2013 Hitch install w/ pics
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
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From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Wes,
I have some mechanical engineering background but I don't have the actual results of either CURT or Mitsu for their tensile testing on those parts (the hitch or the chassis). So, I just can't give you a definitive answer on that.
However, given that it's stated on the hitch itself of the 3,500lb load, I say those quarter inch plates were supplied for a reason.
Even though you may not tow anything that extreme (a future owner may, if you were to sell the vehicle, so...) for the safety of your family and any future family(s) - on the road - I would recommend going through the trouble to use those plates.
> I rather be safe than sorry.
I have some mechanical engineering background but I don't have the actual results of either CURT or Mitsu for their tensile testing on those parts (the hitch or the chassis). So, I just can't give you a definitive answer on that.
However, given that it's stated on the hitch itself of the 3,500lb load, I say those quarter inch plates were supplied for a reason.
Even though you may not tow anything that extreme (a future owner may, if you were to sell the vehicle, so...) for the safety of your family and any future family(s) - on the road - I would recommend going through the trouble to use those plates.
> I rather be safe than sorry.
Last edited by mRVRsport; Mar 29, 2014 at 10:44 PM.
Evolving Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 265
Likes: 1
From: Calgary, AB
Wes,
I have some mechanical engineering background but I don't have the actual results of either CURT or Mitsu for their tensile testing on those parts (the hitch or the chassis). So, I just can't give you a definitive answer on that.
However, given that it's stated on the hitch itself of the 3,500lb load, I say those quarter inch plates were supplied for a reason.
Even though you may not tow anything that extreme (a future owner may, if you were to sell the vehicle, so...) for the safety of your family and any future family(s) - on the road - I would recommend going through the trouble to use those plates.
> I rather be safe than sorry.
I have some mechanical engineering background but I don't have the actual results of either CURT or Mitsu for their tensile testing on those parts (the hitch or the chassis). So, I just can't give you a definitive answer on that.
However, given that it's stated on the hitch itself of the 3,500lb load, I say those quarter inch plates were supplied for a reason.
Even though you may not tow anything that extreme (a future owner may, if you were to sell the vehicle, so...) for the safety of your family and any future family(s) - on the road - I would recommend going through the trouble to use those plates.
> I rather be safe than sorry.
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
So, while not towing anything..
I was thinking about adding some rear end protection.
I can't decide on which one of these I want to go with..
1. G.Rhino "flat nose"
or,
2. G.Rhino "step nose"
Thoughts?
***********
May need to add one of these too, just to raise it a bit and more level with the vehicle's bumper.
I was thinking about adding some rear end protection.
I can't decide on which one of these I want to go with..
1. G.Rhino "flat nose"
or,
2. G.Rhino "step nose"
Thoughts?
***********
May need to add one of these too, just to raise it a bit and more level with the vehicle's bumper.
Last edited by mRVRsport; Apr 3, 2014 at 05:53 AM.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 12
From: Nebraska
I like the flat nose one. we still sit too low for the other one I think.
FYI, the spacers that Wes was talking about ARE NEEDED so you don't pinch or distort the frame. they are a VERY important part to the hitches function as well as the chassis integrity. I'd lose sleep over it if it were me. Without the spacers, just the weight of the hitch and the position of the bolts will fatigue the frame, and in ten or twenty years, POW,,,,,, the hitch falls off!
FYI, the spacers that Wes was talking about ARE NEEDED so you don't pinch or distort the frame. they are a VERY important part to the hitches function as well as the chassis integrity. I'd lose sleep over it if it were me. Without the spacers, just the weight of the hitch and the position of the bolts will fatigue the frame, and in ten or twenty years, POW,,,,,, the hitch falls off!
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
I like the flat nose one. we still sit too low for the other one I think.
FYI, the spacers that Wes was talking about ARE NEEDED so you don't pinch or distort the frame. they are a VERY important part to the hitches function as well as the chassis integrity. I'd lose sleep over it if it were me. Without the spacers, just the weight of the hitch and the position of the bolts will fatigue the frame, and in ten or twenty years, POW,,,,,, the hitch falls off!
