Hitch install on 27' toy hauler

[crocus]

Quad411, depending on just how much firewood you intend to carry, don't forget that any weight put on the back bumper of the camper decreases the hitch weight. Might not be a problem on yours, but is worth considering.

[TURBS]

Windrider and others.
A few charts.
http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm
State Towing Laws for RVs

Very helpful!

[LadyWindrider]

Good info, thanks.

[TURBS]

Glad I could contribute!
A lot of good info there.

[Top B]

Originally Posted by Quad411

I have a 2008 27 GTFW wolf pack. I was wondering if anyone out there has put a hitch on the back. If you have, did you find one that went right on, or did you have to have one fabricated?

I used this: Curt Manufacturing 19101 It mounts to the rear bumper. You will need to drill 2 holes through the bumper for the mount bolts. I also used sealant between the bumper and hitch to help against vibration corrosion and to keep it nice and snug. This will work for firewood and bikes, the bumper wont pull a trailer. If your set up is like mine, you wont be able to mount the hitch in the center because of the spare tire and protruding lowering device. It will be offset about a foot or so. Good luck!

[DonG]

I hope the Curt hitch people send along a warning that you can't actually use their hitch without reinforcing how the bumper is attached to the camper frame rails! Put any additional weight on the back "bumper", and it is definitely going to come off, and maybe injure an innocent third party.

[Top B]

Originally Posted by DonG

I hope the Curt hitch people send along a warning that you can't actually use their hitch without reinforcing how the bumper is attached to the camper frame rails! Put any additional weight on the back "bumper", and it is definitely going to come off, and maybe injure an innocent third party.

Like I said, it will hold a light load like bikes or firewood. I'm not adding hundreds of pounds to the bumper or towing with it. I put the bikes and bike rack on it and jumped on it and it didn't budge. BTW, I'm 6'3" and weigh 270 lbs, so I don't see the bumper falling off.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Top B

Like I said, it will hold a light load like bikes or firewood. I'm not adding hundreds of pounds to the bumper or towing with it. I put the bikes and bike rack on it and jumped on it and it didn't budge. BTW, I'm 6'3" and weigh 270 lbs, so I don't see the bumper falling off.

I wish you the best of luck with this hitch. Most will tell you you are making a big mistake, though. Bikes actually do the most damage due to the constant up and down motion as they go down the road. Over time that flexing will break the welds.

[Piston]

Thanks for the info. Top B. I ended up taking it to a local welding shop. He custom fabricated me a hitch that goes around the spare tire, and reinforces back a couple beams for $150.

[FreedomTracker]

I did the same as Piston (below) once to a 20 yr old popup with no problems. However, after reading all the posts against this, I hesitated with my new TT. Ended up putting bikes and firewood in the truck... another good excuse for a new truck.

IMHO, if I were to put a receiver on the back of a TT, it would ONLY be a custom built hitch from a welding shop with lots of experience with hitches and trailers... just my 2 cents.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

[rkswyo]

Weight is weight. It dosen't matter if it is a couple bikes or a box full of gear. The problem is the reciever cargo hitches are a fulcrum on the bumper of the trailer. I though about doing this when I first bought my trailer but have had second thoughts since then. I had a similar setup on an ATV and it caued too many issues. I am however quite certain that I could fabricate a carrier that would work. The frame would have to be reinforced, etc. Just not worth it in the long run and I would prefer to keep my frame warranty intact.

On another note. It is very common to see the "triple tows" here in my state of Wyoming. Personally I would not do it, but many do

[Top B]

Thanks for the input guys. The setup on my toy hauler is a little different that the picture. The bumper is about 2 x 8 and it is welded directly to the frame, while there are three other mounts where it is screwed to the bumper and the spare tire mechanism is attached to it. It's on pretty solidly. I will keep an eye on the welds and screws to let you know how they do.

[rkswyo]

That is a "typical" toy hauler bumper. Mine is very similar on my 19rr as well as my previous toy haulers. They are more substantial than a regular travel trailer bumper.