jukebox
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1961 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by jukebox on Dec 11, 2017 23:41:37 GMT -8
I am wanting to extend the length between my tow vehicle and my 1961 Shasta Airflyte. I have seen a few pictures of people trying to extend the hitch. Cutting off the coupler and adding length to the frame and replacing the coupler.
Any pictures of success stories on this modification? I would think to do this properly, you would have to go back to the frame and change the angle to allow for more length?
Also, there is longer ball mounts that add some distance. Any experiences with these? I would think they add hitch to the tow vehicle through leverage?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 0:43:31 GMT -8
I purchased a 1964 FAN recently and it came with an optional overhang. To accommodate the extra length, it appears the manufacturer extended the tongue forward. The coupler was cut off, framing welded outboard of the existing structure, and the coupler welded back on to the new framing extension. This might be an option for you to consider. Good luck! See photos below:   |
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Dec 12, 2017 8:47:05 GMT -8
I only needed an extra foot (bottom extender) to make tight turns possible with most campers. We tow with a Tundra without a cap. 
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Post by bigbill on Dec 12, 2017 9:38:36 GMT -8
I am wanting to extend the length between my tow vehicle and my 1961 Shasta Airflyte. I have seen a few pictures of people trying to extend the hitch. Cutting off the coupler and adding length to the frame and replacing the coupler. Any pictures of success stories on this modification? I would think to do this properly, you would have to go back to the frame and change the angle to allow for more length? Also, there is longer ball mounts that add some distance. Any experiences with these? I would think they add hitch to the tow vehicle through leverage? You are correct that the extended Ball mounts increase the load on the tow vehicle do to leverage. People get away with these if their hitch is strong enough and their vehicle can stand the extra stress. I believe that it depends on how much tongue weight your trailer has, and the capacity of your hitch. If I was using a 12inch extension with a hitch rated at 500 pounds I would cut the hitch weight capacity to 350 pounds maximum to be safe. I prefer the frame extension if it is done properly with the proper materials. This also makes the trailer easier to back up, the longer a trailer the easier to back. I have seen people with truck campers use extenders as much as three feet long to pull a boat trailer, some got away with it and some met with disaster. The smart one had them guyed side to side plus fastened to rear of camper. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 11:34:02 GMT -8
For the reason bigbill pointed out, I would definitely extend the trailer to minimized stress on the tow vehicle. The leverage of an extra foot is really significant and will weigh the rear end down more than you might think. Also, backing up is a breeze with the long trailer frame - think pivot point - you want it as close to the tow vehicle and as far away from the trailer wheels as possible.
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jukebox
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1961 Shasta Airflyte
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Post by jukebox on Dec 12, 2017 21:01:06 GMT -8
I think doing the frame modification is the best route for me. I have seen a couple of pictures now and not sure how to go about it yet. Possibly changing the angle of the front A frame completely to allow for more length.
I will probably weld on a new trailer coupler as well.
I wonder why the trailer is like this? The old station wagons were just as flush at the bumper level as a modern van or truck.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2017 21:07:25 GMT -8
Did you post photos of your trailer somewhere?
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