Z Hitch Prototype
01-22-2005, 08:14 AM
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Z Hitch Prototype
I just got the parts back from the powdercoater and have performed another test fitment.
I wanted to design a hitch that not only was fuctional as a class 1 hitch, but when the ball mount was removed from the receiver, it would be completely unnoticable. Here's my solution in prototype form.
I talked to an expert on extruded aluminum structures to get an idea what the stock bumper was capable of supporting on all three axis, and an expert welder on how best to implement an inexpensive, lightweight class 1 hitch. Here is is my solution. My calculations put the rating for this at 150lb tongue weight, and 950 lbs towing capacity.
I also thought about a class 2 hitch, but the weight was prohibitive for my primary purpose - getting my 4'x4' tire/tool trailer to the track.
Here are a few pics.
I'll take it for a few test runs this weekend, and the real test will be this year's first track event at VIR, Feb. 12-13., which 150 miles from my house.
I'll post more when I have the wiring kit installed, the bumper cover back on and the trailer hooked up.
I wanted to design a hitch that not only was fuctional as a class 1 hitch, but when the ball mount was removed from the receiver, it would be completely unnoticable. Here's my solution in prototype form.
I talked to an expert on extruded aluminum structures to get an idea what the stock bumper was capable of supporting on all three axis, and an expert welder on how best to implement an inexpensive, lightweight class 1 hitch. Here is is my solution. My calculations put the rating for this at 150lb tongue weight, and 950 lbs towing capacity.
I also thought about a class 2 hitch, but the weight was prohibitive for my primary purpose - getting my 4'x4' tire/tool trailer to the track.
Here are a few pics.
I'll take it for a few test runs this weekend, and the real test will be this year's first track event at VIR, Feb. 12-13., which 150 miles from my house.
I'll post more when I have the wiring kit installed, the bumper cover back on and the trailer hooked up.
Last edited by roark; 01-22-2005 at 08:20 AM.
01-22-2005, 05:13 PM
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disappearing hitch also
I just finished an install by my wleder on a disappearing 350Z hitch that does not depend on the rear bumper frame due to others experience with a weak bumper frame connection that weakens over time.
My design was like others who used the open space offered by the Injen Straight Tip exhaust to avoid using the bumber frame bar.
The hitch frame is a square tube/bar welded from exhaust hanger to exhaust hanger, with a T brace going back to the cross frame member in front of the differential. That gives ita good triangle of support with a verticale reciever and a 90 eegree hitch ball unit. Just a little over $100.
My ZToo track trailier is in the paint and fabrication shop (my basement) and the test run with full tool load and track wheels/tires will be next.
My welder did a wonderful job on the wheel tire rack that solved all of my 350Z track wheel/tire design criteria. He will be offering
this track tire rack to fit on the Harbor 4x4 trailer we all use. He will ship it too you ready to go on the trailer. I will post pics in a week when the paint is dry. It will be sold at $200 plus shipping from KY by DW Welding with order and mailing on his web page.
My design was like others who used the open space offered by the Injen Straight Tip exhaust to avoid using the bumber frame bar.
The hitch frame is a square tube/bar welded from exhaust hanger to exhaust hanger, with a T brace going back to the cross frame member in front of the differential. That gives ita good triangle of support with a verticale reciever and a 90 eegree hitch ball unit. Just a little over $100.
My ZToo track trailier is in the paint and fabrication shop (my basement) and the test run with full tool load and track wheels/tires will be next.
My welder did a wonderful job on the wheel tire rack that solved all of my 350Z track wheel/tire design criteria. He will be offering
this track tire rack to fit on the Harbor 4x4 trailer we all use. He will ship it too you ready to go on the trailer. I will post pics in a week when the paint is dry. It will be sold at $200 plus shipping from KY by DW Welding with order and mailing on his web page.
01-23-2005, 12:16 PM
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Last night I completed the wiring. It was very simple, especially since the tail lamp harnesses have service loops you can tap into without butchering the harness.
Today, Dispite the cold (low 20's with wind chill down into single digits) I hitched up the track trailer fully loaded (4 tires, toolbox including air tank and jack, approx. 650 lbs total) and took it for a test run. I toured bumpy, winding back roads, surface roadways and interstates for several hours. I'm very satisfied how the hitch performed.
I'm going to keep the trailer on during the week, and have my aluminum expert examine the extruded aluminum bumper on Thursday. I don't see that this amount of load will weaken the aluminum bumper, even over time.
EnthuZ, I agree that this design is not sat as a class 2 hitch (3500lbs gross/300lbs tongue) but as a class 1 design it is a good compromise of towing capacity and weight (receiver assy. weighs under 20 lbs.) I could make a class 2 hitch, which would bolt directly to the bumper mounts on the frame, but it will weigh nearly 60 lbs. if designed properly.
Tomzz, for a tire rack, I simply used the 3/4"x3 1/2" siderail slots (conveniently the nominal size of 1"x4" lumber) in the frame. I mounted some 1"x4" 6" long pieces to the ends of some 4"x4" posts, dropped them in and bolted them to the existing frame holes. Tires sit between the 4x4s. This was very inexpensive, wood won't hurt the tires, and they can be easily removed if I want to use the trailer to haul something else. I would like to see your tire rack design as well. I can't wait to see the pics.
Today, Dispite the cold (low 20's with wind chill down into single digits) I hitched up the track trailer fully loaded (4 tires, toolbox including air tank and jack, approx. 650 lbs total) and took it for a test run. I toured bumpy, winding back roads, surface roadways and interstates for several hours. I'm very satisfied how the hitch performed.
