Roadster Trailer hitch

[dbrick]

I'm starting design and fabrication on a trailer hitch for my car, so I'm making 3 at this point. If there is enough interest, I can make a run of maybe 10. It will be sold as a Bike Rack mount, or some other official name with a liability release form, but it will be built like a class 3 hitch. I plan to have it welded by a professional, not me.
Tech discussion is here http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=16370

I'm guessing it would sell for about $65.00, depending on the cost to cut and weld the steel.
2 or 3 1/2" holes drilled through frame. Hardware and drill bit included in price.

Please chime in, positive or negative, all opinions appreciated.

[sfdaugherty]

I answered "defiantly" but would prefer a bolt in so 1) I could remove it; and 2) so I can use it on different cars.

Where did you end up buying your trailer? What brand is it?

Shannon

[dbrick]

It would be a bolt on, do you mean a "no drill"? It's conceivable, I'll play with the Masonite and see if it can be done safely.
The trailer is a 1975 Born Free motorcycle trailer, got it on Craigslist. A little more than I wanted to pay, $500.00, but it's painted, new tires, bearing buddies and new wiring. Beside, they are tough to find in the first place.

[sfdaugherty]

Drilling holes isn't a problem. I would just like to move it to a different car occasionally.

Shannon

[dbrick]

I should have a test piece by Wednesday, I'll shoot some pics.

[68Fairlady4me]

Let me know when you plan to have this done. I have the other model but this is more what I was looking for. No trailer for me, just the autolinx so I can take my golf clubs.

[dbrick]

Cutting steel today for the prototype. Depending on my welding skill, might be mounted tonight. If there are any made for you guys, I'll get them professionally welded

Update..My welding skills are not so good, my welder is annoying; wire keeps kinking every 10 seconds but I got it tacked and test fit. Photos tonight.

FYI, I don't recommend Campbell Hausfield wire feeds, nothing but trouble from day 1, regardless of my lack of skill. Funny, the first trial welds I did were perfect "stack of dimes", then the wirefeed mechanism went south..

[pebbles]

a simple twist of the trigger hose can kink the liner, or long term coiled storage, if the liner is difficult to remove, it is probably kinked. new liner = awesome welds!!
edit; if the (snipped) wire does not pull through the liner like a hot knife though butter, (drag or noise), the liner should be replaced.

[dbrick]

Wire goes through fine, what happens is the wire leaves the toothed feed roller and goes about 3/4" before going into the hose. I get a few inches of wire, is slows, and then a loop forms in that 3/4" gap, it kinks and it all goes to hell. I had the 50 ft starter roll of .035 flux core, it didn't loop, but would just fail to feed, so I changed to .030 flux (Hobart) and it fed better, but then the loop and kink started. I'll look at it tomorrow when I'm not as aggravated.

[dbrick]

Welders fixed, now I need to learn how to weld.

[dbrick]

Here's the prototype. Just have to make holes for the safety chains and bolt it on! There will be a filler plate for the front side. Funny, I was talking to Bob chavis, he has a whole bunch in a different style made up, but not welded. Hopefully he can chime in with a photo.

[Datsun.David]

Looks cool Dave! Clever solution.

[notoptoy]

Looks like a tank, should work well.

[68Fairlady4me]

Any updates on this? I for one want it. thanks for even attempting this!!!

[dbrick]

Well, I just found out I have 2 herniated discs in my neck, so it's slowed down my usual glacier like progress. (WAY better than the first diagnosis, involving the "C" word, which it wasn't, thank God)

It works, all you need is some 1/4" plate and a sabre saw if you can find someone to weld it, the parts cost all of $15.00. I'll get back on it ASAP, but might be on Dr's orders not to do stuff like that, I'll find out tomorrow.

Bob2 in Arkansas has a few all made up ready too weld last I spoke to him. I think he might have done a no-drill mount from the spring perches. Worth a PM.