Deuce 2'' reciver install

[03westernstar]

I towed my first trailer today with my deuce and as all deuce owners know the pintle is to high for the average trailer, so I moved trucks out the shop and got to work. I had a 3/4ton dodge 2'' reciver from previous project that I cut the ends off of and added 19'' pieces of 2x2x1/4'' angle on the ends for an outside measurement of 34'' the outside width of deuce frame, being 2'' angle the deuce frame flange is 2'' also. installed 6 5/8'' bolts drilled through bottom flange.Don't knock my bucket block..lol. With the average 0''drop reciver the ball is 2'' higher than my service truck, which isent a problem. The pictures aren't in order and camera died ill get finished pic tomorrow

 

[Josh]

I found that with stock tires, an 8in drop hitch is about dead on for most trailers. With the 395s I had to move up to a 12in drop to keep my trailers level. Your hitch actually looks a hair higher then mine also. That said, its a very nice versatility to hook just about any civy trailer to the truck. Looks well made and hopefully shall last a lifetime.

 

[HanksDeuce]

I'm digging everything but the Grade 5 bolts. If you truly want it to last a lifetime you might consider Grade 8. Love the bucket stand!

 

[1800 Diesel]

I'm digging everything but the Grade 5 bolts. If you truly want it to last a lifetime you might consider Grade 8. Love the bucket stand!

I believe the shear strength of a grade 5 steel bolt (assuming those are 1/2" diameter) is in excess of 10,000 #s per bolt. If he's using at least 2 per side (which I believe might be 3 per side) total shear strength of the rig (with no safety factor) should be over 40,000 #s. With a 2" receiver I would assume he's most likely gonna be towing loads less than 20,000 #s. If he wants to tow higher than 20k loads, then the grade 8s would be good insurance--at least to improve the safety factor. Or he can drill a couple more holes to provide for 4 fasteners per side & keep the grade 5s.

I'm with you on liking the bucket stand--I thought I was the only one who used 5 gal buckets to hold things under my truck...

 

[silverstate55]

I like the simplicity & shear strength design; very effective. With the nice short height, you won't have to worry much about side-loading forces like with one that dropped down.

Good job!

 

[hendersond]

The bucket would be handy when taking things apart, you could throw all the small parts and fasteners inside. Maybe you could strap a tool belt on it to hold your tools? Or you could even fill it full of ice...

Nice hitch!

 

[JasonS]

I believe the shear strength of a grade 5 steel bolt (assuming those are 1/2" diameter) is in excess of 10,000 #s per bolt.

What is the load capacity in the vertical direction? Just thinking that with a significant drop hitch that not all of the force will be in shear.