MC-9 trailer hitch advice needed

[bottomacher]

I am about to build my trailer hitch, and I am uncertain about how to attach it. I plan to install a lateral beam behind the bumper and attach the hitch tongue directly to it (NOT a receiver). The problem is that I want to extend a pair of radius rods from the tongue and bolt them to something strong beneath the bus. I don't want the engine cradle to take any of the load except the tongue weight. Does anyone know where I should attach the end of the rods? I have been thinking of the radius rod bolts, but I don't trust myself. Thanks

[Tom Y]

I won't give advice of how to mount, a pic of the one I built is on a couple posts down. This pic is of my bulk head 80 5C, after removing engine cradle. Note cracks, not super strong area for what it does. Yes I know it is the whole structure that works together.

[Fredward]

Yah I don't know how the MC-9 is built and if it's any different than an MC-5a. But I would echo Tom Y. Both times I've had my engine out, I've had to reinforce and weld those square posts that the cradle is attached to. I would think that hanging any tongue weight out on the back of the cradle could cause structural problems.

That being said, my hitch is merely attached to the end of the cradle but the only think I ever pull is a car or a light utility trailer.

I think to be safe you'd want to attach your hitch to those square posts where the cradle attaches or as you said where the radius arms attach. Just be sure to make it so you can still slide the engine out because someday you will need to do that.
Fred

[bottomacher]

Thanks for the replies. To clarify, my toad is a Suzuki Samurai. Tongue weight will be almost negligible. My main concern is to avoid stresses on the cradle at any place, hence the radius rods which will angle outward from the hitch tongue to the front supports (whichever they turn out to be). That way. they will provide some lateral stiffness as well as generally adding no load to the cradle (it will make a triangular structure). What I cant decide is what to attach the radius rods to at the front end.

[NewbeeMC9]

Mine us welded on and is below bumper.  Got stuck on it once. Recommend a bolted on(removable) through bumper for ease. Be creative enough that its not a shin knocker.  Make sure you have room too change the fan belt( you do carry an extra fan belt I'm sure)