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Need some hitch advice

Discussion in 'Chainsaws and Power Equipment' started by andybaker, Apr 6, 2014.

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  1. andybaker

    andybaker

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    I got a newer van and I need to put a hitch on it. My old van had a 1 1/4" receiver and I never had a problem and never thought about it. I go and look at new hitch receivers and I see the difference between class II and class III. Would I be wise to upgrade to a class III hitch. The trailer I use is not that big, like a half cord. I have a Caravan so I won't ever haul anything too too heavy but what I'm concerned about is the tongue weight. What do you all have to say? Thanks
     
    andybaker, Apr 6, 2014
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  2. HDRock

    HDRock

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    What is your trailer axle rated at
     
    HDRock, Apr 7, 2014
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  3. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Regardless of the weight you intend to tow, I would use the class 3 hitch just for the 2" receiver. When shopping for ball mounts, bike racks, cargo carriers, Elvis Presley hitch covers, 2" is by far the easiest size to buy anything for.
     
    MasterMech, Apr 7, 2014
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  4. Oliver1655

    Oliver1655

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    Thing to remember is the Caravan is a unibody vehicle. There is not a "frame" to weld to. Any hitch you add will need to be bolted to the places designed for the hitch. A lot of times you can pick up a used hitch from a junk yard for $25-50. The odds of finding one to match your van with a 2" receiver will be slim but you can pick up one with a 1-1/4" & cut it out & weld one with a 2" in. Lots of places will have the tubes on hand. Harbor Freight, Menards, Farm & Home stores, ...
     
    Oliver1655, Apr 7, 2014
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  5. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    Last edited: Apr 7, 2014
    MasterMech, Apr 7, 2014
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  6. andybaker

    andybaker

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    I have two friends I borrow from. The one is a small trailer and he has told me is rated for 2000lbs. of weight. The other trailer is much larger so I never fill it up and I have no idea what it is rated at. All I know for that one is it will take far more than my van is supposed to be hauling.
     
    andybaker, Apr 7, 2014
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  7. Stinny

    Stinny

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    Yup… 2" receiver for sure. And, when you're rolling pulling a heavy load… you'll be very glad you bought a good one… :yes:
     
    Stinny, Apr 7, 2014
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  8. andybaker

    andybaker

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    So are you saying a class 3 is better? I would need then to upgrade my mount and I still need the wiring too. That's another $100 or so. I've seen where I can get a class 2 complete with wiring for around $180. I'm just wondering if I've been undersized all this time. I haven't had any issues though.
     
    andybaker, Apr 7, 2014
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  9. andybaker

    andybaker

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    I had feeling once I started looking that I was undersized. Ok, I'll go for a class 3 with a 2" receiver. Always better safe than stupid.
     
    andybaker, Apr 7, 2014
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  10. Stinny

    Stinny

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    "I had feeling once I started looking that I was undersized." … my wife thought that was really funny… hey… wait a minute… :whistle:… :D
     
    Stinny, Apr 7, 2014
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  11. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    Always go 2 inch. Like it was said above..... Its always easier to find 2 inch stuff. I have a full size 2 inch hitch setup on my CRV. Got it off of Amazon.com. Its a Curt.... And it literally just bolted up ! The hardest things i had to do , which arent hard at all , were cleaning up the threads on the welded on bolts up in the unibody.... And moving the muffler slightly out of the way :). And the thread thing was because i got the car used , and it had 5 years of salt and crud jammed in :(
     
    HoneyFuzz, Apr 7, 2014
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  12. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The wiring should be the same either way. Most likely a 4 way flat connector no? SUVs and minivans usually have a way to tap into the rear lighting in a hidden compartment located inside the vehicle. You just plug in the harness extension, run it out through the back hatch and plug the the trailer in. Roll it up and stow it when you're done. If your van doesn't already have the harness extension, there are complete plug in kits for about $60 available. There are kits a bit less $$ ($50) but they involve splicing or wire-taps. I despise wiretaps (scotch-loks) and $10 is a small price to pay to avoid solder/splicing your factory wiring harness.

    The only thing you need to upgrade (going class 3 vs 2) is the ball mount which should run you about $30-40. You should even be able to reuse the ball itself.
     
    MasterMech, Apr 7, 2014
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  13. HoneyFuzz

    HoneyFuzz

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    This is true abt the wiring. I got a kit for the crv that just pluged in to an existing plug.... Behind a side panel in the back hatch area. When not in use, i keep it under where the spare tire hides :). Then in use.... It just goes put the hatch door, and i close the door, and there you have it ! image.jpg
     
    HoneyFuzz, Apr 7, 2014
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  14. basod

    basod

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    Now where do I find an "Elvis Presley" hitch cover?:rofl: :lol:
     
    basod, Apr 7, 2014
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  15. papadave

    papadave

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    I bet they sell 'em at Graceland.:)
     
    papadave, Apr 7, 2014
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  16. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    Depending on the year, Caravans may have separate brake lights and turn signals. Kits include a converter for this, but they usually require a power source.
     
    jeff_t, Apr 7, 2014
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  17. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    The kits I referenced are indeed the type that include a powered converter module. Almost all vehicles built these days require this type of module as it is very common now to have separate lamps for Stop, Tail, and Turn on the tow vehicle.
     
    MasterMech, Apr 7, 2014
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  18. MasterMech

    MasterMech The Mechanical Moderator

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    MasterMech, Apr 7, 2014
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  19. jeff_t

    jeff_t

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    Yeah. It's just worth mentioning the extra step, in case your wife decides she wants to use the tent camper by herself for the first time, and you go out on a rainy Thursday night to wire it up :whistle:
     
    jeff_t, Apr 7, 2014
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  20. lukem

    lukem

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    My Caravan can barely get out of its own way. I can't imagine towing much with it.
     
    lukem, Apr 7, 2014
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