Does anyone have any recommendations about a welder who could build a trailer hitch on my coach? I live in Denver, and I need to accomplish this relatively quickly, unfortunately. I have tried Cowboy Metal but they are booked solid up until my departure date. Thanks everyone!
go to www.rvsafetysystems.com and email Jim. He lives near Denver, is a avid busnut, and may know where to go for this. Jack
Contact this guy he is a large contractor in the area and can put you in touch with someone
wayne_shell@csicousa.com but fwiw most welding shops do not want the libiatly that is associated with hitches
Jim is headed for the FMCA Rally up in ST. Paul. I don't know anyone here. Try calling fab shops you might get lucky. Maybe someone has plans for one ??? You could come look at my set-up on my '67 5A, and at least get some idea's. I'm in Arvada.
Don & Sheila
http://www.dexknows.com/search.ds?headingId=2622&where=denver,co&headingIdSearch=true&newSearch=true&from=7GGL_s_trailer%20hitch_2023785227
FWIW
Sojourn for Christ, Jerry
Dak,
I have a friend that does hitches for a living. It isn't a matter of welding skill but more a familiarity with how hitches are braced. I think all metal fab places have this skill. I suggest that you look for a "hitch" installation bus and get directions from them to the nearest. I would feel better having a shop in the trade do my work.
From what little I have seen I think you need to have this done with the bumper removed so that you can attach to that massive cross brace. Then you can get the receiver up tight against the bottom of the bumper and only loose a few inches of clearance. Inches are really importantant here and you don't want to be dragging your tail on every drive way entrance.
John
I am on the road, but generally check my email and the boards a couple of times a day.
One of the problems with doing your own work is that you don't always know good sources for work.
For a couple of decades the best place in Denver was Lambert Hitch (http://www.lamperthitch.com/). I may be wrong about how long they have been in business, as I recall going to them when I was much younger ;D :-X. In any case they were far and above any other source. I am not sure how good they are today, but I would sure talk to them.
On a bus, it is very important to "work" with the structure. On an MCI that should not be a big issue and they should be able to design a good installation. One thing to be very careful about is to make sure the bus structure is in good condition. On Eagles that involves carefully inspecting the tubing structure that ties into the engine rails. I have heard that MCIs can have the same issue. If you plan on pulling a big trailer, you will really need to consider a dolly system. I have documented some thoughts/sources at: http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/Trailer%20Towing.htm
Jim