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01-18-2012, 01:51 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Rceiver hitch for Alpine
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.
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01-18-2012, 05:11 PM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Hobbs, New Mexico
Posts: 14
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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??
__________________
2012 Alpine 3500re
2007 Chevy 2500 4wd cc sb
dmax w/lots of extras
B&W Companion Hitch
2009 Glastron GLS215
2011 Razor 800 Walker Evans Edition
2000 Club Car w/lots of extras and speed
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01-18-2012, 07:21 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Quote:
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??
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Keep me posted on your design.
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01-18-2012, 07:30 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Sherwood Park (Edmonton), Alberta, Canada
Posts: 173
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turbopilot51
Keep me posted on your design.
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X2. Yes please.
__________________
2011 Keystone Alpine 3500RE w/ Trail Air Tri-Glide
2011 GMC Sierra Denali 3500HD SRW B&W Turnover Ball w/ 5th Wheel Companion
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01-19-2012, 07:53 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 478
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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.
__________________
2011 Chevy Silverado 3500HD Ext Cab LT DRW Duramax/Allison pulling a 2012 SOB (still Thor, but not a Keystone), Dual ACs, 4 Door Fridge, Fireplace, Sleep Number Bed, Level-Up Auto Levelers, Disc Brakes, Winegard DirecTV SlimLine Auto Dish, Onan 5.5K, Splendide Combo Washer/Dryer, GY G114s on HiSpec 17.5 wheels, TrailAir Tri-Glide Pin Box, Mor/ryde IS.
Michelle & Ann Sullivan and 4 American Shorthairs
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01-19-2012, 12:33 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,995
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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.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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01-19-2012, 08:26 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NE. but fulltiming, south TX for now.
Posts: 55
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Hitch 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
__________________
LARRY & LAVONNE HUMMEL
Full-Timer
GMC Sierra 3500 DRW D/A Denali 2011
ALPINE 2013 3535RE
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01-20-2012, 06:42 AM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Hobbs, New Mexico
Posts: 14
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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 !!!
__________________
2012 Alpine 3500re
2007 Chevy 2500 4wd cc sb
dmax w/lots of extras
B&W Companion Hitch
2009 Glastron GLS215
2011 Razor 800 Walker Evans Edition
2000 Club Car w/lots of extras and speed
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01-20-2012, 05:59 PM
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#9
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,995
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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.
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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02-15-2012, 05:40 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Quote:
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 !!!
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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!
__________________
2012 Keystone Alpine 3500RE
2004.5 CTD 2500
Living the dream in the soggy Northwest!
Always looking for more power, the next add-on goodie, the perfect camping spot, spending more time camping with dw.
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02-15-2012, 06:08 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northville NY in the Adirondacks
Posts: 2,128
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Quote:
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!
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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.
__________________
'11 Cougar 326MKS loaded with mods
'12 Ford F250 SuperCab 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
Amateur Radio: KD2IAT (146.520) GMRS: WQPG808 (462.675 TPL 141.3)
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02-15-2012, 07:46 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,000
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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
__________________
2011 Alpine 3640RL (Beauty)
(Gone! Now replaced by Beauty3)
2016 Ford F-450 (The Beast)
Diesel 4x4, DRW, LB, CC
Comfort Ride Hitch
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02-15-2012, 08:56 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Interlake , Manitoba
Posts: 273
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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.
__________________
2011 Chevy 3500 crewcab LTZ 6.6L DRW
2011 Apline 3450RL
Carl and Kathie
Dog : Tucker
Cats: Beaudie and Jangles
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02-16-2012, 01:01 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Northville NY in the Adirondacks
Posts: 2,128
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Quote:
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".
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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.
__________________
'11 Cougar 326MKS loaded with mods
'12 Ford F250 SuperCab 6.7 PowerStroke Diesel
Amateur Radio: KD2IAT (146.520) GMRS: WQPG808 (462.675 TPL 141.3)
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02-16-2012, 05:29 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,000
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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
__________________
2011 Alpine 3640RL (Beauty)
(Gone! Now replaced by Beauty3)
2016 Ford F-450 (The Beast)
Diesel 4x4, DRW, LB, CC
Comfort Ride Hitch
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02-16-2012, 08:54 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Quote:
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
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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.
__________________
2012 Keystone Alpine 3500RE
2004.5 CTD 2500
Living the dream in the soggy Northwest!
Always looking for more power, the next add-on goodie, the perfect camping spot, spending more time camping with dw.
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02-16-2012, 09:57 AM
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#17
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Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Gaylord
Posts: 26,995
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Quote:
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.
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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...
__________________
John
2015 F250 6.7l 4x4
2014 Cougar X Lite 27RKS
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02-16-2012, 05:12 PM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Quote:
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...
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I guess we will find out Monday. Taking the fiver in to have them fab and install the receiver hitch.
__________________
2012 Keystone Alpine 3500RE
2004.5 CTD 2500
Living the dream in the soggy Northwest!
Always looking for more power, the next add-on goodie, the perfect camping spot, spending more time camping with dw.
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02-16-2012, 07:48 PM
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#19
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Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Hobbs, New Mexico
Posts: 14
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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!
__________________
2012 Alpine 3500re
2007 Chevy 2500 4wd cc sb
dmax w/lots of extras
B&W Companion Hitch
2009 Glastron GLS215
2011 Razor 800 Walker Evans Edition
2000 Club Car w/lots of extras and speed
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03-03-2012, 07:35 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: WA State
Posts: 250
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turbopilot51
I guess we will find out Monday. Taking the fiver in to have them fab and install the receiver hitch.
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Got the new hitch installed this past week. Looks good and very stout.
__________________
2012 Keystone Alpine 3500RE
2004.5 CTD 2500
Living the dream in the soggy Northwest!
Always looking for more power, the next add-on goodie, the perfect camping spot, spending more time camping with dw.
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