Extended drawbars. What are you using for the hinge?

[CT]

Hi All,
I'm in the process of sorting out an extended drawbar for next years Fraser trip. I think I've got most of the design sorted out but I'm wondering what people are using for the hinge on the swing away part? I figure that there has got to be something better than just a bolt!

Cheers
Craig

[Out-Station]

Hi All,
I'm in the process of sorting out an extended drawbar for next years Fraser trip. I think I've got most of the design sorted out but I'm wondering what people are using for the hinge on the swing away part? I figure that there has got to be something better than just a bolt!

Cheers
Craig

A bloody big bolt , seriously mine is just a 3/4 bolt with nyloc, works fine, when in play the majority of load is on the dummy ball, important to spread the load from that over say a 150mm section of the extension if possible. Load at the rear (hinge) is more on the bracket than the pin. important that the hinge is designed so as to keep the extension standing up straight and not allow it to lay over and twist when under load, my old mans setup used to twist a bit so we welded a couple of blocks into it so when its in use its tight against the trailer frame to stop the twist.

Scott

[CT]

Thanks Scott,
Looks like a bloody big bolt will do! Good tip about making sure that the extension is appropriately packed to ensure a good fit against the real drawbar to prevent twist. Am thinking of bolting the ball to the extension with something like this to make life easy.

Cheers
Craig_12_zpstxw1glr2.jpg

[Out-Station]

Craig, that will work fine I recon Not sure how you intend to allow the vertical movement in the rear hinge so as to allow you the vertical movement you need to couple/uncouple the extension ball from the trailer coupling but mine has the holes in the main bracket elongated in line with the trailer chassis but not the other way at all. Probably stronger than another full vertical pivot type arrangement.

Scott

[CT]

That sounds like a good way of doing it Scott. Will break out the workshop gear over the next few months and see how I go.

Cheers
Craig

[Cobbo1]

Do you really need to hinge it? How often will it be used? i just have a pin that points outwards from the side of the trailers drawbar, the extended bar then just slips over the pin, and a ball on the side slides into the coupling, I only use mine once a year and with 2 blokes its just as easy as a swing around, and half the effort to adapt to trailer, when I'm not using it, it sits up the side of the shed, when Im at fraser it gets strapped to the trailer frame under the boat, takes 2 mins

[CT]

That looks the goods. Nice and simple. I was thinking hinge for 1 man ease of operation. I'm a weed and sick of lifting heavy stuff like a few metres or RHS with a hitch hanging off the end of it! How long is that extension?
Cheers
Craig

[Cobbo1]

Yeah I wouldnt mind a swing around but as I said I use it about 5 days a year, and theres always at least 3 people with me, I think its about 3 metres from the coupling, cant quite remember I'll have a quick measure later

[preso]

Had a similar set up last year when we were up there. Turns out we didn't need it. But you never know what the gutter will be like.

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[Cobbo1]

Yeah mate 3m from coupling to coupling

[GBC]

Mine was like cobbo's but with two u bolts instead of the pin.
You'll get more length out of a bolt on which always comes in handy.

[Cobbo1]

U bolts are probably a better/easier idea, less moving parts, which we all know how much sand and salt love moving parts

[CT]

Thanks All,
I've seen some designs with flat steel U style mounts with lock pins so similar to what is being discussed. All good ideas.

Cheers
Craig

[PROS]

Do you guys need wiring extension for the lights as well or no need to bother?

[GBC]

Funny you mention it, I have seen the transport guys writing tickets for the locals tractors and extended drawbars at waddy about 10 years ago. I have never bothered.


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