New member with a question. I recently purchased a 1976 21ft. rear kitchen Dodge 360 chassis American Clipper for my kids to share. One would like to tow a 17ft. inboard/outboard boat and the other would like to flat tow a 2002 Jeep Wrangler. It has a hitch on it now that is held on with 6 1/2 coarse thread bolts that are bolted to the same light weight frame rails as the bumper. The ball is rated at 5,000lbs. My question is: Does anybody know what the rating for that hitch is, and or did a hitch like that even come stock when the motorhome was new?
I wish I had bought one of these when they were new, it's a hoot to drive.
Thanks
Marty
Hi Marty and Welcome!
I myself would not trust the factory frame extensions for that kind of towing. Most people that do this kind of towing have a stronger under frame hitch installed. Search this website for instructions and comments and ask all the questions you want.
JerryT
Do not tow anything until you are sure that the hitch is attached properly to the MAIN frame - not just the 3 foot extension put on at the Clipper factory.
This is what a properly installed hitch should look like
http://americanclipperownersclub.com/images/framesides.gif
Does not have to be exactly like this - but you get the idea - can't simply be attached to the rear frame beams.
I myself have a hitch that is improperly installed - I modified a hitchhaul unit, and use it to carry bikes or surf gear, etc. - never more than 150 lbs - works fine for that - but I'd never dream of towing anything over 500lbs - would wreck the Clipper and cause rear-end sag in a hurry.
There are other members here who have slick hitch set-ups - you can search for their pics on this site.
Thanks for the replies. I quess when the rain lets up a little around here I'll have to do some fabricating.
Hi there Horst,
I just checked the rear towing hitch on my rig and it is just like the
schematic that you described!!!
We have towed the race car and my wifes Vw on vacations with no problems..
I guess we lucked out.. But when we bought the rig I paid 10,000.
That was back in 89
I proubably paid too much for the rig but I have been happy with it.
Take care, John :)