I'm going to keep the trailer on during the week, and have my aluminum expert examine the extruded aluminum bumper on Thursday. I don't see that this amount of load will weaken the aluminum bumper, even over time.
EnthuZ, I agree that this design is not sat as a class 2 hitch (3500lbs gross/300lbs tongue) but as a class 1 design it is a good compromise of towing capacity and weight (receiver assy. weighs under 20 lbs.) I could make a class 2 hitch, which would bolt directly to the bumper mounts on the frame, but it will weigh nearly 60 lbs. if designed properly.
Tomzz, for a tire rack, I simply used the 3/4"x3 1/2" siderail slots (conveniently the nominal size of 1"x4" lumber) in the frame. I mounted some 1"x4" 6" long pieces to the ends of some 4"x4" posts, dropped them in and bolted them to the existing frame holes. Tires sit between the 4x4s. This was very inexpensive, wood won't hurt the tires, and they can be easily removed if I want to use the trailer to haul something else. I would like to see your tire rack design as well. I can't wait to see the pics.
Last edited by roark; 01-23-2005 at 12:22 PM.
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01-23-2005, 05:59 PM
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Originally posted by PDX_Racer
Looks great, although I would be concerned about the load on the bumper. However, I also have the tendancy to overengineer stuff.
Keep us informed about availability and price!
Looks great, although I would be concerned about the load on the bumper. However, I also have the tendancy to overengineer stuff.
Keep us informed about availability and price!
01-23-2005, 06:14 PM
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Originally posted by EnthuZ
Cool!
Please elaborate on the wiring......I nearly melted my Lotus switching from a generator to an alternator.
Cool!
Please elaborate on the wiring......I nearly melted my Lotus switching from a generator to an alternator.
Here's a pic of the tow package wiring.
01-27-2005, 06:54 PM
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Ready for a group buy?
OK, I've got some interesting news.
First, I talked to my aluminum structures expert, and he is confident that the hitch as designed, will tow up to a 1000 lb. load without weakening the bumper, even over time. Excellent.
Second, I talked with my fabricator about limited run manufacturing. We discussed reducing costs, increasing quality and lead times. Some of the custom welds would be replaced with press brakes (bends). The plates would be stamped instead of cut and drilled. The draw bar would be a solid piece, double bent, instead of lots of welds. The dimensions would stay exactly the same, as well as the function. Powercoating (base coat and clearcoat) would stay the same. They would look VERY nice.
The kit would include the same two custom pieces, nuts and bolts, hitch pin & wiring kit. Hitch ball not included, so you can match the size with your trailer, and save the cost of shipping this heavy component.
So, with all that said, here's my proposal for a group buy. Minimum participation of 5 units would put the price at $379.00 each kit, plus shipping. If I get a list of at least 6 (never get full participation) I'll collect payments via PayPal, and have the fabricator start. It will take two weeks max. to get the fab, welding, and powdercoating done.
This is not what I do for a living, and I'm not making any money at this price. I'm just trying to support the community.
First, I talked to my aluminum structures expert, and he is confident that the hitch as designed, will tow up to a 1000 lb. load without weakening the bumper, even over time. Excellent.
Second, I talked with my fabricator about limited run manufacturing. We discussed reducing costs, increasing quality and lead times. Some of the custom welds would be replaced with press brakes (bends). The plates would be stamped instead of cut and drilled. The draw bar would be a solid piece, double bent, instead of lots of welds. The dimensions would stay exactly the same, as well as the function. Powercoating (base coat and clearcoat) would stay the same. They would look VERY nice.
The kit would include the same two custom pieces, nuts and bolts, hitch pin & wiring kit. Hitch ball not included, so you can match the size with your trailer, and save the cost of shipping this heavy component.
So, with all that said, here's my proposal for a group buy. Minimum participation of 5 units would put the price at $379.00 each kit, plus shipping. If I get a list of at least 6 (never get full participation) I'll collect payments via PayPal, and have the fabricator start. It will take two weeks max. to get the fab, welding, and powdercoating done.
This is not what I do for a living, and I'm not making any money at this price. I'm just trying to support the community.
01-28-2005, 12:34 PM
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That looks nice. Can you describe the installation procedure in a little more detail. This looks like it's a standard bolt on. Do you have to drill through the aluminum beam or does it use existing holes. Also how difficult is it to remove the rear bumper. I've never had to remove it myself.
Will you include some installation instructions with the finished product?
Will you include some installation instructions with the finished product?
01-28-2005, 04:18 PM
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Originally posted by daveh
That looks nice. Can you describe the installation procedure in a little more detail. This looks like it's a standard bolt on. Do you have to drill through the aluminum beam or does it use existing holes. Also how difficult is it to remove the rear bumper. I've never had to remove it myself.
Will you include some installation instructions with the finished product?
That looks nice. Can you describe the installation procedure in a little more detail. This looks like it's a standard bolt on. Do you have to drill through the aluminum beam or does it use existing holes. Also how difficult is it to remove the rear bumper. I've never had to remove it myself.
Will you include some installation instructions with the finished product?
Yes, the kit will include a full installation manual, and drilling template.
01-30-2005, 07:56 AM
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Da List....
John
PDX_Racer
luttmeister
jbenedict
tomzzy
One more to go... Looks like this is going to happen soon. Guys, please PM me with your mailing addresses so I can start calculating shipping charges...
John
PDX_Racer
luttmeister
jbenedict
tomzzy
One more to go... Looks like this is going to happen soon. Guys, please PM me with your mailing addresses so I can start calculating shipping charges...
Last edited by roark; 01-30-2005 at 08:04 AM.