Rceiver hitch for Alpine

[turbopilot51]

Has anyone installed a 2" receiver hitch on the back of their Alpine? I would like to buy a kayak mount that fits in a 2" receiver.

[Goinbroke]

Im currently building one now. It bolts to the frame both in front and back of the stabilizer jacks. I could not find anything that would bolt up, so why not build my own??

[turbopilot51]

Originally Posted by Goinbroke

Im currently building one now. It bolts to the frame both in front and back of the stabilizer jacks. I could not find anything that would bolt up, so why not build my own??

Keep me posted on your design.

[X-Treme]

Originally Posted by turbopilot51

Keep me posted on your design.

X2. Yes please.

[mhs4771]

Some folks with Montanas have installed a Hidden Hitch (don't have the exact P/N) that's made for MHs, but will fit the frame on a Montana. I would guess that the frame spacing on an Alpine would be about the same. Thought about putting one on our rig, but may upgrade to a different unit that comes with a 2" Receiver.

[JRTJH]

Curt Hitch Company builds a "bolt on" receiver for travel trailers. There are 2 models, one spans 48" and the other 72" Here's the link to the information.

http://www.curtmfg.com/index.cfm?eve...&categoryid=34

My concern with any "bolt on" hitch is the way Lippert/Keystone attach the rear bumper on most of their trailers. I wanted more stability than the Lippert welded bumper supports would allow. I went to a local welding/metal fabrication company (certified welders on staff) and told them what I wanted, they built it and installed it. I put a 2" hitch platform into the receiver, jumped up and down on it and it didn't move. Granted, my 200 lbs is not the same as the stresses the receiver will encounter going down a bumpy road at 65MPH, but from what I see under the trailer and what I saw jumping on the platform, I'm satisfied that it will hold anything I'm brave enough to hook to it. Total cost, (As I remember) was less than $400. $350 plus tax I believe.

[CRUZIN 2]

This is the hitch we put on our Alpine, we had to move the rear stabilizer forward about 4 inches, and drop the belly cover. You have to do a lot of drilling 6 holes on each side 1/2" but it is really stable.


http://www.etrailer.com/Specialty-Tr...urt/13703.html

[Goinbroke]

Here is what it looks like as of now, I used 2 1/2 x2 1/2 x 1/4 tubing on the cross runners and 3" angle on the mounts, the notch is for the stabalizer jacks, i will box this in. the worst part in doing this is drilling the frame holes. I used a premade 2" reciever tube welded to the 2 1/2 because the receiver will not fit inside. you can buy these in 48" lengths to avoid the splice but thats what had so I used it. I think it will be stronger than anything I will ever put on it !!!

[JRTJH]

Goinbroke That looks very much like the hitch they welded up for my trailer. I don't think you're going to have any problems with that design. And, I see in the background your RZR... Ours is a 2009 red LE. Awsome machine, and with the snowplow/winch so far, I've been able to keep our place clear for 3 years now (we've had some "DOOZIE" snowstorms)

CRUZIN2, the hitch you poste is the Curt 13703, same as the link I posted. The cheapest I've seen it was $232, so that link price isn't too far off.

[turbopilot51]

Originally Posted by Goinbroke

Here is what it looks like as of now, I used 2 1/2 x2 1/2 x 1/4 tubing on the cross runners and 3" angle on the mounts, the notch is for the stabalizer jacks, i will box this in. the worst part in doing this is drilling the frame holes. I used a premade 2" reciever tube welded to the 2 1/2 because the receiver will not fit inside. you can buy these in 48" lengths to avoid the splice but thats what had so I used it. I think it will be stronger than anything I will ever put on it !!!

How does this work with the plastic cover on the bottom of the rv? My dealer said they would build one and install for around $575. If you install your hitch please take pics and share them with us!

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by turbopilot51

How does this work with the plastic cover on the bottom of the rv? My dealer said they would build one and install for around $575. If you install your hitch please take pics and share them with us!

Depending on the shape of the added hitch frame, they just cut some slots or holes in the coroplast where needed. They'll usually be where the ends of the hitch extend up to the frame of the trailer.

