DIY Hidden Hitch

[TroutFishingInAmerica]

Chains? We don't need to stinking chains.

I got it.

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[tobyw]

Hitch extenders reduce your hitch capacity, don't they? And pretty quickly as you add length if I remember right.

Yep, sure do. For the tongue weight that applies to my specific use case however, it's a non-issue.

Also, how hard is it to get at the hitch pin? Looks pretty tough from the few photos up so far.

It's actually very easy, even being completely blind behind the bumper. There is plenty of room to get your hand(s) up in there and manipulate the pin and retaining clip.

Just curious of how easy to use a mod like this would be if you tow more frequently and what you lose in the process.

I tow almost every weekend... For my specific use case, I am loosing nothing.

 

[tobyw]

Then again, I actually like the receiver being below the bumper. Means I can put a skid plate on the hitch very easily there and protect the rear end of the truck when wheeling. After all, if it's getting that much ground contact as it seems in the first photo, all that contact is going to be on the plastic bumper now.

The below are my personal opinions only... I despise debates on forums on the interweb, but I figured I'd address your comments just to shed light on the fact that I'm doing this for my specific use case. What I do isn't what anyone, and I do mean anyone, else should do.

The problem with adding a skid to the hitch is that you are making the problem worse... the point of my modification is to get it out of the way so that it doesn't hit in the first place. My issue isn't so much with coming directly down on the receiver hitch, it's when you can't scale an obstacle on the first crack and the receiver, being ~3" lower than the bumper, becomes a pogo stick that prevents you from backing up and realigning. I'm simply not a talented enough driver to make everything in one shot, so I find myself backing up for attempt #2, #3, #4..... Coming down backwards onto the relatively smooth underside of the bumper will help me greatly.

All of this applies to going forward as well, of course. Not having to contend with that extra 3" (or more if you add a skid plate below it) can make all the difference in the world.

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Nice work, it looks really clean.

 

[sharpsicle]

So it looked like you still need chains to frame, and a place for the license plate to keep it visible while towing. What are your plans for those? I don't think the chains on a hitch extension will be safe, and the flip-up license plate would probably not be ideal outside of just quick recovery use of the hitch. Just hate to see you go through all this neat fab work to just be illegal.

 

[IanNubbit]

Just came to say this is amazing and you killed it with the design and execution.

 

[Terminus33]

On the left and right of the straight tube where the receiver is just before the radius bend up toward the frame you can weld on two steel loops hanging straight down. It would be enough to run the chains up under the bumper to hook and only drop down about an inch. Something similar to this.

 

[Jteakus]

All I really need the hitch for is a bicycle rack. That is slick and just what I need,
New weekend project.

 

[cranbiz]

Chains to the vehicle, always. Always use chains.

Speaking from experience when I had drawbar separation from the vehicle at 0200 on I95 in MD. Locking pin failed and the pin worked itself out. The chains were the only thing that kept the trailer attached so I could get it off the road. The tractor trailer behind be made a heck of a maneuver around me to prevent a collision (obviously not a Swift driver). Had the chains been attached to the ball, it would have been a disaster. It was not an experience I ever want to go thru again.

 

[Dickster]

What do you gain from this? Now you run the chance of dragging your bumper? I rather drag my hitch with a skid plate than my bumper.

 

[BearDog]

@tobyw haters are gonna hate, no matter what. F*ck 'em.

Awesome job. Looks great to me. I'll probably do the same thing one day...and copy your bed rack. That thing is awesome as well.

 

[sharpsicle]

@tobyw haters are gonna hate, no matter what. F*ck 'em.

Awesome job. Looks great to me. I'll probably do the same thing one day...and copy your bed rack. That thing is awesome as well.

Who's hating? I think we're all really interested and trying to support, whether it be from practical questions to suggestions on how to close gaps.

 

[Dickster]

Who's hating? I think we're all really interested and trying to support, whether it be from practical questions to suggestions on how to close gaps.

Not hating do what you want is what I say. Im just wondering whats the reasoning or why. Another aspect to look at since the hitch is altered from engineering spec one dot inspection could get you a ticket. Not saying we're hauling semi loads of materials but it does have substance behind it.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

Not hating do what you want is what I say. Im just wondering whats the reasoning or why. Another aspect to look at since the hitch is altered from engineering spec one dot inspection could get you a ticket. Not saying we're hauling semi loads of materials but it does have substance behind it.

More clearance.

 

[Dickster]

More clearance.

More lift and bigger tires. Only what it will make a difference on the gladiator. If your not dragging ass your on your belly lol.

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