Hitch Extenders
I know this has been discussed more than once but search wasn't turning up results. We have a Ram 3500 with a 2-1/2 inch receiver. Our TC extends approximately 36" past the trucks receiver box. We ...
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Here is the finished hitch (minus some locking nuts for the turnbuckles) Looking into the hitch extension the loops on top of the bar are not intended for attachment points for safety chain (according to etrailer) They look stout but I decided to add safety chain in addition to the diagonal stabilizers. The bars rating by itself exceeds the weight of the Jeep so I'm sure the diagonals are not needed but I like the added stability.
In this shot you can also see the sway bar installed yesterday. These are a new product from Hellwig for Rams with the factory air bags. It was a little more involved than bars I have installed in the past. Pro Tip: remove spare first. That was my wife suggestion and a big doh moment for me. :h
I did need to cut the bar down and add a 4" drop for the alignment to the tow bar. I left the bar long enough to remove the drop hitch at a later date when the Jeep get a small lift and larger tires. Cutting down the bar it became obvious why it so dang heavy.
The baseplate has also been installed on the Jeep. We used the Blue Ox Brand. Install was easier than I expected but you do need to unbolt and remove the bumper and 2 holes needed to be drilled into the frame. The surge brake cable and emergency break away cable were also installed and run up into the brake pedal in the jeep.
For turn signals I installed the Blue Ox bulb and socket kit. This is a simple install, a hole is drilled into the back of the light housing and a bulb added that is signaled from the tow vehicle. There are other ways to go using diode kits and magnetic lights attached to the outside of the jeep but I liked the simplicity of this and the fact it is 100% isolated from the Jeeps wiring.
Here is the Ready Brute tow bar installed on the hitch
We are almost ready to get this out on the road. :E
In this shot you can also see the sway bar installed yesterday. These are a new product from Hellwig for Rams with the factory air bags. It was a little more involved than bars I have installed in the past. Pro Tip: remove spare first. That was my wife suggestion and a big doh moment for me. :h
I did need to cut the bar down and add a 4" drop for the alignment to the tow bar. I left the bar long enough to remove the drop hitch at a later date when the Jeep get a small lift and larger tires. Cutting down the bar it became obvious why it so dang heavy.
The baseplate has also been installed on the Jeep. We used the Blue Ox Brand. Install was easier than I expected but you do need to unbolt and remove the bumper and 2 holes needed to be drilled into the frame. The surge brake cable and emergency break away cable were also installed and run up into the brake pedal in the jeep.
For turn signals I installed the Blue Ox bulb and socket kit. This is a simple install, a hole is drilled into the back of the light housing and a bulb added that is signaled from the tow vehicle. There are other ways to go using diode kits and magnetic lights attached to the outside of the jeep but I liked the simplicity of this and the fact it is 100% isolated from the Jeeps wiring.
Here is the Ready Brute tow bar installed on the hitch
We are almost ready to get this out on the road. :E
