Hitch rating question

[RJ Howell]

I'm searching out 2" 'weld on' hitch tubes and found a couple I like. I see same size steel involved, yet ratings are 3K to 10K. I 'think' it has to do with they are bolt on's (that I would weld on) and dealing with the bolts and backer plate, not the actual tube...

Versus buying a 24ft tube and welding up plates/chain hooks, the pricing so far is fairly good. I also wish to use the hitch for my recovery wench (never could understand why so many mount them in front) and be able to use it front or rear. So a 12K on a 3K hitch won't cut it.. LOL

[saltydawg]

I would bet the tube could handle almost any realistic weight. Its the plates and attachment method that limits the rest in my mind. Like a 1/4 inch plate would be good to 4500, a 3/8 6k a half to 10k ( pulling numbers out of the air ). Now I dont think welding it on is the answer either, as bolts can be as strong as welding when done with proper fasteners and amount of fasteners. Welding only attaches the edges, where bolting is thru out the contact area, yes this could be done with plug welds thou.

I also think a lot of the limits of hitches has nothing to do with actual weight, its more momentum than weight. 6k pushing straight the tow vehicle is a lot easier than 6 k pushing sideways when in say a tight turn to the right or left as your braking. it will try to push the hitch sideways, and that could bend the plates. I used to have an old 19 foot trailer that weighed a ton, the hitch I had on my pathfinder was only a 3k. I never had a failure, never had an issue with straight line braking but even with trailer brakes I did jack knife one day on dirt when I hit the brakes in a turn.

[John61CT]

Keep in mind between the vehicle rating, the hitch, any add-on extender, etc

The smallest rating in the chain is the one that applies overall

[philpom]

I would not take 2 that "appear the same" and assume the difference is in the mounting. Grade of steel also matters, not just thickness or gauge.

[RJ Howell]

Thanks folks! Much as I thought. Just wanted to be confirmed... Doing a secondary and 3rd weld position to ensure it works! Hell, what's a bit more wire for safeties sake!

To John61CT, I asked 'Kindly' for you to ignore my posts and not respond. I do realize you are on several forums and can not keep up to all of us that do not wish to hear from someone with no practical experience (on any of the forums I see you on). Please, John, I'm trying very hard here to be kind and ask again.. STAY OFF MY THREADS!

[John61CT]

yah no way I can remember, but will do my best, take the thread out of my feed

[rjgimp]

Holy crap, John. Are you really that incredibly obtuse or have you pissed of so many people you truly can't recall who has requested no further contact?

Good God, man. Just leave the guy alone.

[MickinOz]

Careful chaps, my sense of community and well being among like minded individuals just took a step backwards

[rjgimp]

No worries, mate! I guess I can't speak for others, but I've got nothing more to contribute here.

[Ottsville]

Thanks folks! Much as I thought. Just wanted to be confirmed... Doing a secondary and 3rd weld position to ensure it works! Hell, what's a bit more wire for safeties sake!

To John61CT, I asked 'Kindly' for you to ignore my posts and not respond. I do realize you are on several forums and can not keep up to all of us that do not wish to hear from someone with no practical experience (on any of the forums I see you on). Please, John, I'm trying very hard here to be kind and ask again.. STAY OFF MY THREADS!

Oh good, it's not just me
Two things I wish this forum had:
a "like" button
and an "ignore" button

[tony.latham]

That low-ball rating is probably because they’ve seen a couple of my low-ball welds.



Tony

[Squigie]

Coupler/tube ratings are often based mostly on their length and suggested attachment method.


To ignore a member:
User Control Panel -> Friends and Foes -> Manage Foes -> Type name in box -> Click 'Submit'

[Ottsville]

Coupler/tube ratings are often based mostly on their length and suggested attachment method.


To ignore a member:
User Control Panel -> Friends and Foes -> Manage Foes -> Type name in box -> Click 'Submit'

[RJ Howell]

That low-ball rating is probably because they’ve seen a couple of my low-ball welds.



Tony

LOL! Mine as well! Ugly, yet hold like heck! My welds that is...

[RJ Howell]

Bought my hitch tube and bought twice as long as I required on the truck rear, so I can add one to the truck front. No, not so I can tow it, yet for the wench coming up as the future add. I want to be able to move the wench from the front of the truck, to the rear of the truck or to the rear of my future trailer (never mind using it on my other vehicle).

Rear mounting worked out very well. Basic sit-on weld to the existing cross member and I added a back tube (2 x 3 I have around) for even more stability. I just made up a step setup to enter my rig that goes in the 'new' hitch and see I have a couple details to work out.

Now... this collar that's on the hitch tube. You person referred to it as a re-enforcement collar.. hmm.. re-enforcing what?? I see it as esthetics' not any real sort of structural enforcement.. Yet do correct me if wrong! I figure to just do a bead or three around the other piece and make it look right.