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10-27-2017, 12:06 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Folsom
Posts: 63
M.O.C. #19613
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Replacement Bike Hitch for OEM Legacy Hitch
I did not like the wimpy hitch that came with the Legacy Edition package on our Monty. I unbolted, and took to a welding/fabricator. He used it for a template and went to 2" instead of the 1 1/4 and I went to a 2" receiver since I have a couple different carriers that are 2". Here's a pic showing the difference. Just wanted to share. I used a Drawtite pin with a lock that helps to tighten the Swagman bike carrier so it does not move at all.
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Mike and Shari
2018 Montana Legacy 3160RL
2017 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali Duramax, CC, 4x4
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10-27-2017, 01:48 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,676
M.O.C. #12947
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I don't know how the newer rigs are, but our 2012 has the bike carrier hitch bolted to maybe 10 gauge steel plate that had a part bent that acted like a skid. I replaced the bent part, that wore down getting in and out of the in-laws property, with 3/8" plate skids, still bolted to the thin metal. I think if a serious hitch was to be attached to these rigs, it should be attached to the I-beam frame with enough steel to to really hold a load. The thin steel is just an extension of the frame, not that strong.
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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10-27-2017, 04:11 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,910
M.O.C. #19755
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That is a nicer hitch; a lot like the ones Keystone is using now. The one on my 2017 (the worthless 1 1/4" one like yours) and the ones they are putting on now are welded directly to the frame but still not sure if I would tow my Jeep with it.
Here is a picture of what the factory is doing now.
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Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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10-27-2017, 04:28 PM
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#4
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Folsom
Posts: 63
M.O.C. #19613
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Yeah that hitch looks nicer and probably would've worked for me. As Rohrmann mentioned, the weak spot for me is where the L-shaped bracket drops down from the square tubing. It's 1/8" thick, (if I measured correctly). It is still plenty strong for me since I'm only using for bikes or a burn barrel and wood or the portable BW tank. With the original which is rated at 150#, that max would have decreased since I needed a converter to a 2" receiver. Anyway, the braces still need to be beefed-up if one is going to tow something, for sure.
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Mike and Shari
2018 Montana Legacy 3160RL
2017 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali Duramax, CC, 4x4
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10-27-2017, 04:59 PM
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#5
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: West Melbourne
Posts: 310
M.O.C. #18980
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rookey
I did not like the wimpy hitch that came with the Legacy Edition package on our Monty. I unbolted, and took to a welding/fabricator. He used it for a template and went to 2" instead of the 1 1/4 and I went to a 2" receiver since I have a couple different carriers that are 2". Here's a pic showing the difference. Just wanted to share. I used a Drawtite pin with a lock that helps to tighten the Swagman bike carrier so it does not move at all.
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I like it Rookey. I have been looking to upgrade mine to better carry bikes. Can you share the cost with us?
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Butch and Kathy
2016 3160RL Legacy, Sailun S637, Centramatic Balancers, 2-T105s, Amish Refrigeration, ARPrv, SoftStartRV, FlexArmor roof
2016 F350 6.7L SRW
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10-28-2017, 10:42 AM
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#6
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Folsom
Posts: 63
M.O.C. #19613
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Thanks Butchy. The welder used the old rack for a template and cut the mounting brackets off to use for the new rack. I also asked him to extend the receiver 1". He charged me $250.
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Mike and Shari
2018 Montana Legacy 3160RL
2017 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali Duramax, CC, 4x4
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