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Posted (edited)

Our Beast of Burden gets a new tail hook ha!

After doing a bit of a deep dive I decided to order up a new weigh safe aluminum 10” drop hitch with a 3” shank. I have been using 2 reducers and have never been a fan of them as they are a bit sloppy and noisy or simply too many moving parts.

I have to say out of the box I am really impressed with how solid this hitch is engineered. Really well done.  I opted to not go with the tongue hitch weight dial. According to quite a few user reviews, these dials use a rubber seal/oring and at times can fail and then require maintenance by replacing the seal. When the O ring fails you will notice fluid leaking from the hitch 👎🏻. Just not something I ever want to think about….ever especially on a long trip.

I did opt in for the stainless steel 2” and 2 5/16 balls vs chrome plated hitch balls and locking hitch pic all keyed alike . B&W tow and stow is also a good hitch which I was also considering. My  preference has always been aluminum as rust and corrosion will eventually take its toll on steel powder coats so I passed.

There is very little play with the new Weigh Safe 180 3” shank. That said, I did order this 3” anti rattle hitch clamp to keep everything buttoned up with zero play.

Edit- I ordered my hitch clamp directly their website. Quick shipping and excellent communication.

https://www.hitchclamp.com/collections/3-clamps

 

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My reducers will no longer be used when towing XPLOR. 

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Edited by Patriot
Update the link for Hitch Clamp products.
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ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

  • The title was changed to Weigh Safe 180 Aluminum hitch with 3” shank, 10” drop
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Posted

@Patriot questions…

Link for hitch, weight rating?

Also, what are the safety chain connectors we see in your last picture? Link! I need these. it’s difficult getting under there on our TV.

Thank you, JD

  • Like 1

Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins!

Posted (edited)
47 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

@Patriot questions…

Link for hitch, weight rating?

Also, what are the safety chain connectors we see in your last picture? Link! I need these. it’s difficult getting under there on our TV.

Thank you, JD

You bet JD, these are called 1/2” hammer locks and are rated for 12000 lbs ea. To your point they make it much easier to attach safety chains.
My Weigh Safe hitch is rated for 21,000 lbs. 

link -https://www.weigh-safe.com/product/weigh-safe-drop-hitch/?srsltid=AfmBOoolgTCwKhll9w1HP7E1phPvIgecdRRK__EUlWP7DPInx6CUJx0T

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Edited by Patriot
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  • Like 2

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

Posted
16 minutes ago, Patriot said:

Also, what are the safety chain connectors we see in your last picture? Link! I need these. it’s difficult getting under there on our TV.

Thank you, JD

This was a JD discussion several years ago.  Below are what was recommended for our OE2's.  It is not likely, but should these bit the dust I would get the 12,000  pounders vs. the 7100's.  It sure solved the getting under the TV on our F-150.

image.thumb.png.cad082ede8eb3801926cdd687328c158.pngimage.thumb.png.cad082ede8eb3801926cdd687328c158.png

 

 

  • Like 2

TV:  2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, 10 Speed Trans, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker      OLLIE:  2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed.    OLLIE DIY’s: Timken Bearings, BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps. Front Wardrobe Shelves, Snuggle Shelf.   TV DIY’s:  2 5/16" Anderson System, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all, installed Ham Radio (WH6JPR).

  

visited-united-states-map.png

  • Moderator+
Posted
7 hours ago, Patriot said:

Our Beast of Burden gets a new tail hook ha!

...I opted to not go with the tongue hitch weight dial. According to quite a few user reviews, these dials use a rubber seal/oring and at times can fail and then require maintenance by replacing the seal. When the O ring fails you will notice fluid leaking from the hitch 👎🏻. Just not something I ever want to think about….ever especially on a long trip...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081D8Z6LG?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0

You have chosen wisely to go with the Weigh Safe Hitch sans dial. I went through three of these (with the dial) and they all failed. I finally bought a Curt 45902 for our Silverado HD trucks. I moved the Weigh Safe Hitch to Tali's Canyon Diesel. All of our other trailers are pulled with that truck anyway and I don't have to swap from the Oliver's 2-5/16" ball to the 2" ball for the smaller trailers.

