Homemade Dual Hitch
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4465
Printed Date: 14 May 2024 at 1:12pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Homemade Dual Hitch
Posted By: fwunder
Subject: Homemade Dual Hitch
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 9:04am
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Still waiting for the driveway glacier to melt. In the meantime I have an idea that might solve bike and/or spare tire storage. Why not turn the WDH into a dually? I wouldn't use a typical dual hitch receiver, but rather have welded a 1 1/14" receiver to the WDH as shown in the picture below. Could probably even bolt on something to the existing hole in top of WDH but would stress the receiver a bit more. Seems like a pretty cheap mod, would add only a modest weight to the receiver and would be a great place for the bike rack or spare, freeing up the rPod receiver for cargo carrier w/generator. Whattaya think?  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 9:54am
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That might work if there's room. That's essentially what the Swagman sleeve towing racks do. However, the idea of a generator on the RPOD receiver scares the heck out of me.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 10:46am
Yeah Charlie, room might be an issue. Also, I was just reading on my Reese WDH, "Do not cut, weld or modify". Not sure if the insurance man might have a problem if I needed him. Further reading does suggests the cargo carrier w/generator on back of Pod is not a good idea. The 4Runner has a frame member that runs inside the length of the plastic bumper and then forward. Lot's of potential attachment points for something. Just not sure what. There is about 21" clearance between bumper and tongue jack. My first thought was a narrow (17") cargo tray there for generator. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 11:29am
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Fred, Heating the hitch by welding where you indicate will weaken the metal, possibly inviting failure. That spot on the hitch has tremendous forces under load. You might end up with bigger problems than the insurance guy  .------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 11:37am
I didn't read your first response close enough. So, it looks like Swagman does make a mount that would probably work! http://www.prolineracks.com/Swagman-64600-towing-rack.html - http://www.prolineracks.com/Swagman-64600-towing-rack.html I just measured and there is 3" of 2x2 space for a sleeve over WDH. Wow, great idea! Thanks! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 11:49am
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As for the dual hitch, I think welding on the existing hitch is a bad idea. It's bound to do something to the integrity of the hitch and it probably won't improve it. If something goes wrong with the hitch I really like to preserve my ability to sue someone else. More, I'd rather not risk causing a problem in the first place. I think the pod hitch is supposed to be rated for 150 lbs, which is almost nothing. It might be okay for a small generator, probably would, but Forest River says to only have the spare or their recommended bike rack back there. The liability for having a generator back there is all yours if something goes wrong. Plus you can't see what's happening back there. I know this doesn't work for all vehicles, but I and at least one other podder I know of have receivers on the front bumper of our TVs. I added mine especially to carry a generator and gasoline. Works great for that purpose. I have used it for bikes too, although I ended up swapping the bikes to the back of the pod and put the pod spare on the front of the TV for the return trip, mostly just because the bikes caused some interference with the headlights. (I have the FR recommended bike rack.) That was for a trip to a campground with hookups so I didn't take the generator. A cargo carrier on the front means you can open the rear TV door, at least when you unhook the pod, and it's a fantastic thing to load up with firewood after you get to the campground. I use it at home when I need to fill up all of my various gas cans or propane bottles too. A side benefit I've noticed is that the loaded cargo carrier on the front distributes some weight to the front of my TV, makes for a better ride, brings the headlight beams down to a normal level, and actually seems to give me better gas mileage (when I'm towing the pod). TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 12:06pm
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Tars: All very good points. Especially the weight distribution to the front of the TV. If you can do it without impeding vision or radiator cooling it works fine. Fred: Those hitches work great if you have room. The 3" on the draw bar is a must. Then check the clearance between whatever you're carrying to whatever you have on the TT tongue such as tanks, a jack, etc. If you can make a tight turn without interference you're golden. There are longer draw bars or shanks available, but they carry their own baggage (no pun intended  ). I used one on my Pod/Pilot, but didn't work out on the Camplite/Tacoma due to turning clearance issues.Solving these problems is almost as much fun as actually camping !!  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 12:27pm
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You're right Charlie! And thanks Tars. Once the Pod emerges from the ice and snow and I can hook it up to the back of my TV, I'll get a better view of things. Now that you pointed out the towing hitch sleeve thing and I see you can buy just the foot (sleeve), I think I want to talk with a fabricator a bit and see if it makes sense to use the basic design of the swagman bike rack and fabricate a small platform above the WDH for generator and gas can - assuming I can turn without interference. I would prefer to carry it there and put bikes on swagman platform carrier on back of Pod. The TV mounted genny really appeals to me (rear or front). I know I keep going round and round, but now that I have my new generator (2400iSHC) I'm getting a better idea of all the space I need for my toys. fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 12:57pm
