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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: travlinman on May 08, 2013, 01:36:29 PM

Title: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: travlinman on May 08, 2013, 01:36:29 PM
Hey Guys,

Not a bus question but given the bus nuts way of working around problems I thought I would try here first.

So, I'm helping some friends move this summer and I would like to bring my truck so I have a way home. I have a roadmaster coach mounted falcon 2 tow bar. I'm wondering if anyone has ever mounted a ball receiver on the front of the bar where it inserts into the hitch?

The moving truck they are using has a two inch ball and wiring all set up so half the battle is already done.

Thoughts??

TM
Title: Re: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: Lin on May 08, 2013, 05:15:35 PM
I am not sure I understand.  Is the plan to use the hitch backward?
Title: Re: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: wildbob24 on May 08, 2013, 05:40:26 PM
TM,

I guess you could weld one of these: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200414748_200414748 (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200414748_200414748)
to one of these: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442400_200442400 (http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442400_200442400) to do what you want to do.

The main problem I see (assuming a good welding job) would be having 2 pivot points between the bus and the toad. Might make for some interesting tracking.

Bob
Title: Re: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: gumpy on May 08, 2013, 06:34:34 PM
If you want to attach an A-Frame hitch to a ball, you will have to remove the square receiver insert portion and permanently attach a ball hitch.
You will have to remove the pivot point where it attaches to the ball hitch. Only one pivot point, and that's the ball.

Suggest you simply build a rigid A-Frame that attaches to the two points on the truck and has a fixed ball hitch on the other end.
Title: Re: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: travlinman on May 08, 2013, 06:47:33 PM
Lin - I'm not planning on using the bar backwards. My thought was to bolt a coupler to the front of the tow bar where it inserts into the receiver on the bus.

Bob - I like your take on the idea with the receiver tube added to the mix. As far as the two pivot points go, I will need to give that some thought. It could prevent the truck from following the moving van!

What else am I missing?

Looks like gumpy filled in the last piece of the puzzle while I was typing. I guess two pivot points are a bad idea. I was thinking it would work like a tandem semi, but perhaps not.

TM
Title: Re: Non standard use for coach mounted tow bar
Post by: jjrbus on May 09, 2013, 04:57:02 AM
 

  Got a HF nearby or enroute?    http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tow+bar (http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=tow+bar)

  Sell it when you get home.      Jim