In my opinion, the use of a Weigh Safe Hitch with the dial in towing an Oliver is a WOT after the first use. Unless you are constantly loading the Oliver in different configurations, it's going to register approximately the same weight every time.

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Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved dogs Storm, Lucy, Maggie and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4       

 

Posted
5 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

In my opinion, the use of a Weigh Safe Hitch with the dial in towing an Oliver is a WOT after the first use. Unless you are constantly loading the Oliver in different configurations, it's going to register approximately the same weight every time.

Agreed, and I had the same thoughts. 👍🏻 

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

  • Moderators
Posted

I'll chime in on the hammer locks:

Patriot put me on to these a couple of years back and they are everything they are supposed to be as both Patriot and GJ state above.

Perhaps the only downside I can think of with these is that they could be a bit of a problem to remove.  But, why remove them?

Bill

  • Like 1

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Posted (edited)

A vid in the event you need to remove the hammerlocks. (No plans to here).😎
While attached to the receiver as @topgun2 said it could be a little bit of a challenge. 

 

Edited by Patriot

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

Posted (edited)
On 11/12/2024 at 3:52 AM, topgun2 said:

Perhaps the only downside I can think of with these is that they could be a bit of a problem to remove.  But, why remove them?

Bill:  You hit the nail square on the head.  

I found it a PITA to install, and will find a cutting torch or cut-off grinder to remove them if I ever need to.  

Problem is getting the shackle on something under the truck, in a way to allow for pounding a moving target to install the pin, especially if doing this solo.  Would be a PITA for sure.  Like you, mine stay on our TV 24/7.

Edited by Geronimo John
typo
  • Like 1

TV:  2019 F-150 SuperCrew Lariat, 3.5L EcoBoost, 10 Speed Trans, Max Tow, FX-4, Rear Locker      OLLIE:  2018 OE2 Hull 342, Twin Bed.    OLLIE DIY’s: Timken Bearings, BB LiFePO4's, Victron 712 Smart, 350 Amp Master Switch, Houghton 3400, Victron Orion DC - DC, 3000-Watt Renogy Inverter, P.D. 60-amp Converter, Frig Dual Exhaust Fans, Kitchen Drawer Straps. Front Wardrobe Shelves, Snuggle Shelf.   TV DIY’s:  2 5/16" Anderson System, Nitto recon’s, Firestone Rear Air Bags, Bilstein 5100’s, Mud Flaps & Weather Tech all, installed Ham Radio (WH6JPR).

  

visited-united-states-map.png

Posted
11 hours ago, Geronimo John said:

I found it a PITA to install, and will find a cutting torch or cut-off grinder to remove the if I ever need to.

Found a brand that uses a cotter pin to secure the connecting rod, any thoughts?

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  • Like 2

2020 OLEll, Twin, 579:

No installed solar, Renogy 40A DC-DC charger, 460Ah LFP battery bank/Victron SmartShunt, Hughes Autoformer, dual Lagun tables, auxiliary Cerbo-S GX/Victron 30A Blue Smart IP22 Charger combo, Dreiha Atmos 4.4 a/c upgrade.

2019 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van:

6.0L V8 Vortec, 6-Speed Automatic; Explorer Limited SE, Low-Top 7 Passenger van conversion, RWD.

Posted
2 hours ago, Ronbrink said:

Found a brand that uses a cotter pin to secure the connecting rod, any thoughts?

The cotter pin just keeps the connecting rod in place. This model should work fine.

Also wondering on these. Most are rated at 2500#. This one at 11,000# wondering how? Stronger steel. Others are stainless steel which is certainly a weaker steel.

https://a.co/d/aeiJN3k

Chris & John in Prescott, AZ | 2016 EII #113 | '01 Ram 2500 Cummins!

Posted
39 minutes ago, jd1923 said:

The cotter pin just keeps the connecting rod in place. This model should work fine.

Also wondering on these. Most are rated at 2500#. This one at 11,000# wondering how? Stronger steel. Others are stainless steel which is certainly a weaker steel.

https://a.co/d/aeiJN3k

12,000# working capacity, 46,000# breaking capacity per Amazon’s description. Good enough for me!

