A-Frame hitch replacement ... any pics?

[leefields]

i have a welder that is considering the replacement hitch on my trailer...it is too short for my TV....i need to cut off the ...a frame....and replace so as to come out a couple more feet so i can get swing room and turning radius without cutting into the front from too tight a turn..

any pics that you know off or links to we i can see what others have done...

thanks

lee

[kenny2]

I'm not an engineer but I think this could cause serious stability issues while towing. I would also think your trailer resale price would be compromised a bunch.

IMHO, avoid the tight turns. A big rig driver makes wide turns.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by leefields

i have a welder that is considering the replacement hitch on my trailer...it is too short for my TV....i need to cut off the ...a frame....and replace so as to come out a couple more feet so i can get swing room and turning radius without cutting into the front from too tight a turn..

any pics that you know off or links to we i can see what others have done...

thanks

lee

You will increase the tongue weight with your proposal.

The longer the A-frame, the more it will flex, transfering more road shock to the trailer. Not good.

Andy

[leefields]

in question is my 1947 Spartan Manor...the a-frame on this is about 2 foot...and not nearly long enough for my TV...i only have 1 truck and it is a f350 SD with a 9 ft Knaphiede flatbed that has REAL sharp corners....i am not really worried about resale price...just want it to be safer to tow with...

[leefields]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

You will increase the tongue weight with your proposal.

The longer the A-frame, the more it will flex, transfering more road shock to the trailer. Not good.

Andy

thanks andy...what options do you suggest...i dont want to bite the corners each time i turn....i did buy a 24 inch REESE extension....that seems to work but i am always worried about the weight at the end...the extension is rated at 6500/650 WD...this puts the trailer 2 foot further back of the truck...maybe this is my safest...


Andy...also you are working with Greg Williams out of Classic Coach in Lakeland Florida on a restoraton/useability trailer...he says you have been a great help in finding the needed parts...so kudos for that...

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by leefields

thanks andy...what options do you suggest...i dont want to bite the corners each time i turn....i did buy a 24 inch REESE extension....that seems to work but i am always worried about the weight at the end...the extension is rated at 6500/650 WD...this puts the trailer 2 foot further back of the truck...maybe this is my safest...


Andy...also you are working with Greg Williams out of Classic Coach in Lakeland Florida on a restoraton/useability trailer...he says you have been a great help in finding the needed parts...so kudos for that...

Using the extended hitch bar, in your case, is a safer thing to do.

You should also use a torsion type sway control.

Andy

[Mexray]

I changed the original coupler on our AS's A-frame to a new QuickBite coupler...

The Quickbite has a somewhat longer 'neck' that will give you a few inches...and you can no doubt modify the length to your needs, as well, with the proper modifications...

BTW...Now that I've had the Quickbite for some time, it's proven to be an asset...easy to hook and unhook, and positively secure in use!

[Kevin245]

Originally Posted by leefields

in question is my 1947 Spartan Manor...the a-frame on this is about 2 foot...and not nearly long enough for my TV...i only have 1 truck and it is a f350 SD with a 9 ft Knaphiede flatbed that has REAL sharp corners....i am not really worried about resale price...just want it to be safer to tow with...

Hey leefields,

I seem to recall that the Spartan Manors have some weak A-Frame tendencies (age related), so replacement may be a good idea. Just be careful when considering any geometry changes though.

Regards,

Kevin