I got that scale to and it works great

 

After a lot of consideration the one fear I can't work through is the hitch receiver. I spoke to Jayco today, they don't see how I can get the tongue under 1350#. I spoke to Eckhart in CA. They weld their receiver to the frame and claim it's much stronger than any bolted receiver. At the risk of asking the moronic question of the week, what if I took my class 4 factory receiver (rated for 1000 pounds w/ WD) which is bolted on and actually welded it to the frame in addition to the bolts. Can anyone please tell me if this makes any sense or if I have gone off of the deep end and on my way to being nominated for a Darwin award?

 

Bigf,
I wouldn't weld the receiver to the truck frame. Welding if not done properly can create a heat effected zone in the area of the weld and could make things worse. If you think the bolted joint is the weak link then put in larger grade 8 bolts or additional bolts.

As a point of reference you will note that most structures (bridges/buildings) are bolted or riveted together.

 

The problem with trying to put large bolts on the X receiver is that you have to drop the fuel tank to replace those bolts...no other way of doing it. Believe me I've looked into it. If you're mechanically minded then you may not find that being to big of a task...for me, scares me sheeetless.

For me, I decided Eckharts was the only option for more tongue weight with my 2000 X. Yes, they do weld part of the receiver on...but I decided I was good with that. I asked Eckharts if they ever had someone come back with a failed hitch, I was told only when they were rear ended did they have any hitch come back for repairs. I took some faith in that answer.

I talked to the Shop Foreman for our local county, who said they still weld on a lot of the hitches they put on their trucks...I know they say you shouldn't do it, but lots of guys are still welding on frames.

The only issue I see with welding that stock X receiver, is if the receiver itself isn't up to the task with the tongue weight. Then you've got welds to remove to get that receiver off. The Eckharts receiver is much heavier, gussets, everything about it is beefier.

I'm from Canada, so how did I end up with the Eckharts receiver? You got to tell your wife that she needs a vacation in Palm Springs. Then you run over to Eckharts for the day to get the receiver put on...everyone is happy in the end, less the 3200 mile round trip it took us with 4 kids.

 

I also have the welded reciever by Eckharts. Love it, The guys there really know whaty there doing.. I have not had any issue with the hitch.

The welds are strong and did not do any damage...

 

We just bought an 04 Excursion V10 Eddie Bauer. I am assuming 6.8L. Love it. Thought we bought the right vehicle to accomodate the family nicely and pull this camper 2007 Fleetwood Wilderness - Travel Trailer | RVWeb.com the 39' model. Wrong. Contact our RV Dealer to see about putting on a Class V hitch and he tells us he cannot find any aftermarket hitches for Excursion and he has seen this problem before, recommends we contact Ford and does not recommend pulling with this vehicle. Contacted a trailer shop who we buy our plows from etc., can't do anything, don't recommend towing camper with this vehicle. We just

Now it is time to get creative. I read through this thread which is very helpful. But, I don't know how to do all this math. We just bought BFG E rated tire and springs/coils are the easy part.

If anyone has any time on their hands and wants to tell me what we need to do to put a Class V hitch with stabilizer bars on this vehicle and where to get it, I would greatly appreciate. I am the wife and my husband does not do forums. He already has some ideas but I want to go for the maximum safety and share any pertinent information with him to help.

 

I think we can help you there. But do yourself and us a favor, please. just copy your post from above and start a new thread for your problem. It creates less confusion with the previous topic and poster, and will be a new thread. This one is pretty much from the vault of old files.


Thanks and welcome to FTE.

See you on the new thread!!