Posted 2008-03-04 8:25 PM (#78653) Subject: Drawbar use
Regular
Posts: 97 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?
Posted 2008-03-04 9:36 PM (#78657 - in reply to #78653) Subject: RE: Drawbar use
Expert
Posts: 1416 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.
Posted 2008-03-05 8:07 AM (#78687 - in reply to #78653) Subject: RE: Drawbar use
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
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.
Posted 2008-03-05 8:12 AM (#78689 - in reply to #78685) Subject: RE: Drawbar use
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
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.
Posted 2008-03-05 10:28 AM (#78706 - in reply to #78689) Subject: RE: Drawbar use
Member
Posts: 39 Location: Haslet Tx
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.
Drawbar use
