I was planning on transporting a quad with a truck pulling a trailer. I would be using a ball on the bumper because there is not a actual hitch. I am afraid that the height of the ball will be too high for the trailer. I have measured the angle that the trailer will probably sit while hooked to the truck. The height of the main part of the trailer will be approx 12 3/4" off the ground while the back will only be approx 6 1/2" off the ground. (there is a lip that's lower on back by about 2 1/4") This is when the trailer is empty.
I was thinking about getting a "flat bar draw bar" and bolting it to the hole on the bumper and then mount a ball on that.(on other end) This would allow me to purchase a bar with at least a 3" drop.
That way the trailer would sit more level.

1. Is this idea insane and do you think the bar might move from side to side? The bar would usually be used as an insert.
2. Is there an easier way to get a couple inch drop from a bumper mount without installing an actual hitch? This will only be used once for about 2 hours.
3. If I just used the trailer at that angle, would or could there be a problem. I'm a little afraid of it scraping if driven through dips. I don't think the angle will be as great after the quad is on it.
4. Any ideas?
5. Would a Foreman 450S fit in the smaller Dodge trucks? I had measured 42" between the wheel wells. The Foreman is around 45.5" wide and around 77.5" long. (I think) I'm not sure if the measurements are correct or where they are taken from. If it would fit, is the tailgate up or down?

 

As you can see in my signature I have several vehicles - all different heights. I also have 3 trailers (and RV trailer, an ATV trailer, and a trailer for my band equipment). That means I have played with hitches and receivers a "bit".

Look in the yellow pages under Hitches and find a hitch "specialist" (i.e. a shop that does only hitches). I believe the adapter is made by Draw-Tite.

Drive your truck down and give him the same info you just posted and he'll have an adapter that'll fix you up.

I would NOT try pulling the trailer tilted back like that - you want it as close to level as possible.

 

Ol- Thanks for the response.

 

why dont u get a ball mount with a deeper dip in it?

 

From my experience...........until you purchase a class IV hitch with receiver?.........you'll always be wondering when the ball on that hitch will tweak that bumper plate (and it doesn't take much) to the point where the angle will allow the coupler to bounce off (hopefully) onto the safety chains.

Seen it happen more than once........... and adding another piece between your ball (or bumper) and your trailer?.......aint gonna help matters any.

No offense meant here and your questions were certainly valid...........but when I see people pulling stuff around on their "bumper" in 2003?..........I suppose there might be different standards on how things are done "right" in different areas of the country that you have to, quote/unquote, "respect"..................