Trailer hitch

Im not an expert. So take it for what its worth. That hitch does not look like the beefy through the bumper units Mr. Merrell makes which are
bolted to the frame in several areas. Yours may be something similar, but Id find out how many different attachment points it has to the frame and
not the bumper. With it bolted to the bumper the way it is I would be concerned with tongue weight possibly bending the entire unit downward in a
panic stop. With the receiver itself being low to the ground you may need an extended raised hitch which would put some different stresses on things
like the bolts holding the receiver to the frame. An engineer would be able to elaborate more on that.

Sure the coach would pull 3000 pounds but how are the brakes on the coach, and does the trailer have brakes in good working order. Those are key
components.


--
77 Royale, Rear Dry Bath. 403, 3.55 Final Drive, Lenzi goodies, Patterson carb and dizzy.
Mid Michigan
 
I can't really see how it is connected further forward/frame side from the pics...
Towing a jet ski is one thing, towing a 3000 pound car is another.

One of my coaches has a huge collection of steel welded directly to the rear frame, with a ball on a plate extending under the bumper. I asked several
folks to look at it at Bean Station with a consensus there was lots of strength. Other coach has the typical through the bumper style that has
multiple frame connection points.

Another consideration for using what you have, I would not be able to get my coach in and out of my driveway with your current receiver hitch...add
weight to it and it may drag on more occasions.
--
1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
Raleigh, NC
 
I currently have a hitch that is much less in construction.

Towing is rated both by tongue weight, as well as towing weight.

I would have no issue hooking up 3000 pounds of towd car. Tow dolly.

But when it comes to a trailer, i would be looking more carfully as to the actual tongue weight of the trailer. The through bumper ones that our
venders produce has a cantilever design that allows higher tongue load for the trailer. You do not want to rely on the rear bumper to carry any
weight.
--
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
 
It looks like it can handle the PULLING . the Toung weight is an issue, but
if your going to pull a car, it should be good for 6,000 lbs.
We have two hitches, and I have towed the 4.000 lbs mini van over 100.000
miles with our light duty unit and when I slam on the brake the Towed brake
comes on strong and it still tolerates the stress as it is all horizontal.
Pulling a trailer is different as you need to deal with toung weight.
I use the Square receiver HD hitch only because the newer Tow Bars require
the square hitch.
Were an Authorize Blue Ox dealer so we get eddicated on these things .
Never Weld on thing as it is not always reliable. All the tow bar and base
plates are bolted on.

> I can't really see how it is connected further forward/frame side from the
> pics...
> Towing a jet ski is one thing, towing a 3000 pound car is another.
>
> One of my coaches has a huge collection of steel welded directly to the
> rear frame, with a ball on a plate extending under the bumper. I asked
> several
> folks to look at it at Bean Station with a consensus there was lots of
> strength. Other coach has the typical through the bumper style that has
> multiple frame connection points.
>
> Another consideration for using what you have, I would not be able to get
> my coach in and out of my driveway with your current receiver hitch...add
> weight to it and it may drag on more occasions.
> --
> 1975 Glenbrook, 1978 Royale rear bath
> Raleigh, NC
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Tom,

Executive summary: Go for it guy. But be thinking way ahead. (You should do that with anything anyway.)

Let's get to the mechanics of the situation.
A 3000# trailer should have a tongue weight of 300~400 Without seeing more of it, I would guess that it will do that safely. I have stood in
middle of my front bumper many times while cleaning the windshield, if it had any problem at that load, I would know.
What does worry me is the fasteners into the bottom of the bumper. The fact that the fabricator added those means that he was counting on the bumper
for some structure.

My engineering experience tells me that the bumper structure is probably good for the expected loads in a quiescent situation. It would easily be
good for a towed or a tow dolly.

Now let's get to the 3k# trailer.
Now you should have active ride height control....
Does the trailer have brakes? How the control is set can make a difference.
How high is the CG?
If it is an empty flat bed, or a small power boat no problem.
If it is a travel trailer or a keel boat (Soling, J-24), would think you are about at the limit because in a hard stop situation, the weight transfer
forward could be hard on that hitch. I doubt it would fail at those loads, but there might be permanent displacement.

That is my duly considered opinion. Based on years of building things and towing lots of heavy stuff.

