Dragging Hitch on the Pavement

[Jerry Burks]

I experimented a bit with a tow dolly. To keep the coupler at the recommended height of 14-15" I installed a 2" drop extension on my Alante 31V receiver. That works but I noticed that the hitch ball bolt dragged deep gashes in the pavement when driving across some deeper and longer dips. So I cut off that bolt and welded the hitch ball in (gained about 1.5") but the ball mounting plate will still drag in some situations.

Given the long rear overhang I don't see how this can be avoided, maybe except crossing serious dips diagonally. I suppose most everybody towing with such a long coach on an F53 chassis may experience this or am I overlooking something?

If there are already threads regarding this topic, I would appreciate a link. I did not find that right away.

[glamisbound]

This is a common issue. Don't over think it. Unless you want to put a lift kit on your coach (joking), there is not much you can do aside from dealing with it. Pay attention to your entry/exit angles of parking areas/lots.

[Les7h]

Lose the 2” drop - the height difference won’t cause any problems and you will still drag occasionally but not near as often Les

[RWK]

We couldn't stand the dragging and had our leaf springs repacked and added a leaf with a one inch spacer. Among other adds and fixes. You can modify it if you wish. We haven't scrapped or dragged through any driveway or intersection since. Redlands truck and RV in SoCal did the work for us.

[Jerry Burks]

Thanks for the info.

In the meantime we decided to ditch the dolly and change to flat towing (sold the old automatic Honda Civic and bought an old manual KIA Soul...). Besides the dragging issue we found the loading and strapping of the towed car and moving the dolly just too much of a hassle.