I made a dirt bike carrier last weeks:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/projects.html#carrier
and there was concern regarding the hitch/receiver set up. I added a few
more enhancements to make it stronger. This supports a 40lb rack with a
215lb motorcycle strapped to it. The tongue extends about 15" from the jeep.
Here's a detailed pic of the hitch:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/hitch_getup.jpg
Wayne Cook, what are your thoughts?

thanks folks,

walt

On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:03:41 -0400, "wallster"
wrote:

I made a dirt bike carrier last weeks:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/projects.html#carrier
and there was concern regarding the hitch/receiver set up. I added a few
more enhancements to make it stronger. This supports a 40lb rack with a
215lb motorcycle strapped to it. The tongue extends about 15" from the jeep.
Here's a detailed pic of the hitch:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/hitch_getup.jpg
Wayne Cook, what are your thoughts?


The only area of concern is at the bottom of the bumper. If you look
at it you see that the gusset stops right at the bottom of the bumper
leaving only the 3/4" thickness to hold the whole thing up. If that
gusset went to the top of the bumper I wouldn't worry to much.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

Wayne Cook wrote:

The only area of concern is at the bottom of the bumper. If you look
at it you see that the gusset stops right at the bottom of the bumper
leaving only the 3/4" thickness to hold the whole thing up. If that
gusset went to the top of the bumper I wouldn't worry to much.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

VERY good point (i dont know how i missed that), Wayne, you're a
mechanical wiz. I have two 1/4" gussets that would fit perfect on each
side (inside the right angles, one per side) and i think that would be
much better. Thanks.

walt

Wayne Cook wrote:
SNIPPED
leaving only the 3/4" thickness to hold the whole thing up. If that
gusset went to the top of the bumper I wouldn't worry to much.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

Hey Wayne (or anyone else here), have you ever mig welded on a bumper
while it's still attached to the vehicle? It's a major pita taking this
thing on and off but i'm not big on exploding (from the proximity of
the fuel tank)
I would be welding outdoors to allow for optimum ventilation.
It sounds like a no-brainer not to do it but i've seen a car completely
engulfed in flames and the fire fighter told me that the blowing up of
the gas tank wasn't a major concern. (although the spare tire popping
was exciting!)
thanks,
walt

On 12 Sep 2005 08:39:04 -0700, "wallster"
wrote:


Wayne Cook wrote:
SNIPPED
leaving only the 3/4" thickness to hold the whole thing up. If that
gusset went to the top of the bumper I wouldn't worry to much.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

Hey Wayne (or anyone else here), have you ever mig welded on a bumper
while it's still attached to the vehicle? It's a major pita taking this
thing on and off but i'm not big on exploding (from the proximity of
the fuel tank)
I would be welding outdoors to allow for optimum ventilation.
It sounds like a no-brainer not to do it but i've seen a car completely
engulfed in flames and the fire fighter told me that the blowing up of
the gas tank wasn't a major concern. (although the spare tire popping
was exciting!)

In this situation I wouldn't worry to much. There's plenty of metal
between you and the gas tank. When I start to get worried is when
welding above a plastic gas tank.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

wallster wrote:
Wayne Cook wrote:
SNIPPED

leaving only the 3/4" thickness to hold the whole thing up. If that
gusset went to the top of the bumper I wouldn't worry to much.


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm


Hey Wayne (or anyone else here), have you ever mig welded on a bumper
while it's still attached to the vehicle? It's a major pita taking this
thing on and off but i'm not big on exploding (from the proximity of
the fuel tank)
I would be welding outdoors to allow for optimum ventilation.
It sounds like a no-brainer not to do it but i've seen a car completely
engulfed in flames and the fire fighter told me that the blowing up of
the gas tank wasn't a major concern. (although the spare tire popping
was exciting!)
thanks,
walt


Just fill the tank with water..

Seriously, if it's not leaking and you're not putting sparks in the
filler neck you're ok. If there's any concern about sparks getting in
the filler neck or tank, making sure the tank is all the way full
eliminates the possibility of explosion. As always, keep a good
extinguisher or two handy when working on a car.

John

JohnM wrote:

Just fill the tank with water..

Seriously, if it's not leaking and you're not putting sparks in the
filler neck you're ok. If there's any concern about sparks getting in
the filler neck or tank, making sure the tank is all the way full
eliminates the possibility of explosion. As always, keep a good
extinguisher or two handy when working on a car.

John

i've decided to just take a few extra minutes and take it off first (at
least this time the bolts aren't all rusted on). Plus, I think my welds
are better when i can position the work rather than having to position
me.
thanks for the suggestion, it sounds wierd to make sure the tank is
full, but it is true that the fumes ignite, not the fuel.

walt

I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.

wallster wrote:
I made a dirt bike carrier last weeks:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/projects.html#carrier
and there was concern regarding the hitch/receiver set up. I added a few
more enhancements to make it stronger. This supports a 40lb rack with a
215lb motorcycle strapped to it. The tongue extends about 15" from the jeep.
Here's a detailed pic of the hitch:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/hitch_getup.jpg
Wayne Cook, what are your thoughts?

thanks folks,

walt

RoyJ wrote:
I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.



Roy, the 1" plate (or cross member) is bolted to the backing plate on
the jeep and that is bolted to the frame. Each end of the cross member
has four 7/16" grade 8 bolts with washers and lock washers. I also
added one more through the L bracket section of the hitch because i did
not weld that (i bought the jeep with this hitch on it) and i dont know
what kind of penetration the previous welder had received (or what rod
he, or she had used) It looks good, but without x-ray or cutting it, i
just cant tell.
does this answer your concern? i'm not positive what you mean by the
outside shell.
thanks,
walt

The 1"x4" steel bar has about the same polar section modulus (failure by
torsion) as a piece of 2"x4"x .120. It should bend at about 1500 pounds
at the point where the bike mounts. A couple of good chuck holes should
bend it.

wallster wrote:
RoyJ wrote:

I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.



