ZUKIWORLD Online | Suzuki 4x4 Editorial and Forum
ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Technical Discussion - Beginner / Repair => Topic started by: carl on November 20, 2012, 10:40:52 AM
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Has anyone turned their tank saver into a trailer hitch??
Carl
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I wouldn't think it would be strong enough. The metal is pretty thin. I guess it gets its strength from the shape. Also it really is a "flat" surface so getting a strong weld on it might be tuff
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Mine maybe an after market one, not sure. It is wide and thick. I could add gussets where needed. I'll have to find a stock picture of a tank saver (protector) and take a look. The steel is at least 3/8 inch thick. Welding wont be a problem, that was how i made my living at one time. Guess I'll check some photos here to look at the rear ends...LOL
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Hmm maybe they're different on the 2 and 4 doors. My 2 doors tank save is maybe 1/8 thick sheet steel. And is shaped a beam
Running across with a weird square piece in the middle.
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After checking around on what I got, I guess it is call a steel step plate. It appears that it can receive a trailer hitch. More research... https://www.hitchsource.com/images/curt/11277/installsheet/CM_11277_INS.PDF (https://www.hitchsource.com/images/curt/11277/installsheet/CM_11277_INS.PDF)
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My brother cut up a hitch from a 90's Dodge half-ton to put on the back. You can also find bolt on hitches as well but they usually use the smaller hit size.
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But also remember that there are only 4 bolts holing that tank guard on , its not like a hitch on a tube bumper.
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The PO welded angle iron across the round pipe part of the protector and welded a flat bar hitch to that. It looks good sitting behind my Tracker, but I don't have any plans to use it. No idea of the structural integrity.