Not a big deal, and competent hitch installers deal with that kind of thing a lot these days. Most RV manufacturers are using the same flimsy rear bumpers as Keystone so many, many owners are encountering the same issues and resorting to the same solutions.

That's why Curt and other manufacturers are offering receiver hitches designed for the rear end of travel trailers now.

[geo]

Steve -

The rear of the Alpine is one large, single piece cap and does not have a bumper. What I think Turbopilot51 is asking is that the "foundation" I-Beams extend (hidden by the coroplast) almost to the end of the Alpine but come short of meeting the rear cap. Sounds like his dealer is talking about welding onto these I-beams and extending the hitch beyond the rear cap. I have to admit, I too would be interested in what this would look like (but don't really have an interest in adding this mod).

I see that single piece rear cap being the "base problem" in this mod, but as others say, "Just my two cents".

Ron

[CarKath]

turbopilot, where do you live? I ask this because, you must also remember your max allowable length of 5th wheel trailer. Alpines are long. What ever jurisdiction you live live follows you in your travels. Make sure to check your state/provincial laws. 40' max is more common than not. Just a heads up and something to watch. I am sure you will be fine, but, better safe than sorry.

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by geo

The rear of the Alpine is one large, single piece cap and does not have a bumper. What I think Turbopilot51 is asking is that the "foundation" I-Beams extend (hidden by the coroplast) almost to the end of the Alpine but come short of meeting the rear cap. Sounds like his dealer is talking about welding onto these I-beams and extending the hitch beyond the rear cap. I have to admit, I too would be interested in what this would look like (but don't really have an interest in adding this mod).

I see that single piece rear cap being the "base problem" in this mod, but as others say, "Just my two cents".

Ron,

If the frame ends short of the actual rear of the trailer, or the "cap" extends well beyond the end of the frame, it is possible to install one of the standard RV hitch receivers where ever the frame ends, and then use a standard extender to bring the 2x2 box rearward to where you'd expect it to be. Reese (and others) originally made them to extend the receiver when dropping the tailgate of a pickup and setting a slide-in camper in the bed.

This particular one is 14" long, but there are others available:

http://reeseprod.com/content/product...375&part=11003



Essentially, you'd be "reaching" under and beyond the "cap" to place the hitch itself.

[geo]

Steve -

Cool looking pictures! The right one looks like it would tuck up under and not be in the way of the rear landing gear. Now I'm interested in what Turbopilot thinks!

Ron

[turbopilot51]

Originally Posted by geo

Steve

Cool looking pictures! The right one looks like it would tuck up under and not be in the way of the rear landing gear. Now I'm interested in what Turbopilot thinks!

Ron

My dealer said they would buy the parts and fab up a hitch to bolt onto the frame. My next question was how does this affect the frame warranty issues? He thought there would be no problem since they are a Keystone rep. They would guarantee everything. Seems to me to be the way to go.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by turbopilot51

My dealer said they would buy the parts and fab up a hitch to bolt onto the frame. My next question was how does this affect the frame warranty issues? He thought there would be no problem since they are a Keystone rep. They would guarantee everything. Seems to me to be the way to go.

Get the dealer's statement in writing!!!!! Dealers can void a factory warranty as fast and as easy as any owner, outside welder or other fabricator. Just because he is a "Keystone rep." doesn't exempt him from having to get approval of "Mother Keystone" before they'll pay for any warranty repairs...

[turbopilot51]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Get the dealer's statement in writing!!!!! Dealers can void a factory warranty as fast and as easy as any owner, outside welder or other fabricator. Just because he is a "Keystone rep." doesn't exempt him from having to get approval of "Mother Keystone" before they'll pay for any warranty repairs...

I guess we will find out Monday. Taking the fiver in to have them fab and install the receiver hitch.

[Goinbroke]

I will take some pics of mine installed this weekend when I move it out of the shop and post ASAP. Sorry it took so long!

[turbopilot51]

Originally Posted by turbopilot51

I guess we will find out Monday. Taking the fiver in to have them fab and install the receiver hitch.

Got the new hitch installed this past week. Looks good and very stout.