Update with a Super Hitch and a Super Truss

Currently there is not a super truss designed specifically for the Magnum hitches 2.5" upper receiver. I think what Bedlam has requested is for TorkLift to make a ST with a 2.5" upper truss to fit directly into the Magnums upper receiver without needing the 2.5" to 2" adapter. This in theory would increase the rating, but I'll leave it to the engineers to give us the numbers.

Bedlam wrote:
You guys are focusing too narrowly on only towing with the SuperTruss Magnum. What about carrying:

1. Larger motorcycle on a carrier
2. Spare tire while towing
3. Auxiliary battery bank while towing (4x ExtendedPower)
4. Additional secured or open storage

This would be a product optimized for DRW vehicle use and require the SuperHitch Magnum to even fit the dual receivers.

Depending on demand, you can even cater to SRW's by using the SuperTruss as a platform for mounting a self-tracking tag axle.

Okay, I see what you're getting at now. Thise things don't really seem like they would weigh that much though. Let's just take a motorcycle. Say a BMW, and let's say it weighs 450lbs wet (I'm a Harley guy, but a Harley is around 8' long and although that may be okay sideways, I'm not sure I'd want my Road Glide on a hitch carrier). Theoretically, you're okay with that on the extension, no?

The extended power is mounted onto the truss, so being closer to the back of the truck than the end of the hitch, you're for sure using less leverage on that thing. Maybe I'm still not understanding it. I would still like to see the engineering behind it though. Probably be an interesting setup.

As far as my license, I've had it for five years now and when I took the test all that was available quickly was a B truck. So they downgraded my A permit and I have what I have. As far as work, it's very straightforward and if I stay doing what I'm doing I don't have a need for an A. The only reason I'm beginning to regret not waiting the truck situation out now and getting the A is to tow a fifth wheel maybe and then behind that. So it's not even a serious concern. Truck campers seem to be a better option for me anyway right now. I could get an A now, yes. But all the DMV process and having to take 10 tests again isn't worth it right now. Easy to say I can do it. But all the other stuff going on, added to time willing...

You guys are focusing too narrowly on only towing with the SuperTruss Magnum. What about carrying:

1. Larger motorcycle on a carrier
2. Spare tire while towing
3. Auxiliary battery bank while towing (4x ExtendedPower)
4. Additional secured or open storage

This would be a product optimized for DRW vehicle use and require the SuperHitch Magnum to even fit the dual receivers.

Depending on demand, you can even cater to SRW's by using the SuperTruss as a platform for mounting a self-tracking tag axle.

getpower1 wrote:
Wonder how that would work out, trying to keep a Commercial B, which I need for work, but also trying to get a non-commercial A.

Why not just get a commercial Class A? You're already in the Pull Notice program, already subject to random drug testing, etc. It's just a matter of finding a Class A truck to take the driving test in.

Buzzcut1 wrote:
just for clarification in CA if it is "Not for Hire" you need a non commercial Class A lic to tow a bumper pull trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 or over 15,001 for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. What it means is that you passed the same written and driving test for a class A but you don't need a medical certificate or need to keep a log book. Just and FYI a fellow horseman that I know was stopped pulling a 5 horse gooseneck that was over the 15,001 limit and did not have the non commercial Class A. He had to wait on the side of the road for a Class A driver to arrive (another friend) before the rig could proceed. The ticket and fine cost him over $7000.00 dollars for driving out of class. This was in the Grapevine area of I5 north of Los Angeles.

Thank you for the clarification. My license is commercial and it's only a B. Hindsight, should've gotten the A. Would've given me more options, even recreationally. Wonder how that would work out, trying to keep a Commercial B, which I need for work, but also trying to get a non-commercial A.

As for the fine, WOW!!! Never thought that driving out of class would cost that much. I've heard of people with no motorcycle license getting pulled over. Should be the same ticket. Out of class is out of class I would think. Wonder what else they tacked onto it.

just for clarification in CA if it is "Not for Hire" you need a non commercial Class A lic to tow a bumper pull trailer with a GVWR of 10,001 or over 15,001 for a fifth wheel or gooseneck. What it means is that you passed the same written and driving test for a class A but you don't need a medical certificate or need to keep a log book. Just and FYI a fellow horseman that I know was stopped pulling a 5 horse gooseneck that was over the 15,001 limit and did not have the non commercial Class A. He had to wait on the side of the road for a Class A driver to arrive (another friend) before the rig could proceed. The ticket and fine cost him over $7000.00 dollars for driving out of class. This was in the Grapevine area of I5 north of Los Angeles.

And let's not forget, even with a hitch that's rated for 17,000 lbs pull weight (in my case...96 F350), they tell you not to exceed factory ratings.

Bedlam wrote:
The Torklift receivers are very strong. The limitation on them is due to the current SuperTruss models more than the SuperHitch. I am trying to get Torklift to design the SuperTruss Magnum so I can carry more hitch weight than their current offerings. I'm sure there are others who would like a 48" extension with 750-1000 lbs dead weight capacity.

You've got me interested.

If I'm being honest, my first thoughts are heavier duty truck, or changing your layout...I.e. Fifth wheel, or gooseneck maybe.

For reference, those who haven't done the research, or aren't aware of the capacities


I could see a very slim market where people would be hauling more than let's say 12,000lbs from the ball. From a safety standpoint, you're probably better off going with a weight distributing and sway control setup. When you've got a 4500 or 5500 series truck like yourself, that could be different. I'm not sure if weight carrying would be a great idea for the normal user. Also, my dually is only 2wd. But let's say that a third lower bar on a super truss could add to the capacity...then the back of my truck wouldn't even make it out of the driveway without scraping, lol. As it is, I will have to haul the boat down the street to the shopping center then go down there with the camper and hook it all up to go anywhere.

I'd be interested in how they would engineer all of that. Maybe do away with the chains and turn bucked completely and do solid steel.

The other problem is that they aren't really rating trucks to tow a lot more than that from a hitch. Then you're talking about the GVWR of the trailer that you're towing. I know that in California, if your gvwr on the trailer is more than 10,000 lbs that you are supposed to have a Class A license. I have heard that it's different for a fifth wheel or gooseneck and you're good for 15,000lbs before needing a class a. Don't quote me on any of that, I could be wrong. I don't do a lot of research other than to confirm that what I am doing is legal. Now that I have read this over, it does seem like the 10,000lb number is a little low.

The Torklift receivers are very strong. The limitation on them is due to the current SuperTruss models more than the SuperHitch. I am trying to get Torklift to design the SuperTruss Magnum so I can carry more hitch weight than their current offerings. I'm sure there are others who would like a 48" extension with 750-1000 lbs dead weight capacity.

A big factor in hitch capacity is how the hitch is attached to the truck frame.

The welded hitch pictured on the truck looks like the side plates are short, but we can't see from the pic how many bolts are used to attach it to the frame.

The TL hitch has very large, long side plates that use 4 bolts per side to attach to the truck frame, this spreads the load out which is part of the reason for it's high rated capacity.

I have used the standard TL super hitch on my '06 F-450 with a 24" extension for 5 years and have been very happy with it. I just recently bought a 36" extension for use with my new camper.