New Toy!

What did you order?
I just found this one...looks pretty stout...I wouldn't have an issue using this one as long as the hitch that you slide into it doesn't extend out rearward very far at all.
New Heavy Duty 2-Inch Rear Receiver Hitch - 2000-2006 Honda TRX350 Rancher ATV | eBay

 

This is the one I ordered: Kolpin 2" Swingarm Receiver Hitch For Honda Rancher 85155 | eBay

Looks like it mounts to the same place on the axle, but there's an extra tongue out front that also bolts to the frame.

 

I looked up the install manual for this hitch...it doesn't mount to the frame...it mounts to the stock hitch holes (which is part of the axle housing) plus has 2 U-bolts that goes around the axle housing...so its connected pretty well...and built pretty heavy...but man, I really don't like how far back it hangs. That is in effect putting more load on the axle housing because of increased leverage...I dunno, maybe I'm overthinking this and there won't be the kind of stress on it that I think. I do tend to overbuild things (but they never break either) The size logs in your pics should not be too hard to move with the log arch and Rancher.
But I gotta say, I'd be real tempted to drop a ball in that factory hitch and go loggin...never seen or heard of a Honda hitch breaking to be honest.
I Agree with going with the ball coupler VS hitch pin...a lot less slapping around from the free play in the hitch pin and the holes.
My two cents on the matter...with inflation, might be worth 3 cents.

 

I think it makes a right turn around that shock and I'm thinking the second u-bolt must go around that frame member. We'll see. If it's levered too far out though I totally agree. I also like to overthink and over-engineer things too, as you might have noticed.

 

Just goofin... you ought to know by now that I can only be serious for 'bout 5 minutes straight...then the goofin builds up and just hasta come outs!

 

Snipped pics from the install directions. See how far it hangs out...
U bolts around the axle...
The bike in the pics is slightly different than yours, but the fitment will be the same...pretty typical Honda setup for quite a few years.
Got 'er dirty I see...that was fun, eh?!

 

This is my hitch.
Another reason to go with a ball hitch is if the log you are pulling gets stuck between a couple of trees while you are turning a corner the log arch will come unhooked on its own when it flips over. I might have been going a bit to fast ,this has happened many times. I keep the tension adjusted real light on the ball hitch so when the arch flips it comes off easy

 

Very nice.

 

That looks like a pretty strong setup...they mount the hitch on those IRS bikes completely differently than the straight axle ones. What brand receiver is that? I like how it is tucked up pretty tight to the bike.

 

The hitch is homemade a friend made it for me. For me factory hitchs are to low and to far back under the rear rack

 

Here ya go. I think admin privileges can just copy paste to the FHC smiley list.

 

Hay Grizzly Adam can you add this new smilie when ya get a chance , thanks In advance

 

Don't do that. Seriously, on the axle is where you want it. You just want to remove that apparatus and bolt the ball directly to the axle.

Solid rear axles are the preferred HD mount for towing big loads. IRS machines have to pull by the frame, and it weights the suspension down. Because of that IRS machines can't tow as much.

But, I don't see an issue with towing 8-16" logs with a log arch on any ATV. Not one at a time anyway.