Stabilizing Cross drawbar for trailer

[RedRock]

I've purchased a cross drawbar to pull my trailer, but I'm obviously missing something to complete my setup. The drawbar spins freely. Is there a specific part I should get (name?) to stabilize this setup? Is it a stay strap, or two that tie into the top link?

 

[The Haymaker]

Be prepared for the safety police to hop in here saying not to pull with the 3pt!

You need to make a "T" bar coming up to the top link. Mine is a piece of 2" square with a tab welded to the bottom. The tab bolts to the bar and has a flat on the back where the ball goes. I used two pieces of flat stock welded on top to make a clevis for the top link. Should have some sort of stabilizers to keep from pulling the post sideways, but I've yet to have any problem, and I've used it to pull some massive oak chunks from the woods.

 

[gwdixon]

Drawbar stabilizers are made so someone will chime in here in time.

Those drawbars are made for clevis-type hitches (like a two prong fork with a pin through them). Most ball hitches have a connection to the top link to keep them stable.

Another issue that you have to consider is that the 3PH has no down pressure so the trailer tongue will flip up if the load is to the rear of the trailer's axle. It will do it in bumpy terrain also.

 

[peterc38]

You need something like this:

FUNKWORKZ Tractor Drawbar Stabilizer "The Original!"

 

[harpoonalt]

I have the 2" receiver attachment for my 3 point. I would tow a full load of mulch around with my BX easily on my 12' tandem trailer. I leave it on all summer and just put the ball in when I need the trailer. Just use common sense with your loads and on hills.

 

[RedRock]

Roger that on the lack of down pressure. I forgot to add that I'll be pulling the trailer with very little load...like throwing my rakes and shovels on it, moving it empty from one place to another, stuff like that. I would however be interested in understanding what the safety issues are and what my limitations might be when I have the proper setup with the top link. I'll check the tractor specs too of course.

 

[grnspot110]

I prefer an "A" frame with receiver:

 

[RedRock]

I just wonder if 2 of these , left and right, would work?

Stabilizer Bracket - 0267911 | Tractor Supply Company

 

[Code54]

For the money the "A" frame is the way to go - much more solid! More like pulling with a truck

 

[RedRock]

Thanks all, for the empty and/or light loads, I'll start with my $40 solution, but when I can afford it and need something for the heavier loads, I agree the A frame would make me much more comfortable with the heavier loads.