mci 9 trailer hitch max load? Tongue weight?

[grantgoold]

I am designing the hitch for the 9. I have several options to choose from. I am trying to determine the suggested tongue weight.

Thank!

Grant

[Ross]

I think the general concensus is as little as possible.  Towing four down, for instance.  The problem isn't usually the hitch, it's the hidden structural issues in the bus, if any.  Of course, the hitch needs to be done properly.  I got stuck in mud this winter to the axles and they pulled me out by throwing the hook over the 2" ball on the reciever hitch.  That was a straight pull though, no tounge weight.  I haven't towed a trailer yet, just a car four down.  I have a 6x12 trailer for the motorcycle that will be going on the next trip.

Ross

[Tony LEE]

I had to get the whole towing set up approved by an engineer (here the towing+towed+ A-frame has to be certified as a unit) and for the tow hitch part of the deal he was not willing to certify it for even the 2 ton standard rating. He dropped it by about 10% because of concerns with strength of the engine mounting rails (MC8)

[butch]

MCI sells/sold a hitch for the MC9, I looked at the drawings and called them for the ratings. (I then built my own based upon a reinforcing of their design).

Their hitch is/was rated at 500 tongue/5000 total weight.

I tow a trailer that weighs in at about 600/8000.

While I've had no problems, I don't recommend to anybody, I just know that it works for me.

Butch Williams, 1987 MC9, former NJT

[cody]

Grant, did those pics of the receiver I have help?  It came from a MC9 so I know it fit, how strong or where it originated I don't know but it appeared to be well used, I had it magnafluxed and it showed no stress cracks or wear that would be harmfull so it must have been a strong unit.  The other factor to concider is the strength of where it mounts and to make sure the frame rails where the receiver will be bolted in will support it under all conditions and torque, I'm going to have this one modified to install on my eagle.

[grantgoold]

All your comments have been helpful. I appreciate the picture as well. I too was able to get the 500/5000 lbs statement from MCI. I now will begin the process of taking everyones comments and integrating them.

Thanks

Grant

[wvanative]

Hey guy's,

I found this about a year ago and I think it would solve any problems with tongue weight. If I remember it's over $1700 but it looks like it well made. I'll look for the link to the site and post it when I find it.

WVaNative

[oldmansax]

It's called a Tuff Tow & here's the link:

https://www.shogunindustries.com/cgi-bin/ws400CS.cgi?cart_id=&page=tufftowindex.html

[boogiethecat]

 With that thing I could just see a cop trying to bust you for pulling tandem trailers!!  Cute!!

[wvanative]

It's called a Tuff Tow & here's the link:

https://www.shogunindustries.com/cgi-bin/ws400CS.cgi?cart_id=&page=tufftowindex.html

Thanks oldmanax,

That is why this board is so great. every one is just trying to help each other.

WvaNative

[oldmansax]

I had another look at the pic this morning (AFTER I had coffee  ) & realized what is there is NOT a Tufftow, but it is the same principle. the tufftow fits INSIDE the "A" of the trailer tongue and swivels like a caster. It is adjustable so you can regulate the weight on the hitch. I am thinking of buying one for my trailer.

TOM

[rv_safetyman]

At one time I had planned to write an article for George Myer's publication and started documenting a lot of different towing systems and jotting down my thoughts and concerns about towing large trailers behind bus conversion.  I had documented various trailer dolly options on my website.  Today I pasted some of my previous board posts that express my concern about the combination of large trailers and buses.  You can see them at:

http://www.rvsafetysystems.com/Trailer%20Towing.htm

Jim

[plyonsMC9]

Thanks Jim,  excellent information in your article. 

Best Regards, Phil

[HighTechRedneck]

Along the idea of near zero tongue weight, I have often wondered why nobody builds a car trailer with a straight axle at the rear and independent limited swivel (i.e. L/R 45°) front wheels.  Or with a straight front axle with the ability to swivel relative the trailer bed like a tow dolly does.  Visualize a big little red wagon for towing a car.  It would have the positive benefits of a trailer (no wear on toad and no modified drive shafts needed) with the low tongue weight of a tow bar.  The only negative I can think of is that it would have the poor backing characteristics of a tow dolly.

It seems like a simple enough idea yet nobody seems to do it.  There must be a reason that I am missing.