Receiver hitch for MCI D3

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 01:55:58 AM

Hello All,

In about 3 months we need to pull out of Santa Fe and head to Montana. I would like to tow our car, so that my lovely wife can navigate and relax by my side in the bus.

I can't seem to find a ready made hitch, so am contemplating having a local welder fabricate one. This one pictures seems like a good design.

I'm guessing that about 3/8 steel would be about right for the plates that bolt on the bus.

Any input form you is welcome and helpful.

Thanks a million,

Seb

luvrbus · January 28, 2022, 03:35:35 AM

That is about all you can do for a hitch on the MCI,looks like the same as the hitch MCI sold for awhile on the conversion shells .3/8ths thick may be a overkill the metal you are bolting too is not that thick

sledhead · January 28, 2022, 04:34:14 AM

way back in the day I got a universal reese trailer hitch from walmart . it was easy to use on the 102c3 but took some time to install and the + was there was a lot of spare parts left over for other jobs

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 08:08:35 AM

Quote from: sledhead on January 28, 2022, 04:34:14 AM
way back in the day I got a universal reese trailer hitch from walmart . it was easy to use on the 102c3 but took some time to install and the + was there was a lot of spare parts left over for other jobs

Hmmmm, This is interesting. Details... Which hitch? What di you mount it to. Only bolt on?

Maybe something like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reese-Towpower-Class-III-Multi-Fit-Hitch/1957059

I do have two tabs hanging down form the engine cradle I think. That I though about mounting a receiver to, but though this setup I found would be better.

Thanks

Seb

Dave5Cs · January 28, 2022, 08:14:20 AM

yep same one that is on my MCI5C. They work well

sledhead · January 28, 2022, 09:14:31 AM

ya
thats the one but way back in 2005 it was $98

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 09:47:31 AM

Sounds interesting,

Is it just a bolt on installation then? To the bumper mounts? To the Engine Cradle?

Pictures? Anything would help.

I have limited tools and such at the moment. So really interested in the details of installation.

No point in reinventing the wheel if you have a proven method.

Thanks a million.

Seb

luvrbus · January 28, 2022, 10:09:13 AM

Those so called tabs run the.length of the cradle on both sides for support I wouldn't attach a hitch there ,I would spend the bucks and go with your 1st idea it's a better setup.When you remove the bumper you will find a lot of cracks that will need to be repaired anyways it's a MCI

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 12:13:39 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on January 28, 2022, 10:09:13 AM
Those so called tabs run the.length of the cradle on both sides for support I wouldn't attach a hitch there ,I would spend the bucks and go with your 1st idea it's a better setup.When you remove the bumper you will find a lot of cracks that will need to be repaired anyways it's a MCI

Hmmm, ok, thanks, so it sounds like it's a good thing I found a welder...

Seb

peterbylt · January 28, 2022, 01:23:24 PM

Had a local fabricator build this one for us, thought it came out really good.

Peter

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 01:29:17 PM

Quote from: peterbylt on January 28, 2022, 01:23:24 PM
Had a local fabricator build this one for us, thought it came out really good.

Peter

Yeah, that looks nice.

2 Receivers?

How much are you into it for?

I wonder if the measurements would be the same for a '97 D3?

Thanks for sharing.

Seb

peterbylt · January 28, 2022, 02:16:27 PM

Quote from: Sebulba on January 28, 2022, 01:29:17 PM
Yeah, that looks nice.

2 Receivers?

How much are you into it for?

I wonder if the measurements would be the same for a '97 D3?

Thanks for sharing.

Seb

If you look in the back of the pickup truck you can see the motorcycle/Bicycle rack that uses the second receiver, it was just too wobbly with only the one.

The fabricator, a good friend, charged me, IIRC about $200, but I paid him $300.

Our Bus is a 96A3, so 96 inches wide, so not sure if the measurements would be correct for you, the engine cradle mounts should be the same.
Thought I had the original design sheet I gave to the fabricator with all the measurements, but this was all I found, he didn't follow my design anyway, he only had a 3" piece of square tubing so he used that instead of the 2".

Peter

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 02:22:54 PM

Quote from: peterbylt on January 28, 2022, 02:16:27 PM
If you look in the back of the pickup truck you can see the motorcycle/Bicycle rack that uses the second receiver, it was just too wobbly with only the one.

The fabricator, a good friend, charged me, IIRC about $200, but I paid him $300.

Our Bus is a 96A3, so 96 inches wide, so not sure if the measurements would be correct for you, the engine cradle mounts should be the same.
Thought I had the original design sheet I gave to the fabricator with all the measurements, but this was all I found, he didn't follow my design anyway, he only had a 3" piece of square tubing so he used that instead of the 2".

Peter

I was wondering if it was for a bike rack or something.

I have found a welder here in Santa Fe that I hope to get together with soon and talk about this project.

For the plates that bolt onto the bus, did you use 1/4 steel or?

Thanks

Seb

peterbylt · January 28, 2022, 02:37:08 PM

Quote from: Sebulba on January 28, 2022, 02:22:54 PM
I was wondering if it was for a bike rack or something.

I have found a welder here in Santa Fe that I hope to get together with soon and talk about this project.

For the plates that bolt onto the bus, did you use 1/4 steel or?

Thanks

Seb

He used 1/2 inch steel for the plates, because it was what he had sitting around the shop.

Peter

Sebulba · January 28, 2022, 03:38:45 PM

Quote from: peterbylt on January 28, 2022, 02:37:08 PM
He used 1/2 inch steel for the plates, because it was what he had sitting around the shop.

Peter

Ok, that's good to know, that puppy must be heavy.

thanks

Seb