Mad at myself!!!!!

[jal0710]

After extensive research and viewing, my wife and I purchased an Eagle SuperLite HT 26.5 RLS and expected to be able to have a hitch welded to the frame so we could tow our boat behind it. Had an older one for 18 years that we did exactly that with. Much to our surprise, the welding company told us today that the I beams are too thin and he would not weld a hitch on it. Says, because of the construction, he wouldn't even be able to reinforce the I beam so it would work. Have any of you folks had a hitch welded to a Superlite HT fifth-wheel and has it worked for you. I am so mad at myself because I thought I had covered all the bases before taking the jump.

[Panhead]

Well if your boat is not to heavy you could weld up the cross tube to steel plate and drill through the frame and bolt it up. That should be able to support a couple hundred pounds or so. If you have the electric stab jacks in the back there are some tabs welded to the bottom of the frame that the jacks bolt up to, I'm not sure but I think that is also where the slide out bike tray option bolts up to, that might be another way to bolt up a hitch to the frame.

Before you do this though, read through the owners manual, it will tell you that towing behind the trailer will void the chassis warranty. I plan to rig a 2" receiver on mine so that I can put a Harbor Freight light weight motorcycle carrier to hold my Honda Trail 90.

Steve

[Horses Ghost]

I hope they haven't changed the frames for 2011-2012 because I sold my 2011 31.5FBHS and just ordered a 2012. On my 2011 I had a welding shop put a hitch on the back and I pulled a 20' fiberglass fishing boat behind it that weighed about 4,000 lbs, and had no problems at all. I hope there isn't a frame change for 2012.

[rbrumfield]

I suspect that your prior Jayco Eagle had a much heavier frame that the SuperLite HT. The HT series were designed for a half-ton truck. I have the SuperLite series and I suspect that the frame on it isn't as heavy as the Eagle line either.

[Seann45]

ask your welder about "boxing the frame" yeah it will cost a few bucks but should work for you and is cheaper than selling the RV at a huge loss and buying a new one...

[clutch]

It will void your frame warranty but I would find another welder and ask about fish plating both sides of the frame. If it is a small boat you should have no problem. If it is a bigger fiberglass stern drive it may be to heavy.

We towed a couple of quads behind our Montana for four years. If that (Lippert) frame could take it surely a Jayco frame can do it.

[Ela1948]

Originally Posted by rbrumfield

I suspect that your prior Jayco Eagle had a much heavier frame that the SuperLite HT. The HT series were designed for a half-ton truck. I have the SuperLite series and I suspect that the frame on it isn't as heavy as the Eagle line either.

I have the same unit that you have except it's 2011. According to the spec plate on the frame, the super lite has 16000 lb. capacity. The springs and tires are obviously lighter then what is used in the Eagle. It appears to be the same frame.

[jal0710]

Ok, as of now we are picking up the fifth-wheel on Monday morning and taking a couple hour drive to a welder who will do some strengthening of the frame and attach a hitch. Said he had done it numerous times, looked at an HT SuperLite in the lot and it wouldn't be a problem. Will let you know the results of towing the trailer, first time with this new one and it's a bit longer than the old one, plus towing with a different truck. Should be a blast!

[Grumpy]

The only question I have is, "What does the owners manual say"? As was previously mentioned you may be "kissing" your warranty good bye. I know several people it has happend to with other brands.

[jal0710]

Actually the owner's manual is pretty silent. However, I feel that the reinforcement of the frame I-Beams will work just fine. As well, the only part of the trailer that will lose warranty should be the frame items. Hopefully, we'll find out pretty soon how it goes. Thanks for your concern.

[clutch]

It sounds like you are doing it right. You should not have any problems. How big is your boat??

[jal0710]

It's a Crestliner Superhawk 1900, about 19' aluminum boat, probably around 3,500 lbs fully loaded as opposed to the last boat we towed with the old 1993 Jayco Eagle 215SD, a Sea Hunt Escape 220, 22' fiberglass salt-water fishing boat that weighed 5,000 even full of gas and fishing gear. The old trailer towed four different boats and never had a problem. Hope our luck holds on this one. Don't know if we'll get another 18 years, but it's ok to dream.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by jal0710

Ok, as of now we are picking up the fifth-wheel on Monday morning and taking a couple hour drive to a welder who will do some strengthening of the frame and attach a hitch. Said he had done it numerous times, looked at an HT SuperLite in the lot and it wouldn't be a problem. Will let you know the results of towing the trailer, first time with this new one and it's a bit longer than the old one, plus towing with a different truck. Should be a blast!

Please be sure to get before and after photos to post here. I think there is a law that requires that. Wait...yes! It is a law that if you mention a mod in a forum, you must provide photos!

[bad99ram]

Check out page 4-4 of your owners manual. It states that unless you have a Jayco Factory Installed receiver your warrenty will be voided if damage occurs Thats hardly " silent"

[Denise]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

Please be sure to get before and after photos to post here. I think there is a law that requires that. Wait...yes! It is a law that if you mention a mod in a forum, you must provide photos!

LOL I remember that one.... it's in the elusive "book"..

Jal0710... if you can get some pics etc, post in the Mods forum when you get a chance