Tow Hitch March 14, 2018, 11:59:06 am I tow a 5,000 pound CRV when loaded with my 95TK.Blue Ox hardware and RVi2 braking system.My hitch has no bolts.I assume it's been modified by a previous owner.I had the hitch inspected and was assured it can handle the load.Just throwing this out there for those looking to tow.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #1 – March 14, 2018, 08:13:54 pm What are you carrying in your CRV that it weighs 5000 lb?Steve
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #2 – March 14, 2018, 09:50:32 pm Quote from: Steve - March 14, 2018, 08:13:54 pmWhat are you carrying in your CRV that it weighs 5000 lb?SteveOkay my bad. Curb weight is about 3,300. Loaded I'm guessing 4,000.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #3 – March 16, 2018, 12:50:22 pm For the limited photos you posted, the receiver attachment doesn't look adequate from what I see, the receiver appears to be held by short welds and a coupe pieces of angle iron. It should have a lot more reinforcement and welding. IMODid you have a shop inspect it that specializes in hitches?A better selection of photos would be helpful.Larry
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #4 – March 17, 2018, 11:33:06 am Quote from: Larry W - March 16, 2018, 12:50:22 pmFor the limited photos you posted, the receiver attachment doesn't look adequate from what I see, the receiver appears to be held by short welds and a coupe pieces of angle iron. It should have a lot more reinforcement and welding. IMODid you have a shop inspect it that specializes in hitches?A better selection of photos would be helpful.LarryI'll take some more pics.As I recall it was a shop that did specialize in hitches.We're in Prescott Arizona. I'd like to take it in somewhere but can't find any on Google.I will add that I've towed this setup over 20,000 miles with no issues but it won't hurt to get it reinspected.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #5 – March 17, 2018, 12:46:57 pm There are 5 to 6" welds to the 1/4" plate on either side.Also s better pic of the angle Iron.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #6 – March 17, 2018, 02:45:01 pm "For the limited photos you posted, the receiver attachment doesn't look adequate from what I see..."First, I am not an expert, but I have seen some good welds and some not so good welds, both acetylene and TIG. These appear to me to be 'tack' welds, and shoddily done at that, something I would not trust. I'd rather see a continuous bead the full length of each contact surface at the very least.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #7 – March 17, 2018, 03:18:50 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - March 17, 2018, 02:45:01 pm"For the limited photos you posted, the receiver attachment doesn't look adequate from what I see..."First, I am not an expert, but I have seen some good welds and some not so good welds, both acetylene and TIG. These appear to me to be 'tack' welds, and shoddily done at that, something I would not trust. I'd rather see a continuous bead the full length of each contact surface at the very least. We're heading to Flagstaff in a few days.I'll check in with a hitch place there.The hitch continues back to a tee where the welds are all continuous.
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #8 – March 17, 2018, 04:13:43 pm "The hitch continues back to a tee where the welds are all continuous."I don't have an issue with the construct, it's those welds that caught my attention. A proper weld should flow smoothly, like wavelets on a stream, not clumpy like the bubbles you get when you blow into a straw! 1 Likes
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #9 – March 17, 2018, 06:29:38 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - March 17, 2018, 04:13:43 pm"The hitch continues back to a tee where the welds are all continuous."I don't have an issue with the construct, it's those welds that caught my attention. A proper weld should flow smoothly, like wavelets on a stream, not clumpy like the bubbles you get when you blow into a straw! I have to agree, they are not good looking welds, some welds are sitting on top of the metal, an indication of poor penetration.The heavy rusting isn't encouraging either.Not saying it will fall apart but they are not professional grade welds, it's more like an amateur home job.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #10 – March 17, 2018, 09:57:12 pm As a former Navy welder and NDT (non-destructive testing) inspector, I have to agree with the others that this is not a great looking welding job. A proper stick weld bead should look more like this. This is using 7018 rod, which is commonly used.At a minimum, I would have all welds cleaned up with a wire brush and closely inspected. Better yet, you may want to have the welds cut out and redone by a good hitch shop that employs a good welder. 4 Likes
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #11 – March 17, 2018, 10:14:17 pm Thanks for all the advice.When I get to Flagstaff I'll hit up a welding shop to beef up the hitch. 1 Likes
Re: Tow Hitch Reply #12 – April 01, 2018, 11:06:43 am Update...Found a welder in Sedona, AZ. Ed's Welding and Fabrication Ed's Welding and Fabrication/ Metal Sales/Trailer Repair/Metal Art/Railing/Ga...We crawled under for an inspection of the hitch. He said while the stick welds "aren't pretty" they are sound with good penetration. He mentioned the overall hitch structure was more than adequate for my towing. He said it's a bit "overbuilt" in fact.Ed has 40 years experience and modifies many tow hitches per year.I feel better now. 5 Likes
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