Adding an Aftermarket Swing Hitch to a TrailManor

[knova]

I see some (potentially) wrong / old info from many years ago, and given the longevity of this forum, it still comes up in search results.

I spoke to Joe at Trailmanor yesterday and he advised they no longer sell a swing hitch that can be installed on non-swing frames. Additionally, the Car Show in CO Springs, CO appears to no longer be in business. It appears the DIY method might be the only option left.

Curious if anything has changed in regard to adding an aftermarket swing hitch since this was last discussed on this forum. And if anyone who has DIY’d it (either yourself or engaging a pro welder) has any comments about how it’s holding up, safety concerns, etc.

(If I am wrong for any of these points please correct me).

 

[TMIndustries]

I see some (potentially) wrong / old info from many years ago, and given the longevity of this forum, it still comes up in search results.

I spoke to Joe at Trailmanor yesterday and he advised they no longer sell a swing hitch that can be installed on non-swing frames. Additionally, the Car Show in CO Springs, CO appears to no longer be in business. It appears the DIY method might be the only option left.

Curious if anything has changed in regard to adding an aftermarket swing hitch since this was last discussed on this forum. And if anyone who has DIY’d it (either yourself or engaging a pro welder) has any comments about how it’s holding up, safety concerns, etc.

(If I am wrong for any of these points please correct me).

We do sell swing hitches to customers. You might have to modify your frame to attach it if you already had an older style swing hitch. If it's a brand new add you have to make modifications anyway. I would just make sure that if you add a swing hitch to an existing trailer that whoever does the modifications for you knows how to weld (preferably certified welder)

 

[knova]

We do sell swing hitches to customers.

Thank you for correcting my information. When I spoke to a salesperson last week they indicated this was not the case. But, glad to know they are available from the factory.

First Choice Fabrication in Littleton, CO indicated they are willing to do this work for any of my fellow front range Colorado folks. Price given to me was north of $2000 but that was for a complete custom solution. If there is a factory swing hitch that can be welded on, I presume a lot of the 'guesswork' is removed and the price/labor should go down.

 

[Kidkraz]

Is TMindustries the Trailmanor camper building company? Or a machine manufacturing company? I am confused on who TMIndustries is. Trailmanor camper website still shows the swing hitch as standard equipment.

 

[Shane826]

TM Industries has been the name of the camper company since the Hutterites took over in the late 2010s.

 

[Kidkraz]

When I Googled that name only found machine fitting companies, hence my question. Thanks for the info.

 

[knova]

Trailmanor has since clarified on the forum (above) and over the phone, that these are available via shipping or pickup from the factory.

I am waiting on confirmation from the kind folks at the corporate office, but it sounds like they might also be able to install them at the factory. Per Emily at the parts department: Price for the hitch is ~$950 not including shipping. I’ll post install info once I get that from the Trailmanor folks (unless the TM account above can clarify)

 

[Bill]

Trailmanor camper website still shows the swing hitch as standard equipment.

For many years, the swing hitch was a rather rare and expensive option from the Tennessee factory. Users liked it, but it wasn't entirely successful, as it required pulling the TM off the assembly line during assembly, and performing an expensive and complex step. Some of the welds were a bit touchy, and that issue was complicated by the fact that owners misused it, swinging the hitch open while it was carrying the tongue weight. DON'T DO THAT!! The South Dakota factory fixed the construction, and simplified the construction process by making it a standard step. This was a win for everyone.

To my knowledge, the availability of an after-market kit for older TMs is something new.