3 point drawbar attached to the top link?

[Hammy75]

Good day all.

I have a simple 3 point drawbar to move my trailers around the yard and am thinking of putting an upright on each side them a cross piece at the top with a connection point for the top link. I have some 2" square stock that is the perfect size but it's only 1/8" thick. Any chance this will be fine or should I buy some 1/4". Originally I was thinking it would be ok as it will only serve to keep the bar from rotating but I cut it up tonight and I am rethinking it.

It will only pull empty trailers to move them around the yard. A 5x10 utility trailer and 12' stock trailer. I have a ball on the proper drawbar if I ever need to pull a loaded trailer. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[aczlan]

I would use something heavier (3/16" or 1/4") or just use a shackle in the end hole of the drawbar and around the lower link to stop it from rotating.

Aaron Z

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

Do a search for "draw bar lock." TSC sells them for about $20.

 

[Hammy75]

Do a search for "draw bar lock." TSC sells them for about $20.

Thanks. I will check that out. Sounds like an easy solution. I was also thinking I could attach a couple chainsaw scabbards to the top cross piece and maybe a couple tubes down the sides for chains. I would like to go ahead with top link project.

 

[Hammy75]

I would use something heavier (3/16" or 1/4") or just use a shackle in the end hole of the drawbar and around the lower link to stop it from rotating.

Aaron Z

Thanks Aaron. I was thinking it looked a bit weak. I might just pick up some 1/4" stock on my way home from work tomorrow if nobody chimes in thinking the 1/8" will work. I just have the 1/8" and it's already cut to length. Also free is my favourite price.

 

[pmsmechanic]

This will easily be enough strength for the trailer weight's you mentioned. I would weld on a two inch receiver for your other trailer hitch and use the hitch out of your truck to bull the larger trailer around. I have a two inch ball on my trailer mover and I use it for all my 2 5/16th's hitches. I just back up and lift with the three point. You don't even need to get off to remove the trailer jack.

My apologies for contradicting the guys that mention thicker wall metal. I understand the desire for strength but you have to lift the hitch up to attach it to your three point and at my age I just don't like to make things heavier than they need to be.

 

[Hammy75]

This will easily be enough strength for the trailer weight's you mentioned. I would weld on a two inch receiver for your other trailer hitch and use the hitch out of your truck to bull the larger trailer around. I have a two inch ball on my trailer mover and I use it for all my 2 5/16th's hitches. I just back up and lift with the three point. You don't even need to get off to remove the trailer jack.

My apologies for contradicting the guys that mention thicker wall metal. I understand the desire for strength but you have to lift the hitch up to attach it to your three point and at my age I just don't like to make things heavier than they need to be.

Thanks for the input. I was thinking of putting a receiver on as well. Might pick one up and run 1/4" flat stock straight up to the top link. This little project is getting better

 

[r porter]

no need to over buld it

i have used this for years




set it on the drawbar and drop 2 pins - it has never came loose- but you could bolt it if you are paranoid

 

[r porter]

i just recently got a new welder and made this carry all for it.

 

[Hammy75]

no need to over buld it

i have used this for years




set it on the drawbar and drop 2 pins - it has never came loose- but you could bolt it if you are paranoid

Looks like a great idea! How thick is the steel you used? Looks a bit beefier than what I have. Might add a receiver as well. Thanks for posting

 

[Ivan49]

I used 1/8 inch welded o the purchased draw bar like in the picture I went on an angle from each side to the center then welded brackets on the tops for the center length. This way the weight is being pulled from the 3 PT and the top piece just keeps the draw bar from moving. I have used this for almost 35 years with no problems. I added a square tube for a 2 inch reciever hitch so I can change out to different hitches if I wanted to. I have something else I did many years ago but due to safety police on here I won't say but it sure makes cutting fire wood easier

 

[Ivan49]

I used 1/8 inch welded o the purchased draw bar like in the picture I went on an angle from each side to the center then welded brackets on the tops for the center length like an A frame. This way the weight is being pulled from the 3 PT and the top piece just keeps the draw bar from moving. I have used this for almost 35 years with no problems. I added a square tube for a 2 inch reciever hitch so I can change out to different hitches if I wanted to. I have something else I did many years ago but due to safety police on here I won't say but it sure makes cutting fire wood easier

 

[Xfaxman]

For those building your own, here are some ideas: Draw Bar Hitches - OMNI Mfg LLC

And: Transformer - OMNI Mfg LLC

Or: Combo Hitches - OMNI Mfg LLC

This is the one I bought:

 

[r porter]

the up rights that hold the top link are maybe 1/8 in channel.

the angle iron that sets on the drawbar is 1/4 in but if i had smaller i would sure use it.

 

[Hammy75]

Thanks for the ideas and answers guys!

@Ivan49 thanks for sharing your experience and you have peaked my curiosity on making firewood easier but I usually shy away from altercations with police of any kind

@xfaxman thanks for all the great inspiration ideas. I am going to contact a local welder to see if he can do the welding since I don't have one yet and both of neighbours are out of town on vacations for the next 2 weeks. I will see if he can fab up a heavy hitch style middle buster as well.

@r porter thanks for the pics and confirming the size you used.