FYI, the spacers that Wes was talking about ARE NEEDED so you don't pinch or distort the frame. they are a VERY important part to the hitches function as well as the chassis integrity. I'd lose sleep over it if it were me. Without the spacers, just the weight of the hitch and the position of the bolts will fatigue the frame, and in ten or twenty years, POW,,,,,, the hitch falls off!
I'm still debating between the two...
**************************************
You're going to give Wes a complex saying those things. But, the points you make are valid.
I was trying to find some funny hitch-fail videos... Can't find any good ones. bummer.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 12
From: Nebraska
Especially with that 6" hitch thingy.!!!!! OMG, that'd SOOOO stress this chassis' rear support.
I don't know how long Wes can wait till he gets it corrected, but I'd be underneath that thing in the snow if it were me. Unibody type chassis can fatigue within 20 minutes under pinch point locations (like bolting the hitch in with out the spacer/load support thingy) and cause SERIOUS under carriage issues.
Read it Popular Mechanics like 5yrs ago.
lol. Good luck Wes.......... good luck.
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Towing a 30' Airstream
LOOK at what these old school (unibody) FWD Intrepids can tow!! >
surprising...
How is that possible..? But, our O.Sports are Not rated to tow anything 1/2 as big/heavy??
surprising...
How is that possible..? But, our O.Sports are Not rated to tow anything 1/2 as big/heavy??
Last edited by mRVRsport; Apr 5, 2014 at 07:40 AM.
Thread Starter
Evolving Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 388
Likes: 12
From: Nebraska
Because his hitch is attached correctly with the "spacers in place".
Also longer wheel base.
If Wes did that the way his is attached,,,,,,,,, POW!!!!!!!!
Just kidding Wes,,,,, I'll let it go. lol.
That's crazy tho towing that rig with a crappy ole intrepid. That's like adding a steamroller without brakes to the back of a Big-Wheel. (that's a toy kids used to ride,,,, OUTSIDE using physical energy)
Also longer wheel base.
If Wes did that the way his is attached,,,,,,,,, POW!!!!!!!!
Just kidding Wes,,,,, I'll let it go. lol.
That's crazy tho towing that rig with a crappy ole intrepid. That's like adding a steamroller without brakes to the back of a Big-Wheel. (that's a toy kids used to ride,,,, OUTSIDE using physical energy)
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Because his hitch is attached correctly with the "spacers in place".
Also longer wheel base.
If Wes did that the way his is attached,,,,,,,,, POW!!!!!!!!
Just kidding Wes,,,,, I'll let it go. lol.
That's crazy tho towing that rig with a crappy ole intrepid. That's like adding a steamroller without brakes to the back of a Big-Wheel. (that's a toy kids used to ride,,,, OUTSIDE using physical energy)
Also longer wheel base.
If Wes did that the way his is attached,,,,,,,,, POW!!!!!!!!
Just kidding Wes,,,,, I'll let it go. lol.
That's crazy tho towing that rig with a crappy ole intrepid. That's like adding a steamroller without brakes to the back of a Big-Wheel. (that's a toy kids used to ride,,,, OUTSIDE using physical energy)
Taking enough jabs at Wes about his hitch spacers.. Paranoia might set in.
*********
Please..! Those Big-Wheels never did had any brakes!!! Other than you trying to peddle backwards
Or, you used the soles of your shoes to slow down - if you're lucky to have shoes (& not just some old flip-flops) that is...
Oh and there was that wicked hand-jam thingy to do 180s with. But, I wouldn't call that a brake neither.
I wore those tires on the Big-wheels down to the fake rim!
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
Evolved Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 27
From: Out towards the countryside of Dallas, TX (USA)
The CURT Trailer Hitch #12048 is a Class 2 hitch with a smaller (odd ball size) receiver opening. Oh and it costs more.