Drawbar use
luckeys71
Reg. Dec 2007
Posted 2008-03-04 8:25 PM (#78653)
Subject: Drawbar use


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Location: Newport News, VA		Recently I have noticed several vehicles with drawbars in their receiver hitches "upside down".  Instead of a drop, it is turned over so the hitch ball is actually higher.  Is this safe?  I don't know much about mechanics or physics, but just figured the drawbars were meant to be used, so the name brand sticker faces upright and turning it over might change the weight forces in a way that it is not designed to hold up for and possibly lead to failure.  Is it OK to use the drawbar in either direction?
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chadsalt
Reg. Nov 2004
Posted 2008-03-04 9:36 PM (#78656 - in reply to #78653)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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.



Edited by chadsalt 2008-03-04 9:37 PM
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chadsalt
Reg. Nov 2004
Posted 2008-03-04 9:36 PM (#78657 - in reply to #78653)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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Location: sc		The drawbar doesnt know or care which way it is used.  Some long 8"+ models will say to use only in drop, but I doubt that matters.....leverage is leverage.
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Collin
Reg. Jan 2008
Posted 2008-03-05 7:44 AM (#78685 - in reply to #78653)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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NO IT IS NOT SAFE

 

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horsey1
Reg. Dec 2004
Posted 2008-03-05 8:07 AM (#78687 - in reply to #78653)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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Just follow the mfg. ratings. Many are rated to be used either way, but are sometimes lower rated when mounted in the "rise" position, particularly the larger units.

Edited by horsey1 2008-03-05 9:09 AM
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Tresvolte
Reg. Feb 2008
Posted 2008-03-05 8:08 AM (#78688 - in reply to #78653)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use




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Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...

Yes it is. The manufacturer lists it both ways. http://www.draw-tite.com/ The ratings are the same either way.



Edited by Tresvolte 2008-03-05 8:11 AM
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chadsalt
Reg. Nov 2004
Posted 2008-03-05 8:12 AM (#78689 - in reply to #78685)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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Originally written by Collin on 2008-03-05 7:44 AM

NO IT IS NOT SAFE

 

Care to back that statement up? Nearly ALL drawbars a give drop and RISE specs, allowing for use in either position.  http://www.bageco.com/popup/drawbarinfo.htm  Leveling the trailer is the purpose of a drawbar, otherwise you would just hook to the bumper.

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Collin
Reg. Jan 2008
Posted 2008-03-05 10:28 AM (#78706 - in reply to #78689)
Subject: RE: Drawbar use


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Well lets rephrase this.

Mine is not. It is a REESE. Has a sticker on it that says not to use in drop position. Has to do with the hole dia.(tight at top, cleared a little at bottom)

I did see some on line at TSC that states can go either way. Couldn't find the one I have.

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