Is this an acceptable method of attaching a trailer tongue?

[Beltzington]

Bought this aluminum trailer used and it was obvious the original tongue had been replaced but the price was good and it seemed secure. Before loading it I replaced all the attaching bolts with new Grade 8 hdwr and in the process observed the holes did not show any wear. I have used the trailer several times since but a couple weeks ago I had the tractor further forward than usual which placed more weight on the tongue which started me wondering if the aluminum could rip. Please take a look at the picture and share your thoughts. Thanks.

View attachment 395203

 

[MinnesotaEric]

You want the trailer level with the typical load of 10-15% of weight on the tongue/tow vehicle. If the trailer pitches up, get a longer drop receiver. If the trailer pitches down, get a shorter drop or no drop receiver insert.

Another thing to look at is the GVWR of the trailer against the receiver hitch rate, the rating of the receiver hitch insert as well as the ball rating. Make sure your tow vehicle meets or exceeds the trailer's ratings or pay attention to your load weight so as to not exceed the total trailer and trailered load weight.

FWIW, if you do a lot of towing, or are going to, and are comfortable being limited to 10,000 pounds, convertiball offers a trailer hitch receiver insert with a giant rubber damper that really makes a difference in towing comfort. The downside: it is limited to 10,000 pounds.

 

[Xfaxman]

Do you know how much tongue weight was on it?

I know the truck is at an angle, but it looks like the ball mount is bending down.

I don't see the new bolts, unless they are black oxide.

 

[bigtiller]

Something is wrong, that's for sure. The frame is too close to the ground for me. I couldn't cross the street here because of the crown it the road for storm water drainage.

 

[gtrippleb]

I know the truck is at an angle, but it looks like the ball mount is bending down.

I never have liked those types of drop down hitches. My preference is the adjustable ones as they seem like they are built a little stronger.

 

[PILOON]

Looking at the tongue, it seems parallel to the ground which suggests reasonable loading and proper hitch height.
If anything the truck hitch seems a bit down tilted as if some attachment bolt holes might be elongated, or maybe a lighter rated weight hitch frame.

 

[Beltzington]

Do you know how much tongue weight was on it?

I know the truck is at an angle, but it looks like the ball mount is bending down.

I don't see the new bolts, unless they are black oxide.

Thanks for the replies.

Truck and trailer are sitting in 6 - 8" of grass which makes it look lower than it actually is. Hitch was bent when I got is so I am not concerned about it and the bolts have tarnished in the last few years and I am not concerned with there integrity. Question was will 10 bolts through aluminum frame possible possibly tear the aluminum? Best guess is there is 600- 800lbs on the tongue.

 

[Xfaxman]

Thanks for the replies.

Truck and trailer are sitting in 6 - 8" of grass which makes it look lower than it actually is. Hitch was bent when I got is so I am not concerned about it and the bolts have tarnished in the last few years and I am not concerned with there integrity. Question was will 10 bolts through aluminum frame possible possibly tear the aluminum? Best guess is there is 600- 800lbs on the tongue.

Answer is not if they are tight. :thumbsup:

 

[bcp]

The coupler had bolts against steel on the outside. What is on the inside to spread the force? Plate? Washers?

Bruce

 

[crazyal]

Can you contact the manufacturer? They should be able to answer your question. I would be careful changing the bolts. Contact between aluminum and steel can cause the aluminum to corrode. If that is a factory set up they probably did the engineering to determine the correct alloy bolt needed.