I want to add a reciever hitch.

[pchaas]

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.

[Ozz]

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.

[Crossthread]

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

[TLightning]

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.

[Carl n Susan]

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.

[dieselguy]

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.

[pchaas]

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.

[kingdaddy]

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