Adding a Hitch To The Trailer
Hey Guys newbie here, hope I found the right forum for my question. I've just put down a deposit on a 2018 Tracer 24DBS http://primetimerv.com/product-details.aspx?LineID=475&Image=24433&ModelI...
Forum Discussion
Well Sir,
I'm by far, no expert on those type of trailers but, of the ones I have sort of, "inspected" or, maybe looked under, the frames are not very strong. Yes, they're designed to do what's needed to support the load placed on them from the factory but, not much more than that. Let's just say the two dirt bikes are right at 500#. Then, the hitch, and any possible additional supports, are say, about 75#.
Now, while the hitch is bolted or, welded to the original frame, the load on that hitch, is out considerably farther. So, there's a cantilever effect here. And since that frame is not all that stout in the first place, the potential for bending that frame and or, doing what's called "collateral" damage is highly possible too. Collateral damage being something like, damaging some floors, cabinet fitting, and things like that.
Cantilevering leverage is a lot more of an issue that one realizes. It's quite OK if the original frame is stout enough to handle additional forces. But, if it's not, then it will bend and, when that happens, things attached to it, on the top of it, will be affected too.
So, I'm kinda like you, I like to think outside the box and challenge certain situations. But, this one, if I were you, I'd do some serious thinking and or, if there's a way to beef that frame of that trailer up, PRIOR to adding the hitch, I'd seriously consider it.
Scott
I'm by far, no expert on those type of trailers but, of the ones I have sort of, "inspected" or, maybe looked under, the frames are not very strong. Yes, they're designed to do what's needed to support the load placed on them from the factory but, not much more than that. Let's just say the two dirt bikes are right at 500#. Then, the hitch, and any possible additional supports, are say, about 75#.
Now, while the hitch is bolted or, welded to the original frame, the load on that hitch, is out considerably farther. So, there's a cantilever effect here. And since that frame is not all that stout in the first place, the potential for bending that frame and or, doing what's called "collateral" damage is highly possible too. Collateral damage being something like, damaging some floors, cabinet fitting, and things like that.
Cantilevering leverage is a lot more of an issue that one realizes. It's quite OK if the original frame is stout enough to handle additional forces. But, if it's not, then it will bend and, when that happens, things attached to it, on the top of it, will be affected too.
So, I'm kinda like you, I like to think outside the box and challenge certain situations. But, this one, if I were you, I'd do some serious thinking and or, if there's a way to beef that frame of that trailer up, PRIOR to adding the hitch, I'd seriously consider it.
Scott
