Log in

View Full Version : Back halfed frame and towing


Vimes
05-23-2021, 02:46 PM
When you back-half a vehicle, or use 2x4 or tubular steel framing to build a frame, what effect does this have on using the vehicle for towing? And, is there anything that can be done to make it more able to tow? I've been looking at tow bars for my truck, and realized that if the shop doing my truck back-halfs it none of the tow bars made for it will fit anymore, and that got me to thinking about what would need to be done to get a trailer hitch.

My intent for towing is probably nothing more than 3000lbs, 4000lbs at the outside.
Tsaints1115
05-23-2021, 05:58 PM
Have the shop fab one from scratch.
Vimes
05-23-2021, 06:49 PM
Have the shop fab one from scratch.

That's what I'd likely be doing, having the shop install it for me. But, I'd still like to know if the 2x4 steel frame stuff can handle towing. I don't know enough about it to say, and my Duck Fu hasn't turned anything up on it.
Tsaints1115
05-24-2021, 07:42 AM
I'm sure, properly designed and fabbed, a 2x4 steel tube frame could more than handle what you want to do. Or fail spectacularly if not. The big question is ,does your shop have the skills to do it?
Vimes
05-24-2021, 11:42 AM
The shop does have the skills. The shop's main focus is building drag racers, which aren't being set up for towing. I was mainly curious on whether the 2x4 steel beams are able to hold up. Sounds like they will be, appreciate it.
WOLF1732
05-24-2021, 04:43 PM
2 x 4 x .120 wall will be more than adequate for that weight.
TANKMASTERJ
06-01-2021, 07:47 AM
As a fabricator ( water tower contractor) I have installed hitches on dozens Of trucks and
Multiple SUVs where there really shouldn't have been one. I would use .250 wall tube back where your receiver is and be sure they gusset laterally into the rest of the chassis the .250 wall to the .120 wall.
The .120 wall previously mentioned is fine for everything else.
Vimes
06-02-2021, 06:26 PM
As a fabricator ( water tower contractor) I have installed hitches on dozens Of trucks and
Multiple SUVs where there really shouldn't have been one. I would use .250 wall tube back where your receiver is and be sure they gusset laterally into the rest of the chassis the .250 wall to the .120 wall.
The .120 wall previously mentioned is fine for everything else.

Cool, appreciate it. Hoping to get it down there in the next couple of weeks. I'll make sure to mention this to them.