Just because you can...

[SteveSueMac]

DW has a great phrase: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

Extreme example for dramatic effect included in the pic.

I though we could have a topic on learnings from experience about ideas that seemed good at the time but in retrospect- not so much.

[SteveSueMac]

I'll start.

My truck has a 2.5" receiver and I had heard stories in the forums about troubles with reducer sleeves. So when I ordered my hitch I ordered a 2.5" bar. It weighs a ton and there's going to be a point where I'm either going to install a winch in the bed or drop to a 2" bar and use my reducer sleeve - if I can find it.

[SteveSueMac]

Speaking about hitch stuff - this whole rig is my first ever. So I didn't know anything going in to it. I also ordered 1000# bars - even though the manufacturer suggested 1400# bars.

The AS user manual is fuzzy at best (tongue can't be over 1000 or in any case more than the TV receiver specs...). So I assumed it would have to be under 1000# and besides, I read a lot in the forums about heavy bars beating the tar out of the trailer. So I went with the 1000#ers.

Had trouble moving enough weight to the steer axle until I had the 1400# bars installed - though, there were apparently many installation problems with my hitch (from original dealer) that Colonial ultimately corrected so that may have been the root cause...

[ROBERT CROSS]

.....what axle ratings?

Bob

[Gerrie]

I like this idea, I prefer to learn from others' mistakes than to learn the hard way-hubby, not so much, LOL.

[SteveSueMac]

At my company, it's referred to as learning from the school of hard knocks, on someone else's tuition. 😀

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

DW has a great phrase: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should."

Extreme example for dramatic effect included in the pic.

I though we could have a topic on learnings from experience about ideas that seemed good at the time but in retrospect- not so much.

Attachment 267602

One of the car magazines I used to get had a monthly pic like this on the back page(s) of loading oddities. I think it was Motor Trend or Autoweek, but not sure.

Cheers!
Tom
///////

[Tom_T]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

.....what axle ratings?

Bob

Bob,

That's more a perfect example of why you should check your lug nuts/bolts torque every so often or so many miles - on both TV+Trailer & cars/trucks/SUVs.

He's just driving along not towing/towed, as the wheel rolls away.

Cheers!
Tom
///////

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by Gerrie

I like this idea, I prefer to learn from others' mistakes than to learn the hard way-hubby, not so much, LOL.

Where is the fun in simply copying or mimicking some other guys hard earned lessons ?
The real fun is in stumbling along until you get that Eureka moment.

[dkottum]

I think the axle is still there, coming out though. Not sure how this relates to axle rating, he's all that's in there. My buddy had a '57 Chev that liked to do that until he found enough money to get it fixed.

[fwjumper]

Hi SteveSueMac,
What kind of truck do you have?

[SilverSinbad]

OK, so whats the problem with the sleeve? I have a chevy with a 2 1/2 inch receiver and have not had any issues.....
Thanks

[Silver Hawk]

Yeah - he didn't compensate for the eight of the outboard motor on the back - needs to shove it to port about a foot - that should level it out and make it safer going around curves!

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by fwjumper

Hi SteveSueMac,
What kind of truck do you have?

Chevy 2500 Silverado diesel LTZ.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by SilverSinbad

OK, so whats the problem with the sleeve? I have a chevy with a 2 1/2 inch receiver and have not had any issues.....

Thanks

See? You've already learned from my mistake. The value of this thread just rose exponentially. 😀

[Elbo]

Are you serious? A 2 1/2 hitch weighs a "Ton". That's #2000 lbs. extra right off the bat. Could be your problem. To much weight.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Elbo

Are you serious? A 2 1/2 hitch weighs a "Ton". That's #2000 lbs. extra right off the bat. Could be your problem. To much weight.

Well, too much weight has been a problem for me, but let's keep to towing and other camping stuff here ... 😀

No, I'm not serious. The 2.5" drawbar weighs 55# I'm told by the manufacturer.

[Elbo]

I am so sorry, but you are the one who said your 2.500 hitch weights a "Ton" and I was taught in school a "Ton" is #2000 lbs.

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Well, too much weight has been a problem for me, but let's keep to towing and other camping stuff here ... 😀

No, I'm not serious. The 2.5" drawbar weighs 55# I'm told by the manufacturer.

Plus the weight of the ball mount and ball. Maybe another 15-20 pounds or so. 70-75 pound total. Not something I'd like to pick up and carry around a lot.

[rmkrum]

It's been said that do 25 reps a day for a few months, and it's no issue picking it up😀😀😀😀


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