Still trying to connect Toad

One thing as you noted the torque load on the receiver will be GREAT. so the question is how much is the hitch rated for... Figure with an 8" drop.. half that at the most.. I'm did not get far enough along in my Engineering studies to say more.

I towed a 4,000 pound with a 4" drop and tore the 5,000 pound hitch right off the rig.. The weld shop that re-bulit it re BUILT!!!!! it.. I have had no problems since.

Just some quick back of envelope math says I'd have to raise the front wheels over 10" before it would be an issue. I think I would avoid that gas station. Not arguing, but if this math works out, I'm not going to worry about it. Don't need my chain.

3 dog nights wrote:
Thinking of attaching a piece of chain or something, paint it a bright color, then letting it hang just below the drop hitch. Maybe an inch or two. If I'm going to drag, the chain would be playing out before the hitch touches. I would see this in the rear monitor. Still a thought in process, so bear with me.

OK, lets assume that you see in your monitor that the chain indicates that you are going to drag....WHAT THEN?????
I doubt if you will be able to back up with your toad to avoid an area where you might drag. Do you disconnect the toad and remove the drop hitch so that your coach can pass over the area without dragging?
After that, do you then pull the coach over, drive the toad up to the coach, reinstall the drop hitch, reconnect everything, and then continue your journey, 30 minutes or so later and with a few people in line behind you?

I had to use a 6" dropdown in my old setup also. The dropdown was about $90, and was very strongly built, just like the actual hitch on the RV.
It's the choice between dropdown and uneven tow bar. No question which is more important.

Thinking of attaching a piece of chain or something, paint it a bright color, then letting it hang just below the drop hitch. Maybe an inch or two. If I'm going to drag, the chain would be playing out before the hitch touches. I would see this in the rear monitor. Still a thought in process, so bear with me.

Consider if the drop hitch will cause you to drag. The 4 inch drop we are required to use on our 30 ft. Class C to tow a Focus drags easily enough that I always have to watch drives into gas stations, etc.

Thats why my hitch is 4in up and 4in down of center, 8 in drop hitch, and i only gas up at Costco gas stations,pleany of room,cheepest gas, and NO dips or curbs to go into. just my opinion.

Got it! It's a Jeep Wrangler. No Problem mon!

My tow bar manual

Inspect it often and don't go CHEAP. You get what you pay for. Stay away from Ebay and Chinese stuff...Dennis