Roy, the 1" plate (or cross member) is bolted to the backing plate on
the jeep and that is bolted to the frame. Each end of the cross member
has four 7/16" grade 8 bolts with washers and lock washers. I also
added one more through the L bracket section of the hitch because i did
not weld that (i bought the jeep with this hitch on it) and i dont know
what kind of penetration the previous welder had received (or what rod
he, or she had used) It looks good, but without x-ray or cutting it, i
just cant tell.
does this answer your concern? i'm not positive what you mean by the
outside shell.
thanks,
walt

On Tue, 13 Sep 2005 03:15:06 GMT, RoyJ wrote:

The 1"x4" steel bar has about the same polar section modulus (failure by
torsion) as a piece of 2"x4"x .120. It should bend at about 1500 pounds
at the point where the bike mounts. A couple of good chuck holes should
bend it.

Did you figure in the fact that it was held on both ends.

wallster wrote:
RoyJ wrote:

I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.



Roy, the 1" plate (or cross member) is bolted to the backing plate on
the jeep and that is bolted to the frame. Each end of the cross member
has four 7/16" grade 8 bolts with washers and lock washers. I also
added one more through the L bracket section of the hitch because i did
not weld that (i bought the jeep with this hitch on it) and i dont know
what kind of penetration the previous welder had received (or what rod
he, or she had used) It looks good, but without x-ray or cutting it, i
just cant tell.
does this answer your concern? i'm not positive what you mean by the
outside shell.
thanks,
walt


Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

"Wayne Cook" wrote in message
...
On Tue, 13 Sep 2005 03:15:06 GMT, RoyJ wrote:

The 1"x4" steel bar has about the same polar section modulus (failure by
torsion) as a piece of 2"x4"x .120. It should bend at about 1500 pounds
at the point where the bike mounts. A couple of good chuck holes should
bend it.

Did you figure in the fact that it was held on both ends.

Wayne, here's how the 1"x4" steel bar is mounted. Roy, i think it's strong
enough for my application, but i DO appreciate your input.
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/mounting_bolts.JPG
Also, I welded two 4'x6" 1/4" gussets to the L bracket.
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/new_gussets.JPG
here's the finished hitch... i 'm not taking it off anymore!!! (i smacked my
head on the jeep, left a nice cut!)
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/painted_gussets.jpg

thanks,
walt

On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:24:04 GMT, RoyJ wrote:

I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.


That looks like 1" x 4 or 5" (possibly 6") I wouldn't worry to much
about it. Ever try to bend a piece of 1" x 4"? It's pretty strong. I
admit that it's not the best piece of steel for the job but I don't
think it'll bend before he breaks his bolts.

Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm

Wayne Cook wrote:
On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 14:24:04 GMT, RoyJ wrote:

I'm more concerned with the torque loading on the cross member than I am
with the gussets. Apparently the cross member is 1" bar stock but in
torque loading, only the outside shell actually takes much load.


That looks like 1" x 4 or 5" (possibly 6") I wouldn't worry to much
about it. Ever try to bend a piece of 1" x 4"? It's pretty strong. I
admit that it's not the best piece of steel for the job but I don't
think it'll bend before he breaks his bolts.

Wayne Cook
Shamrock, TX
http://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm


1" x 4"... now you can sleep tonight.

walt

On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 09:03:41 -0400, "wallster"
wrote:

I made a dirt bike carrier last weeks:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/projects.html#carrier
and there was concern regarding the hitch/receiver set up. I added a few
more enhancements to make it stronger. This supports a 40lb rack with a
215lb motorcycle strapped to it. The tongue extends about 15" from the jeep.
Here's a detailed pic of the hitch:
http://www.wallys-speed-shop.com/hitch_getup.jpg
Wayne Cook, what are your thoughts?

thanks folks,

walt

My neighbor just had a brand-name class-III (6000 lb tow weight, 600
lb tongue weight) hitch professionally installed on his van at a
hitch place. Yours looks somewhat stiffer than his.

Don Foreman wrote:
My neighbor just had a brand-name class-III (6000 lb tow weight, 600
lb tongue weight) hitch professionally installed on his van at a
hitch place. Yours looks somewhat stiffer than his.

Don, I can buy a HD frame mounted hitch that simply bolts on for $150.,
maybe even less if i really looked hard enough,
(http://www.thepartsbin.com/sitemap/j...tch~parts.html) but what fun
would that be? No cutting, welding, grinding? Geez, if i cant make this
a major project, why bother?? : )

Walt

On 12 Sep 2005 09:26:15 -0700, "wallster"
wrote:


Don Foreman wrote:
My neighbor just had a brand-name class-III (6000 lb tow weight, 600
lb tongue weight) hitch professionally installed on his van at a
hitch place. Yours looks somewhat stiffer than his.

Don, I can buy a HD frame mounted hitch that simply bolts on for $150.,
maybe even less if i really looked hard enough,
(http://www.thepartsbin.com/sitemap/j...tch~parts.html) but what fun
would that be? No cutting, welding, grinding? Geez, if i cant make this
a major project, why bother?? : )

Walt

Absolutely! T'wouldn't be any fun at all.

I would question the ability of the "name brand" hitch I looked at to
handle your application, while yours looks very capable.