  • Like 2
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2020 OLEll, Twin, 579:

No installed solar, Renogy 40A DC-DC charger, 460Ah LFP battery bank/Victron SmartShunt, Hughes Autoformer, dual Lagun tables, auxiliary Cerbo-S GX/Victron 30A Blue Smart IP22 Charger combo, Dreiha Atmos 4.4 a/c upgrade.

2019 GMC Savana 2500 Cargo Van:

6.0L V8 Vortec, 6-Speed Automatic; Explorer Limited SE, Low-Top 7 Passenger van conversion, RWD.

Posted

When Patriot told me about how he was connecting Ollie's chains, I did not use them at the time because Ollie's chains were easy to connect/disconnect on the Tundra hitch.

When I purchased the F-150, first thing I noticed the chain hooks were not as easy to connect/disconnect as they were on the Tundra, then I remembered what Patriot had said before. I thought Patriot was using lifting shackles (my mistake), so started using screw-pin lifting shackles (using blue Loctite on the threads) that also exceed federal guidance that makes it easy to connect/disconnect Ollie's chains.

Thanks David!

Hammer Locks:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/hammer-locks/

Screw-Pin Lifting Shackles:

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/lifting-shackles/

Federal Guidance:

"If the ultimate combined breaking strength of the two chains is equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s), the requirements of § 393.70(d) are satisfied. It should be noted that some States may have more stringent requirements for safety chains".

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/when-two-safety-chains-are-used-must-ultimate-combined-breaking-strength-each-chain-be-equal

  • Like 3

2015 LE2 #75 / 2024 F-150/5.0L

 

Posted

1/2", 12,000 lb Hammer Locks installed. Great addition. Thanks Patriot.

PXL_20241117_140757517.jpg

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 John & Susan Dorrer, 2013 F250, 6.2 gasser, 4x4, 2022 Legacy Elite 2, twin beds, Hull #1045, Jolli Olli

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  • Moderators
Posted

Great addition, John.

Now, grab a can of Krylon semi-gloss black spray paint and give that hitch a shot.  All will look new again.

Bill

  • Like 2

2023 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5EB FX4 Max Towing, Max Payload, 2016 Oliver Elite II - Hull #117 "Twist"

Near Asheville, NC

Posted (edited)
7 hours ago, John Dorrer said:

1/2", 12,000 lb Hammer Locks installed. Great addition. Thanks Patriot.

PXL_20241117_140757517.jpg

Awesome! I prefer the black color over the red. Looking great John! 🤩👍🏻🇺🇸 

Edited by Patriot
  • Like 1

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

Posted (edited)

My 3” hitch clamp arrived today. I decided to cancel my order with Amazon and order directly from Hitch Clamp for a much quicker delivery. Very impressed with the fit and finish of this product. Zero play or movement with this robust clamp. They also gave me a Veterans discount. 🇺🇸👍🏻

https://www.hitchclamp.com/collections/3-clamps

 

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Edited by Patriot
  • Thanks 1
  • Like 1

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

  • Moderator+
Posted

Very nice. I could never decide which way was the correct installation orientation.

  • Thanks 1

Steve, Tali and our dog Rocky plus our beloved dogs Storm, Lucy, Maggie and Reacher (all waiting at the Rainbow Bridge)

2008 Legacy Elite I - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #026 | 2014 Legacy Elite II - Outlaw Oliver, Hull #050 | 2022 Silverado High Country 3500HD SRW Diesel 4x4       

 

Posted (edited)
13 hours ago, ScubaRx said:

Very nice. I could never decide which way was the correct installation orientation.

Thank you.

I had the same question when I called HC before placing my order. I spoke to a fella named Gabe. I asked him about proper fitment? He said it is designed to put the downward pressure on the shank vs the clamp lifting the down pressure/tongue weight up.

https://www.hitchclamp.com/pages/videos

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Edited by Patriot
  • Like 1

ALAZARCOCTDEGAIDILIAKSKYMEMDMAMOMTNENHNM

2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka-  “XPLOR”

TV 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor 

Retro upgrades - Truma Aventa 13.5 AC, Alcan 5 leaf pack, Alcan HD shackles & HD wet bolts, 5200lb axles.

XPEL 10 mil PPF front both front corners, 30 lb LP tanks, Sea Biscuit Front Cargo Storage box.

North Carolina 🇺🇸

 

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