New- with Thomas Bus

[KalleRiccar]

I bought a 2004 Thomas Bus with 12k original miles. It was a mobile medical office that already has most of the RV stuff pro installed: 12k watt generator, water system with 3 sinks and a toilet, 3 roof A/C units, heat, fridge, etc.

I got the exam tables and medical equipment out and and starting to outfit it for my use. It has a rear side door with a wheelchair lift that should come in handy.

I need to install a tow hitch though. And I’m sure I could use some advice on a lot of stuff.

Karl

 

[Mercuric Mind]

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you have a nice platform to renovate into a RV. What are your plans?

 

[Bjorkinman]

I put a tow hitch on my rear engine. It wasn't easy but also wasn't too bad either. I bought this one and it worked well. I only pull a TOAD with it so I cant vouch for the tongue weight claims, though I imagine it would be up to the task of whatever I need. I did weld it but it bolted direct to the frame after I made a few holes. I can try to grab some pics.

Good find on the bus!

 

[JMcDugan]

We used this one on a 28ft Thomas Bus, but the one Bjorkinman shared looks very beefy and good!

 

[Mercuric Mind]

I used this one from Curt, Universal Weld-On Trailer Hitch, 2" Receiver (Up to 44" Frames, 18" Drop)

 

[Bjorkinman]

Here are some pictures of the one I installed. It came with the hardware, I could have bolted through where you see the hole under the welding, but Id rather weld than drill a 1/2" hole through metal all day!

 

[KalleRiccar]

Here are some pictures of the one I installed. It came with the hardware, I could have bolted through where you see the hole under the welding, but Id rather weld than drill a 1/2" hole through metal all day!

View attachment 2405744View attachment 2405745View attachment 2405746View attachment 2405747

I don’t have a rear engine, but there’s some brackets with hooks and bumper supports in the way on the frame.

 

[Bjorkinman]

That would be simple to add a hitch. You can remove the hooks and reuse some or all of those bolt holes. The hitch I installed would work for your application no problem.

 

[KalleRiccar]

Ok, I get it now- thanks. I need the hitch brackets that bolt to the bottom of the frame, not the sides.

 

[KalleRiccar]

I did get a class 5 2.5” receiver hitch for a commercial truck with 20k lbs rating. The Thomas frame is 33.5” and 34” seems pretty standard. I got a 5” drop since the back bumper is pretty high. It bolted to the bottom flange of the frame and there were holes that actually lined up at the end of the frame. I will still have to use a drop hitch since the receiver is still 22.5” off the ground.

Thanks to all for the info and advice!