Resizing trailer hitch receiver

[inhof009]

I came into a free (important point) trailer hitch receiver today and decided it was worth the gamble as I didn't have any measurements handy. Unfortunately, the receiver mounting is 42" on the inside and my frame is 34" at the mounting point. With that in mind, do I have any options with this hitch, or should I forget about trying to make it work?

Pictures for reference. Hitch:

Frame:


I was thinking my two options are to space 4" either side with square tubing or something and run bolts through + weld, or cut and reweld the receiver bar. Neither of these options actively excites me, but has anyone tried this or has any other ideas?

[Pizote]

If you know how to weld... cut the ends off get some steel and fabricate new brackets.

If you don’t know how to weld, take it to a fabricator and have them do it.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by Pizote

If you know how to weld... cut the ends off get some steel and fabricate new brackets.

If you don’t know how to weld, take it to a fabricator and have them do it.

I do know HOW to weld, but I don't have a welder nor would I trust whatever I tow with my current skill level.

Fortunately, I do know a few welders who could help me.

[Danjo]

You can get new side plates from etrailer and get a welder to shorten it

[o1marc]

Take it to any welder and tell him you want it 34" overall, easy peazy. Shouldn't cost but $40. Make sure your measurement is accurate.

[peteg59]

Hate to be a bearer of not so good news but, that pic of your undercarriage is scary!
Way too much rust on anything to try to weld a hitch onto.
I'd even be scared to try bolting anything to that without some serious de-scaling and close inspection of those rusty frame members.

Good Luck...

[o1marc]

With those rails I would sandwich a plate on the back side if the rails still have integrity.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by peteg59

Hate to be a bearer of not so good news but, that pic of your undercarriage is scary!
Way too much rust on anything to try to weld a hitch onto.
I'd even be scared to try bolting anything to that without some serious de-scaling and close inspection of those rusty frame members.

Good Luck...

You are not at all the bearer of bad news! I'm well aware of the status back there. I've investigated and there is still plenty of structural support left in the frame members (for now), and it is in the plan to strip and re-treat. Whether I go for welding or bolting, the entire area will be cleaned prior to the hitch being attached.

[inhof009]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Take it to any welder and tell him you want it 34" overall, easy peazy. Shouldn't cost but $40. Make sure your measurement is accurate.

I'll reach out to my welder friends and a few fabricators and see what they think. Good to know it's feasible, thank you!

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by inhof009

I'll reach out to my welder friends and a few fabricators and see what they think. Good to know it's feasible, thank you!

They make kits where the end plates come separate and you cut the tube to length and weld on the plates that bolt to the frame rail. You will be doing the same thing. On my pickup I just welded the 2" crosstube to the frame rails.