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Old 07-29-2018, 11:17 PM   #1
Fordfan29
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Default Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

I'd like to see & hear ideas for a trailer hitch for my 28 pickup. I'm not looking for one from a parts vendor. I'd like to build one that might have been done back in the day.

What have you built or seen? Does anyone use original bumper arms and modify them?
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Old 07-30-2018, 01:02 AM   #2
Floats
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

Hi Ford fan,
The previous owner fitted rear bumpers to my open pickup and I built the tow bar from 2 1/2 inch square tubing as in the sketch below. It is designed to use the removable ball hitch from my Toyota Fortuner. The bar is positioned quite far forward so that the tail gate does not accidently get damaged by the ball.
I have added supports which fasten to the bed slats in order to limit sideway movement as the bumper brackets are not very strong or sturdy.
The bar is strong enough to do short distance light hauling. I do the heavy moving with the Toyota.
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28 Model A RPU, 29 Chevy Phaeton, 67 E Type FHC, 67 250SL Pagoda, 83 911 SC
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Old 07-30-2018, 04:08 AM   #3
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

I have a towbar on my '29 Phaeton which attach to the bumper brackets only. If you have or put rear bumpers on your P/U, the same would work for you. I've towed a camper weighing about a tonne over 35,000 miles on it with no problems related to the tow bar. Broken wheels is the main problem but that's what welders are for!
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Old 07-30-2018, 07:37 AM   #4
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

I'm going to try make something like this. Looks kinda period to me.
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Old 07-30-2018, 08:35 AM   #5
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

I can give you homemade (rough!). This was on my car when I bought it. The car has never been off the road as far as I know, but not sure when this towbar was added. It's fixed to both the bumper brackets and the rear crossmember. I'm hoping that it will be substantial enough to tow a small teardrop camper sometime soon.
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Old 07-30-2018, 11:32 AM   #6
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

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If you’re going to tow with an A, hope your thinking about brakes, maybe electric trailer brakes ?!
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Old 07-30-2018, 05:52 PM   #7
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big hammer View Post
If you’re going to tow with an A, hope your thinking about brakes, maybe electric trailer brakes ?!
I'll be going for the electric brakes that don't require a control unit in the car, but are instead controlled via bluetooth from a mobile phone. I think this also means that I'd have to be content with a setting that I can't easily adjust on the run. I'm planning on towing my camper with more than one vehicle (not at the same time ), so this should save on the cost of modifications and keep the interior of my A original.
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Old 07-30-2018, 06:29 PM   #8
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

[QUOTE=Hoogah;1657496)towing my camper with more than one vehicle (not at the same time ), [/QUOTE]

Not so hasty! That would be cool! Straight out of Mad Max!
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Old 07-30-2018, 06:41 PM   #9
Richard in Anaheim CA
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Smile Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

Its, not a pickup but this is the way I did it on my 28 Tudor. I bought a class 1 commercial hitch at a swap meet for $15. What did it fit? No idea but it was more than long enough to cut off the ends and weld some 1/4 inch thick flat brackets on the ends to fit my bumper brackets and spreader with no modifications to the car except some longer class 8 bolts, 3 per side. I towed a Mullins trailer to Portland OR and my 1930 American Austin to Angel Stadium for the Alzheimer's walk. It was quite a hit.

Sorry no picture. I got hung up on http:/// I can do the paper clip on my phone
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Old 07-30-2018, 07:42 PM   #10
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

Richard, that sounds very like what I did to make my hitch.
As for brakes, I use electric brakes with the controller in the car. I have replaced the steering column support with a bracket like Henry used in 1931, only I had to make a RHD one. I mount a small plate behind it on which I mount an extra gauge, the controller and a switch for the driving lights. I like to be in control of the brakes when (if) the trialer starts to sway. I can stop better with the trailer (all 1 tonne of it!) behind from 50mph than I can in the solo car. Our latest camper has Electronic Stability Control which is a PITA.
For our US member who aren't familiar with metric, 1 tonne is 2,200 pounds.
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Old 07-30-2018, 09:53 PM   #11
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

I have 2 hitches like the one in reply #4 that are not mounted. I am out of town for a few days but I can post a couple of pics if needed.

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Old 07-30-2018, 10:33 PM   #12
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217871
https://fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13597
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Old 07-31-2018, 11:38 PM   #13
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Default Re: Trailer hitch for Model A pickup

Thanks for the many ideas & comments.
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