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07-25-2011, 11:43 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Vandalia
Posts: 132
M.O.C. #634
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I want to add a reciever hitch.
I have a 2004, 2950 and I want to install a hitch. I haven't cut into the floor cover yet. Does anyone know how far apart the floor beams are. I cannot feel them thru the plastic and I do not want to just start digging. I am assuming I can bolt the hitch to them or bolt an extension to them to place the rec at the height I want it. All I will use it for is to install a platform for the bicycles and possibly a couple of kayaks.
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07-25-2011, 11:59 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: K.C.
Posts: 11,731
M.O.C. #5980
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Hi, you need to drop the back bottom cover and get a good measurement. That way you can order the correct kit for the hitch.
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07-25-2011, 12:06 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arroyo Grande
Posts: 504
M.O.C. #6460
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pchaas, You might try running a magnet along the bottom edge of the frame to see where it ends. I added a Hidden Hitch model # 82201 ( think that's the number) It spans the 71" frame. It's rated at 300 lb tongue weight and 3,500 tow rating . Bill
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07-25-2011, 12:22 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Kville
Posts: 2,865
M.O.C. #7871
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As has been mentioned on here a hundred times before...Montanas have very weak frames, the hitch capacity is not a problem, it's the frame on the Montana. You might be okay with a few bikes and kayaks...but I'd check it out.
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07-25-2011, 02:58 PM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Carmichael - CA
Posts: 7,369
M.O.C. #4831
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As Crossthread wrote, the Hidden Hitch #82201 is an *ADJUSTABLE* bolt on hitch for frames up to 72" wide. It is advertised as being for Motor Homes but there are plenty of them installed on Montana's. As the frame ends well short of the rear of the trailer, you will have to add a 2" receiver extension to get the receiver where it is usable. This decreases the 300 lbs weight capacity by about 1/2. But is is still plenty strong to carry bicycles.
I have carried two bikes on my hitch for over 20,000 miles on some of the worst roads CA and WA have to offer. It is still going strong.
__________________
Carl (n Susan)
There is more to life than fuel mileage.
2012 Montana 3700RL Big Sky Package towed by a 2015 Ford F350 6.7L PSD 4WD CC LWB
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07-25-2011, 05:32 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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On my old 2980RL and my new 3150RL, the distance from the middle of the outer ear on the IBeam to the middle of the opposite outer ear on the IBeam is 69.25". That's where I drilled the 1/2" holes to mount my hitch. It will be argued here on the MOC till the cows come home about all the dont's about adding a hitch. In the central US, it is quite common to double tow say a motorcycle, small boat, or jetski. Better than 30% of the campers show up at the lakes here with a boat in tow. Bottom line ... it's your decision based on what you're comfortable with. Total legal length is on average 65', watch your turns, and don't try and double tow anything like a loaded cement truck.
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07-27-2011, 11:41 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Vandalia
Posts: 132
M.O.C. #634
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It appears, from all your helpful comments, I will have to find another hitch to replace the one I have. Mine is only 42" wide so it will not span the 69-72" to bolt directly up to the I-Beams.Thanks everyone for your help.
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07-27-2011, 03:46 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Anytown
Posts: 609
M.O.C. #10966
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Here's a link to a thread I started with pics of my hitch install. Not sure if it will help or not, but I had a custom fab job done and it came out great! Several thousand miles with my Thule tray style rack and two mountain bikes (about 120 lbs. total) and working out great!
http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/...ad.php?t=44360
__________________
2011 Montana 3580RL with a Reese 20k GooseBox w/offset B&W ball, Sailuns, RoadMaster shocks, Splendide stacked washer/dryer, some other stuff...
2015 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie Megacab, Aisin w/3.73s, 255/80 17 Toyos A/T III, rear auto level, 40 gal. fuel/tool combo box, some Banks mods...
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