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
Tom. The stock bump offers very little support. If weigh is applied at the center. The bumper bracket that attaches the two bumper halves together will sag at some point. Plus I'm not up on the bumper shocks used on earlier years. The hitch load should only be applied to the frame. The bumper could be used as just another contact point for the transfer of vibration maybe. From what I see. A tow bar or dolly is more to this hitch's work load. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
 
Is there or is there not more hitch material beyond what is visible ?

If there is a second bolting to the frame (2 more bolts connected to the
frame that we cannot see), tow anything. If what we see is the entire
system, you've only got a utility trailer hitch as there is no strength in
the bumper and the two bolt locations on the frame do not have the strength
for either tongue weight or the initial 'tug' to get 3000lbs moving.
Stopping will put more stress on the 2 bolts and eventually loosen them
until something tears out on the frame....

My unofficial thoughts only.

Mike in NM

https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon
Virus-free.
www.avast.com
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link


> Tom. The stock bump offers very little support. If weigh is applied at
> the center. The bumper bracket that attaches the two bumper halves together
> will sag at some point. Plus I'm not up on the bumper shocks used on
> earlier years. The hitch load should only be applied to the frame. The
> bumper could be used as just another contact point for the transfer of
> vibration maybe. From what I see. A tow bar or dolly is more to this
> hitch's work load. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
 
See; http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/730

>
>
> Is there or is there not more hitch material beyond what is visible ?
>
> If there is a second bolting to the frame (2 more bolts connected to the
> frame that we cannot see), tow anything. If what we see is the entire
> system, you've only got a utility trailer hitch as there is no strength in
> the bumper and the two bolt locations on the frame do not have the strength
> for either tongue weight or the initial 'tug' to get 3000lbs moving.
> Stopping will put more stress on the 2 bolts and eventually loosen them
> until something tears out on the frame....
>
 
Too answer the questions that have been posed.

What you see in the picture is all there is to the hitch. I stops at the plate you see in the picture.
That plate is bolted to the bottom of the rearmost cross member of the frame.

What started me wondering about this hitch was me wanting one of the aluminum rear bumper toolboxes Frank Jenkins makes.

https://sites.google.com/site/gmcfrank/toolboxes

I guess I will have to either fabricate something like this.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p64231-img-10671.html

Or drop the toolbox idea and go for the HD thru the bumper hitch.

--
Tom Lins
Elkton, FL
77 GM Rear Twin
 
William,
I have the Blain Merrill design through the bumper heavy duty hitch. I think everyone will agree that it is ideal for the GMC. Available through
Applied GMC. I carry a bike weighing a little over 400 lbs (KLR 650). I would highly recommend a Versa Haul Sport Bike Carrier, specifically the one
with a class three hitch on the end of it. I strongly recommend it as it is rated at 600 lbs, and the ramp assembly can be adjusted forward and
backwards as needed. This allows you to slide the ramp assembly forward to tuck the bike in closely to the rear of the coach, thus reducing the
leverage force that is placed on the hitch. The closer you can carry the weight to the hitch the better experience you will have. When my bike is
tied down it is no more than about a half an inch from the spare. Custom made is great but the Versa Haul is turn key and gives you the flexibility
to tuck the bike in really close to the spare or rear of the coach.

https://www.amazon.com/Versa-Haul-VH-SPORTRO-Sport-Carrier/dp/B000B8N3PU

--
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
 
> It looks like it can handle the PULLING . the Toung weight is an issue, but
> if your going to pull a car, it should be good for 6,000 lbs.
> We have two hitches, and I have towed the 4.000 lbs mini van over 100.000
> miles with our light duty unit and when I slam on the brake the Towed brake
> comes on strong and it still tolerates the stress as it is all horizontal.
> Pulling a trailer is different as you need to deal with toung weight.
> I use the Square receiver HD hitch only because the newer Tow Bars require
> the square hitch.
> Were an Authorize Blue Ox dealer so we get eddicated on these things .
> Never Weld on thing as it is not always reliable. All the tow bar and base
> plates are bolted on.
>
>
> --
> Jim Kanomata
> Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
> jimk
> http://www.appliedgmc.com
> 1-800-752-7502
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org

How far thru the bumper does the Thru the Bumper hitch you are selling extend?
I installed one on my last GMC but I do not remember how far past the bumper it extends.

What I am thinking is since I would have to move the bumper back 2 inches to put the toolbox from Frank
on, as long as the thru the bumper hitch extends more than 2 inches past the bumper it can be made to fit.
It would require cutting the bumper mounting flanges off and repositioning them to where the bumper ended up
but that is not that difficult.