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Charlie, One more question! (yeah, right) I found your bike rack post: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3841&title=bike-carrier-with-rpods - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3841&title=bike-carrier-with-rpods The setup looks fantastic, except I guess you resign yourself to not opening back hatch of TV with bike rack attached? I wish it tilted. fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 1:08pm
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You are correct. No opening the back hatch. Even with the bikes removed the hitch and rack prevent opening the hatch. However, the back window will open partially even with the bikes on. I liked that configuration, particularly with the pickup, but I had a clearance problem when turning. Anticipating this I had Livinlite build me a beefed up bumper on the rear of the trailer. That's where the bikes live now.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 09 Mar 2014 at 1:17pm
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Thanks again, Charlie! I'm almost sold on that arrangement. The 4Runner window slides down, so that helps and I really like your comment about taking bikes without Pod. Enjoy the rest of the weekend! fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 6:15pm
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I'm the other podder Tars was thinking of. I use the cargo tray for bikes, too. This is my setup. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&PID=35302&title=my-generator-mount - http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3689&PID=35302&title=my-generator-mount
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 6:26pm
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Here's another crazy idea. I'm full of 'em... I mini platform. A TV saddle bag!  Would this be cutting it too close on the turning radius? Bumper length => 68" Mini platform => 17" x 20" Distance from bumper to trailer ball (WDH length) => 13" Trailer a-frame => 41" x 46" x 46" Drawing is to scale (at least pretty close).  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 7:32pm
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Fred, I'm too lazy to go through the geometry but if your drawing is correct it looks like about 45 degrees. If that were me I'd be biting my nails, getting out to check every 6 inches, and having loud exchanges with my wife who is standing outside and watching. The problem will be when backing into a campsite. Way too close for me........... ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 9:37pm
Yeah Charlie, it's pretty close to 45. How about I just do right turns?  Just exploring all alternatives before I end up settling on the cow catcher solution. I did read in one forum that the yamaha 2400 makes a nice ottoman in the trailer! My wife and I have tried hand signals after loud exchanges. I just don't understand what she means by pointing that finger in the air!  Thanks fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 10 Mar 2014 at 9:48pm
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Fred, If you can back the trailer using only right turns you need to make a video. LOTS of people would be interested in that!  ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 9:21am
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OK Charlie. I got a (another) plan! I ordered: Swagman model 64025 RV Bumper Adapter Swagman 64664 Bike Rack Swagman P306 Replacement 1-1/4" and 2" Shank for Swagman XC Series Bike Carriers Lot's of options! One option I think might work: Use the Swagman curved shank as the support for a mini-platform. The platform would have a sliding receiver on bottom allowing it to be adjusted over bumper (this gains me 4"). Since the platform would be above trailer hitch, I gain another 8" back to trailer jack (on center). I can use the replacement shank to mount bikes on back of Pod and the bumper adapter to mount spare to tongue (as you previously diagramed). You know, of course, this is how the first moon landing was planned!! fred  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 10:11am
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OK, Fred, Sounds like a plan, or plans. Still not sure I like the heavy generator hanging up there, maybe unbalanced, but give it a try. Be aware the 64664 rack is 2" and the Pod receiver is 1.25" so you will have to reverse the replacement shank or use the 1.25-2.0 adapter on the rack end, but it could work. The 64664 platform carrier down low makes loading/unloading the bikes so easy. And, given enough money spent and enough stuff accumulated, your garage will eventually yield a solution. Go NASA!! ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 11 Mar 2014 at 12:58pm
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I was just doing some research on Apollo 12's third stage last night. Turns out unlike most (all?) of the other 3rd stages it didn't make a moon impact or go into a permanent solar orbit. It was recaptured by Earth in 2002 then ejected again in 2003. They believe it will return to Earth again around 2040. Now if someone could just capture it and bring it back down... talk about a prime museum piece! ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2014 at 1:44pm
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UPS man keeps dropping stuff off. One small step towards first trip of the season. One giant leap in toy storage! Doug, I slept on the den floor all night to watch Neil take the ghostly step!   ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 12 Mar 2014 at 2:00pm
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Looks like that will work well.
I wish I could have witnessed the launches in the 60's. I was alive but very small for the last 2 Apollo missions. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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