Topic: Detachable trailer hitch

[snaponbob]

Over the past few days I have started a weight loss program on the Redline in preparation for the 2010 Solo season. The first step is to modify the Curt hitch to be easily removable at events. In doing so, I won't have to worry about bolts falling in to the frame channels. The hitch was removed and weighed at ~33 pounds. (This hitch was the first prototype for an LNF and may not be exactly like a production unit.) The first thing I did was use an air powered "whiz wheel" to cut away the welds holding the straps that attach to the rear box section that the bumper system attaches to. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Next, I clamped on a 5" x 6" x 1/4" piece of steel plate from "Metal By The Foot". This shot shows one hole drilled, another started, and a cut line scored by the grinder. You'll see why later. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
Here are the six holes drilled and the cut being made. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
One side cut and bolted up. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
This is one side with the the strap and side plate detached. They would remain ON the car. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
And, last, this is the way it would appear under the car when it is re-installed. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

The two pieces of sheet steel cost under $6, and all the nuts, bolts, flat and lock washers were grade 8 (equal to the frame hardware that Curt used) cost about $15. Total time was about four hours including sharpening a couple 1/2" drill bits. And THAT sure helped !!!!







 

[Kelu]

This is the story of how snaponbob lost his trailer. 

Thank you for sharing, don't forget to take pictures when your trailer will be left behind 

[snaponbob]

Oh, it's not coming apart. Those are 1/2" (14mm) Grade 8 nuts and bolts. There IS a reason for 3 bolts above and three bolts below. There is 1/4" plates attached to 1/4" plates. These bolts can be torqued to well over 100 ft.lbs. Given that I am only pulling 500 pounds, the only way that the hitch will come apart is when I TAKE it apart. Eventually, the plate will be welded to the main section.

[Critterman]

So if I am looking at this correctly, take 3 bolts each side and it falls on your head?

Then when you are ready to go home, you bolt it back on and go?

[snaponbob]

So if I am looking at this correctly, take 3 bolts each side and it falls on your head?

Then when you are ready to go home, you bolt it back on and go?

First question - 2 parts; 1) 3 bolts each side and the two along the cross bar, 2) I sure as hell hope not !!!   
Second question - Yup. 

[Uranium-238]

I like. Will probably do the same thing when I get a hitch.

[snaponbob]

After getting everything back in place, I can say that the cut should have been a little lower to make the on/off process easier. Everything is back on, all is tight, and Sunday I tow the tire trailer 5 hours round trip. I will be bringing tools to check everything with, but really do anticipate any issues.

[Critterman]

So how did the tow work, and how did you do?

[shabby]

He lost the trailer and came in last...

[snaponbob]

Okay, all you negative power generators !!! The hitch was PERFECT. The surface we raced on was the absolute worst I (and ALL others) had EVER been on. I want you to think about trying to search for traction on a polished concrete surface in a parking garage AFTER an automatic transmission spill on a rainy day. It was WAY weird. As for MY performance, even with less than 30psi in the A6s, there was no grip, but I was up with the quicker cars. The event itself was simply the most poorly run thing that I have been in since 1981, but that turd belonged squarely on the SCCA host Region's plate. The United States Army was an absolutely fantastic host, and "THE BIG RED ONE" gets ALL the credit. The post Commander and his subordinates were the most gracious, down to earth, and friendly hosts one could EVER hope for. EVERYONE had a blast, the troops were happy and excited, and the future will most certainly see more of the same sort of events at Ft. Riley, and if their chain of command sees the benefits that Ft. Riley did, this single moment in time will be shared at Army posts around the country. As a Vet, I felt a bond that a lot of non Vets can not possibly know, but they also knew that something special happened today. Before we left, there was already discussions about when, and how many, more events will be held. So VERY different from the period of time when I was in the service.

I will NOT forget what happened today. It was MUCH larger than a mere Solo event.

[Critterman]

Polished concrete with tranny fluid on it?  Funny, glad you had a great time, maybe next time they can run some tanks over the course first

[snaponbob]

Polished concrete with tranny fluid on it?  Funny, glad you had a great time, maybe next time they can run some tanks over the course first

This surface was BRAND NEW. Anchor pots for helicopter tie downs were in place, but no straps were installed yet as was seen on the "old" ramp areas. During the first heat it looked like cars were racing through talcum powder. It rubbered up REAL fast but THAT stuff was slick as well, probably because that powder (cement dust) was mixed in. It was WEIRD. But before the event was over the very highest post command personnel were asking if we would be better served on the old concrete as it was very easy to move the choppers. How cool is THAT attitude? We'll be back next year !!!!!!!!!     

[Critterman]

Well it should be weathered next time you go back.  Military is like that they bend over backwards to hell and you don't even have to ask.  But hey you got an experience money can't buy.  Driving on a slick surface hownes your skills

[snaponbob]

Well it should be weathered next time you go back.  Military is like that they bend over backwards to hell and you don't even have to ask.  But hey you got an experience money can't buy.  Driving on a slick surface hownes your skills

One thing for sure --- running 53 seconds on a 40 second course (and I was at the quicker end of the list) does give one PLENTY of time to think about what I was doing !!!

[lil goat]

Bob I can not see how that hitch will ever work, I see absolutely no duct tape on it anywhere, I bet you could gain a couple of seconds with some duct tape.

Glad to hear the about the event, I have the privilege to work with Vets a lot, at work and in the community, keeps me connected and can you believe humble.

[snaponbob]

Bob I can not see how that hitch will ever work, I see absolutely no duct tape on it anywhere, I bet you could gain a couple of seconds with some duct tape.

Don't tell anybody else, but that isn't a Curt hitch. Balsa wood is the basic material and the rest IS Duct Tape !!! All of it. And the attaching thingies are formed out of JB Weld, filed down to shape, and painted with Gold spray paint that I was "huffing" while I was putting this all together.

[lil goat]

I won't tell a sol I swear

[Triuser]

That's great.  I've been hesitant to pick up a hitch because I don't like it staring out from underneath the car when I'm not using it.  I really need something to carry my bike though.... as there is no way it will fit in the passenger seat, wheels off and all.  I very very carefully tried this once.  I really hoped someone would make one of those hitch types that have a vertical acceptor, the hide-away type.  Anyway, I think I'll pick one up and try it this way now.  Thanks for doing the hard work, thinking it up and trying it out.