with arms going back from the drop bar to give you more suport. either use pins or bolts to hold it all together on the bronco. then mount your tow bar just like you said. ill try and draw something up to show you what im talkin about.

 

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this is a very crude drawing but i think youll get the idea of what im talkin about. this is a side view.

 

Thanks for the help guys.

I was thinking of the same type of support arm, but I'm not sure how to mount it....

My mind come up blank for a removable support arm.....


Any ideas on how to mount the support arm with a 'quick disconnect'?

 

think of a spring hanger, weld it to the bottom of the frame. the weld a round tube to the end of the support arm. run a pin threw it and you have a removable arm with only the small bracket still on the truck.

 

Ok, I've got a couple ideas following that basic principle now.


Any suggestions on what material and size to use?
I was thinking it didn't need to be ultra beefy and weigh 100 lbs b/c it will only see static loads, not shock loads.

1.5" square tubing 1/4" thick?
1/2" grade 8 bolts?
Bolts or hitch pins for the quick disconnect parts?
I'll probably cut out and fab everything like I want, tack everything in place, then get someone else to weld it up...does it matter how it get's welded (would one pass work)?





Thanks again for the help.
If I can get some material together, I might be able to start everything this week end.

 

I'm working on a 3d drawing right now. I agree with tony on the arm thats what i'm drawing up right now. Its giving me a small problem with the arms though. I'm drawing it up with 2x4, with 2" reciever stock right now, mainly its just to visualize it, you can use that, it should work. I weld pretty much everything with one pass and i've never had anything break on me, just make sure you put a bevel so that you penetrate completely

 

something like this?

 

Dude, that actuality looks pretty bad A_ _, that aught hold up to more than just an occasional tow.

 

that looks like it would really work.