Could someone with one of these measure how far sticks out past the bumper?

--
Tom Lins
Elkton, FL
77 GM Rear Twin
 
> Too answer the questions that have been posed.
>
> What you see in the picture is all there is to the hitch. I stops at the plate you see in the picture.
> That plate is bolted to the bottom of the rearmost cross member of the frame.
>
> What started me wondering about this hitch was me wanting one of the aluminum rear bumper toolboxes Frank Jenkins makes.
>
> https://sites.google.com/site/gmcfrank/toolboxes
>
> I guess I will have to either fabricate something like this.
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p64231-img-10671.html
>
> Or drop the toolbox idea and go for the HD thru the bumper hitch.

I am not sure what the problem is with the tool box and Blaine's through the bumper hitch. If the tool box sits on top of the bumper then probably
all you need is a longer receiver. Call Blaine and tell him what you need and he will probably make it for you. I know he as made some special ones
in the past for other people.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
> > Too answer the questions that have been posed.
> >
> > What you see in the picture is all there is to the hitch. I stops at the plate you see in the picture.
> > That plate is bolted to the bottom of the rearmost cross member of the frame.
> >
> > What started me wondering about this hitch was me wanting one of the aluminum rear bumper toolboxes Frank Jenkins makes.
> >
> > https://sites.google.com/site/gmcfrank/toolboxes
> >
> > I guess I will have to either fabricate something like this.
> >
> > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p64231-img-10671.html
> >
> > Or drop the toolbox idea and go for the HD thru the bumper hitch.
>
> I am not sure what the problem is with the tool box and Blaine's through the bumper hitch. If the tool box sits on top of the bumper then
> probably all you need is a longer receiver. Call Blaine and tell him what you need and he will probably make it for you. I know he as made some
> special ones in the past for other people.

I did not know that. I will have to give him a call.
Thank You Ken

--
Tom Lins
Elkton, FL
77 GM Rear Twin
 
I goes bck farr enough to attach to the main frame and the bck beam , so it
will take 1,000lbs and bend the main frame as the cross beams on the hitch
ties int it.
The HD hitch was developed by a person origioally in Utah and he quit
producing them so we started copying it as it was the best deign .

> > > Too answer the questions that have been posed.
> > >
> > > What you see in the picture is all there is to the hitch. I stops at
> the plate you see in the picture.
> > > That plate is bolted to the bottom of the rearmost cross member of the
> frame.
> > >
> > > What started me wondering about this hitch was me wanting one of the
> aluminum rear bumper toolboxes Frank Jenkins makes.
> > >
> > > https://sites.google.com/site/gmcfrank/toolboxes
> > >
> > > I guess I will have to either fabricate something like this.
> > >
> > > http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/misc/p64231-img-10671.html
> > >
> > > Or drop the toolbox idea and go for the HD thru the bumper hitch.
> >
> > I am not sure what the problem is with the tool box and Blaine's through
> the bumper hitch. If the tool box sits on top of the bumper then
> > probably all you need is a longer receiver. Call Blaine and tell him
> what you need and he will probably make it for you. I know he as made some
> > special ones in the past for other people.
>
>
>
> I did not know that. I will have to give him a call.
> Thank You Ken
>
> --
> Tom Lins
> Elkton, FL
> 77 GM Rear Twin
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
 
Matt -

Does 'permanent Displacement' equate out to I bent it?

--johnny
--
76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
"I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
 
Jim

That is one 'mother' of a hitch isn't it....!!
http://www.appliedgmc.com/prod.itml/icOid/730

Mike in NM

https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=icon
Virus-free.
www.avast.com
https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=webmail&utm_term=link


On Sat, Jan 13, 2018 at 5:00 PM, Johnny Bridges via Gmclist <

> Matt -
>
> Does 'permanent Displacement' equate out to I bent it?
>
> --johnny
> --
> 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
> Braselton, Ga.
> "I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me
> in hell" - ol Andy, paraphrased
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Michael Beaton
1977 Kingsley 26-11
1977 Eleganza II 26-3
Antigonish, NS

Life is too short to hold a grudge; slash some tires and call it even !
 
> Matt -
>
> Does 'permanent Displacement' equate out to I bent it?
>
> --johnny

Johnny,

It almost does, but "bent" usually means someone cares, and in this case, he might not. It just won't be where it started.
Kind of like the leads on a DIP are "Positively Mis-Aligned".

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally
Applied GMC

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back