View Single Post
Old 08-19-2016, 04:08 PM   #6
chipper229
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 21
Default Installing a non-TM hitch receiver

Had a local welding shop weld my Ultra-Fab 35-946403 Trailer Hitch Receiver (Amazon) on today. Had to cut a piece from the aluminum pan and a nibble from the white plastic bumper, but overall I'm very pleased. Really like Craigrrr's suggestion for the hitch lock and promptly ordered one. My rack is easy to slide on the receiver and then torques down, but not as tight as I'd like. The lock seems to correct that based on lots of high reviews.
If you decide to go with the ultrafab, here are some tips: it extends from 41-77 or so inches (extensions not shown in my pic, but can see on Amazon). Extensions will need an additional piece of stock welded on to insert up through the edges of the storage pan to be welded on the frame. Unit has a 2" drop, so I had the shop flip it upside down to improve ground clearance. When they trim the pan for the 2" receiver to extend through, consider having them trim the rear of the receiver before installation so it doesn't interfere with putting things in and out of storage. The installation seems very secure and strong. Planning our first TM shakedown cruise next month, will let you know how the bikes made the trip.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2317.jpg
Views:	129
Size:	3.78 MB
ID:	13897   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2325.JPG
Views:	111
Size:	1.86 MB
ID:	13898   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2319.jpg
Views:	121
Size:	4.46 MB
ID:	13899   Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_2327.jpg
Views:	102
Size:	4.03 MB
ID:	13900  
__________________
Joe
2011 3124KB
2015 Toyota Highlander
Equalizer WDH, bike rack hitch receiver
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
chipper229 is offline   Reply With Quote