Reciver tubeing

[junk man]

Hello Has anyone mad there own reciever tube for a trailer hitch? I want to make one for my ATV. However all the squre tubing I find has a weld on the inside, and wont let the 2 inch sq. tube slide in.

[MMW]

Most trailer places sell it or at least should be able to get it. If not try JC Whitney or TSC.

[aametalmaster]

Most factory tubes are broached in the inside to remove the weld and some of the corner radi. As said there are some nice tubes at the local farm stores...Bob

[Iron man]

I have made a few of them, I always just used a long file to remove the weld, not as bad as it sounds. Also you can use a drill bit extension with a rotary file attached to the end.

[MAC702]

You want square DOM tubing. It's Drawn Over a Mandrel and has no inside weld to deal with, plus its tolerances are better for the useful slip-fit design of receiver hitches. Most steel yards should stock the exact size required for receiver hitches, and some will even sell it by the foot. IIRC, It's 2-1/2" x 3/16" (or so) wall.

[tsalagi]

i saw in a magazine where a guy took a 48 inch piece of 2 inch square tubing and welded a piece of 1/4 inch plate on it then mounted his vise on the plate. he just sticks it in his reciever and has it long enough that he can still let the tail gate down.
just something else you can do after you build that reciever.

[MMW]

www.trailerandtruckparts.com is one of many places that sell it. Do a search on the web for trailer receiver tube.

[Darmik]

Receiver hitch

You can buy seamless 2 1/2" tubing and 2" square will slide right in but you'll pay for that I get my receiver hitch stuff at E&H hitch shop.But any trailer place will sell you some but then they will ask you what's it for and then try and get you to let them do the job that's what I have found anyway.I never did ask a steel supplier I will next time though.

[SPUR8301]

$13 solution

theres a place down here in south texas where I get all my steel and in the bumper/trailer section they sell tubes you can weld to anywhere plus it comes with a piece of 1/4" around it I think they buy them but the guy TOLD me 13 bucks 2 weeks ago I could check if neede be. they look like a factory job not side made real sharp.

[Waterloo]

Just as an aside

Received the below from Good Sam Club.

NHTSA Action Number: PE07025

Make/Models: Model/Build Years:
Chevrolet/Avalanche 2500 2002
Chevrolet/Silverado 2500 2002
Chevrolet/Suburban 2500 2002
GMC/Sierra 2500 2002
GMC/Sierra 2500 HD 2002
GMC/Yukon XL 2500 2002

Manufacturer: General Motors Corp.
Component: Trailer Hitches

Summary:

ODI has received four consumer complaints alleging the factory installed (OEM) trailer hitch receiver failed. Two owner reports allege bending/deformation of the pin box area while towing. One owner report alleges welds failed around the pin box area and another report alleges complete weld failure of the pin box leading to a full separation of the trailer from the tow vehicle. In this last report, the trailer safety chain and emergency brakes were not activated as both safety features were still attached to the two openings in the pin box that broke off with the trailer. No crash or injury resulted as the vehicle and trailer were maneuvering in a storage lot. An investigation is being opened for further assessment and study of this issue.

For more information, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327– 4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.

[Richard]

I have bought lots of drop 2&1/2" tubing 3/16" wall anywhere from 4&1/2 to5 feet long . for $5.00 a piece ( female receiver ) and 2x2 tubing 1/4" wall 5 feet long or so for about 5 dollars a piece ( male receiver ) at local steel supplier . they have it often
just buy several pieces and keep them for a future job or to have on hand.
I have made so much using a receiver hitch design, all kinds of things.

I would suggest get in good with local steel supplier. drop by and visit when you don't need anything. and it helps to bring them food sometimes out of the blue. . . heck I have given them watermelons, tomatoes, donut's, Honey, all kinds of things. and I get more than that in return.
just be nice to those guys


I hope this helps

..............
Richard

[Bert]

Regarding to being nice to steel suppliers:
For some reason, it was mentioned what beer they drank. One office girl (she gave me one of their t-shirts that are only for employees and 2 of the guys who brought and cut me the steel, they gave me a lot of drops they normally charge for....few 12 packs of beer? = priceless.....