Adding a rear hitch...

[nguyenbio]

I have a Grand Design 303rls towed by a 2015 F350 FX4 CCLB SRW. I am way under weight on all numbers and am wanting to add a rear hitch to the fiver to pull a utility trailer with my SXS on it. I will be under length and weight with double towing. I know the laws and regs since I am a LEO officer here.

My question is for those who have added the hitch. Experiences, problems, warning, successes, advice in terms of adding the hitch and towing concerns?

Thank you in advance for sharing!

[C_B_]

Tin Pusher wrote:
Hey folks, haven't posted in a long time. I'll do an update soon 🙂

nguyenbio, find yourself a good trailer (NOT RV) or weld shop, have a decent hitch built, enjoy your toys.

Like this:



I tow a Seadoo, my rig is in my sig 🙂

Tin Pusher's advice is so right on and valuable you could take it to a bank.


C.B.

[jalichty]

We have double-towed since 1993 when we put a hitch on our first FW and towed boats weighing anywhere from about 2,000 pounds on the trailer to 5,000 pounds on the trailer. Bought a new FW in 2012 and first thing I did was have a hitch fabricated for the rear of the FW so I could tow my Crestliner Super Hawk 1900. I would recommend you get a hitch put on that is fabricated and welded and not a bolt-on hitch. Might cost a bit more, but well worth the piece of mind. By the way, Jayco said that putting a hitch on my 2012 FW would void the warranty but due to the very professional job by the welder, there have been no frame problems. Just be careful and don't get into spots where you might have to back up, that would be a real bear of a problem, one we have been lucky enough to escape so far. If you get a fabricated, welded hitch, make sure the welder reinforces the frame from the rear toward the axle, ours reinforced the frame about six feet from the rear forward. Go for it, with the FW you have, there should be no frame problems with a hitch properly installed. I have some pictures of my installation, but have been unable to put them on this site. If you wish, send me a private message and I'll send them to you. However, we are leaving for three weeks tomorrow so, if you don't do it quickly, it will be a while.

[Tin_Pusher]

Hey folks, haven't posted in a long time. I'll do an update soon 🙂

nguyenbio, find yourself a good trailer (NOT RV) or weld shop, have a decent hitch built, enjoy your toys.

Like this:



I tow a Seadoo, my rig is in my sig 🙂

[nguyenbio]

I apologize for using the acronym LEO. Yes I am a law enforcement officer and know the laws and regulations. My question is about your personal experiences with towing doubles.

The warranty on my trailer has expired and I'm seriously thinking about adding the hitch. I would love to get a toyhauler but if I can avoid it, that would be great.

[Pipeman]

If and I say if your trailer is still under warranty, it may be voided if you have a hitch installed on the rear of it. Check it out. I was told by Forest River that my warranty would be voided if I installed a hitch. They told me my frame was cambered and a hitch would affect it. Also ditto what majorgator said. Maybe because he said he's a LEO threw them off. :):)

[majorgator]

Listening in because I have the same curiosity. Would like to haul a small golf cart and trailer.

I like how the OP informs us that he knows the regs, then the first 2 comments are suggesting that he get familiar with the regs. Gotta love this forum.

[laknox]

nguyenbio wrote:
I have a Grand Design 303rls towed by a 2015 F350 FX4 CCLB SRW. I am way under weight on all numbers and am wanting to add a rear hitch to the fiver to pull a utility trailer with my SXS on it. I will be under length and weight with double towing. I know the laws and regs since I am a LEO officer here.

My question is for those who have added the hitch. Experiences, problems, warning, successes, advice in terms of adding the hitch and towing concerns?

Thank you in advance for sharing!

For towing, even a light trailer, you really need to have a sub-frame built for the hitch to support both the tongue as well as the pull.

Lyle

[Bionic_Man]

I had a hitch custom fabricated on my 5er. Lighter trailers are fine but I am done towing my ski boat.

If you have much tongue weight it really degrades the ride in your tow vehicle.

[MFL]

My FW has a factory receiver hitch. It is only rated for 300#s hitch wt. It is a very solid hitch, using square tubing across to the frame. I am thinking the low rating, is due to not wanting any more weight hanging on the rear.

I have double towed with my last 2 FWs, with good results. It is a little more stress, that would get old, if you did it all the time.

Jerry

[csamayfield55x]

redacted

[TXiceman]

Look at your maximum length restrictions. Some states are 65' nose to tail, some are higher or lower.

Ken

[nguyenbio]

Let me add that we will be traveling to only western states that allow double towing like California.