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Old 03-02-2020, 07:58 AM   #1
Icantdrive55
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Adding hitch to toy hauler for grill/cargo basket?

I'll preface this with the fact I fully understand why hitches weren't included, and extra precautions that are needed when doing something like this, especially with a ramp/tailgate that can be opened from the inside.

That said, has anyone added anything like this to a toy hauler? I'd like to add a cargo basket to secure some extra goodies, especially some kayaks that just won't fit in the garage due to the fact its my mobile office. Even if I abandon the kayak/basket idea, it'd be nice to have a hitch-mounted grill/smoker and not have to lug something like that inside the living area during transport.
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Old 03-02-2020, 08:15 AM   #2
chuckster57
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First off, understand that the further back you go from the axles the more bounce you have. If you can get a receiver welded to the frame, maybe the kayaks will be ok if they are strapped in solid. Don’t know that I would put a 100 pound grill back there. Camera for sure!!
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Old 03-02-2020, 08:19 AM   #3
Icantdrive55
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Originally Posted by chuckster57 View Post
First off, understand that the further back you go from the axles the more bounce you have. If you can get a receiver welded to the frame, maybe the kayaks will be ok if they are strapped in solid. Don’t know that I would put a 100 pound grill back there. Camera for sure!!
Fair point. I've looked and while running the risk of a leak, it seems I can run tie-down straps around/inside the ramp door to hold a kayak or two flush against the back, but didn't consider the grill bouncing around. Since I've barely worked out all the issues, I'll be moving the trailer for the first time since ownership soon, gotta figure out how much of an earthquake actually happens back here. I've seen some clever mods done, but clever does not equal smart/safe.
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Old 03-02-2020, 12:12 PM   #4
chunker
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Icantdrive55 View Post
Fair point. I've looked and while running the risk of a leak, it seems I can run tie-down straps around/inside the ramp door to hold a kayak or two flush against the back, but didn't consider the grill bouncing around. Since I've barely worked out all the issues, I'll be moving the trailer for the first time since ownership soon, gotta figure out how much of an earthquake actually happens back here. I've seen some clever mods done, but clever does not equal smart/safe.
You'd be surprised, maybe shocked how much stuff will move and bounce around back there. I've never strapped anything to any trailer I've ever owned butI did have a Hydralift motorcycle carrier on the back of the Itasca motorhome. Lift was around 250+# and bike over 900. It's a solidly mounted lift welded to the frame. Looking in the rear camera led me to add another pair of straps for 6 total. That helped control the wiggle some. Trailer frames are no where near as beefy as a Freightliner frame and anything attached to a trailer frame isn't going to be very solid. I might suggest a double hitch assembly with 2 receivers welded to the frame members straight out the back and your grill/??? rack with 2 mounting tubes. That will reduce the wiggle of a single mounting like a trailer hitch. Think bike rack on the back of a car/truck that's hitch mounted.
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Old 03-04-2020, 12:47 PM   #5
ctbruce
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How long are the kayaks? You have a max height of 13' 4" I believe. That's pretty close. Mounting in the roof of your TV may be better.
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Old 03-04-2020, 01:25 PM   #6
Canonman
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There is a shop here in SLC that installs frame mounted hitches exactly as you describe.
No magic, the mounts are welded to the frame then the cross tube runs through the mount plates and welded to them. As said, the cargo rack on the back of a trailer will have a fair degree of "see-saw" action. But, this is the best way to attach a cargo rack or bike rack or what have you. The rack won't fall off but just be sure anything you put on the rack is well secured. As Chuck said, a camera is a good idea.
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