Berk Hitch height

KennyGolub · 04-13-2016, 12:39 PM

I know this isn't the towing section, but it is specific to the Berkshire.

I just measured the center of the hitch receiver after the air bags filled and it measured 16.75 inches. The pins on my toad, measure 22 and 1/8 inches. So I need a 4 inch riser. The problem I am running into is the measurement from the pin hole on the receiver to the back of the coach (in order to clear it) is 7.5 inches.

Has anyone else solved this problem with their Berk ?

Thanks,
Ken

fredhardy · 04-13-2016, 01:20 PM

Ken - I'm working this exact issue on my 390-BH right now.
Ground to centerline hitch = 16 1/2 " (aired up)
Ground to TV connecting pins = 24 1/2 "
Solution = 8" riser
Biggest question I have is how long must the shaft of the riser be to clear the tail of the MH.
Receiver on MH length = 8"
Length of MH overhang = 6"
Shaft length must be 15" (min) to clear the tail end
Working to verify all this today and will post answers.
With my Roadmaster Sterling All Terrain tow bar, I have a +/- 3" to work with to stay within operating limitations.

Regards,
Fred

KennyGolub · 04-13-2016, 01:37 PM

It's the measurement from the receiver pin hole to the angle on the riser. Mine is 7.5 inches.

CT Camper · 04-13-2016, 02:30 PM

I had this same issue two years ago. Ended up going to a RV fab shop with my blue ox riser and had a custom extension made. The finished product worked out perfect for my toad (total cost was about $250). I think total rise was 4" to be perfect for my Tow vehicle (Chevy Silverado).

mcomer · 04-13-2016, 03:16 PM

Etrailer a has an extra long receiver that I got and woks perfect. I was concerned about how much was sticking out and flex of the hitch itself, so I took the hitch off and welded a square tube from receiver up to another crossmember at the back end of the hitch. It made the hitch way stronger.

Mike

KennyGolub · 04-13-2016, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcomer

Etrailer a has an extra long receiver that I got and woks perfect. I was concerned about how much was sticking out and flex of the hitch itself, so I took the hitch off and welded a square tube from receiver up to another crossmember at the back end of the hitch. It made the hitch way stronger.

Mike

Can you give us the part number or brand of that hitch?

KennyGolub · 04-13-2016, 08:33 PM

Now I'm thinking maybe an extension and then the rise.

silver · 04-13-2016, 09:43 PM

I got an extension from Rtrailer and have been using it for eight years with no problems.

mikeborny · 04-14-2016, 07:21 AM

I have the same numbers for my 390bh as Fred. I was looking at getting the Road Master 8" rise adapter part number RM-048-8.
It shows a 7.25" distance from center of hitch pin hole to back of receiver tube.

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

mikeborny · 04-14-2016, 07:29 AM

I am also looking at the RM-048-6 which is a 6" rise, but has 9-1/2" clearance from center of hitch pin hole to back of receiver tube. Would bot be level, but within the 3" limit.

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

KennyGolub · 04-14-2016, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeborny

I am also looking at the RM-048-6 which is a 6" rise, but has 9-1/2" clearance from center of hitch pin hole to back of receiver tube. Would bot be level, but within the 3" limit.

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

The 3 7/8" measurement on the RM-048-6 is where I need 7.5 inches.

mcomer · 04-14-2016, 08:21 AM

The receiver is a Hidden Hitch 80232. 15 3/4 cl pin to ball, 11 1/4 cl pin to the plate for the ball. I actually welded a 2 x 4 piece of 1/4 wall tube and a receiver tube on top for a bike rack. I'll try to post pics.

Mike.

mikeborny · 04-14-2016, 03:40 PM

Just checked with blue ox and they said their BX88131 with an 8" rise would clear the 7.5" needed to clear the bumper. It is only rated at 5000 lbs. which is what the 390bh-40 hitch is rated for anyway.

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

KennyGolub · 04-15-2016, 12:34 PM

Here is the only one I could find. Ordered it today:

2" Drop Extended Length Receiver - By N.S.A | HitchSource.com

fredhardy · 04-15-2016, 05:08 PM

After looking at every option out there and working with my local dealer, I still can't get the shank length long enough to clear the back of my 390BH-60. So I have an appointment at Arizona Hitchman tomorrow to fabricate a riser hitch. $175 sounded pretty good. Pictures to follow.

KennyGolub · 04-15-2016, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredhardy

After looking at every option out there and working with my local dealer, I still can't get the shank length long enough to clear the back of my 390BH-60. So I have an appointment at Arizona Hitchman tomorrow to fabricate a riser hitch. $175 sounded pretty good. Pictures to follow.

Did you look at the link I sent above?

fredhardy · 04-15-2016, 06:25 PM

Ken - I need ~13" from the pin hole to the edge of the bumper. The one in your link would too short. Thanks anyways.

Fred

AREA51 · 04-18-2016, 08:12 AM

I have been about 4.5 inches out of line for years but my dealer said 5 inches is acceptable and I think he is right. I did try extenders and risers but do not like to deal with the added length. When I had the tow-bar rebuilt by Demco they put on a new piece that I had to have modified (1/2 inch) cut off for the pin hole to line up.

GOOD LUCK
AREA51

KennyGolub · 04-20-2016, 12:21 PM

Just as an fyi:

the NSA extended rise was about an inch too short. Unfortunately, I will return it and try to figure out how to tow the toad.....

KennyGolub · 04-22-2016, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeborny

Just checked with blue ox and they said their BX88131 with an 8" rise would clear the 7.5" needed to clear the bumper. It is only rated at 5000 lbs. which is what the 390bh-40 hitch is rated for anyway.

Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
2014 berkshire 390bh-40

Did you get this one ?

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