Bad day. Bent my suburban frame - Repair?

[kennyw]

Ratings on things like a hitch is very dependant on how it was designed and tested. The tongue weight rating is based on a set distance from the face of the receiver tube, but unlikely they print that on the hitch. If you get a much longer hitch than it was rated for, you increase the moment load (torque/bending) at the point where the hitch pivots on the frame.

If W=1000 lb and was rated to distance L = 15" the original moment load at the frame is a torque of 15,000 in-lb. Add X = 6" longer hitch and that load now goes up to 21,000 in-lb at the same point on the frame, a 40% increase with the identical 1000 lb static load.

 

[dhcomp]

Great analysis. Been measuring lots of other peoples adjustable hitches.

Many are longer than standard ball mount, but this rhino contraption is the worst.

 

[kennyw]

Keep in mind, I greatly oversimplified the problem to make it easy to understand the concept. Add in a lifetime of use (maybe some abuse) and fatigue at that point on the frame and now you have the conditions where that extra leverage causes failure under the extreme load case.

 

[dhcomp]

Keep in mind, I greatly oversimplified the problem to make it easy to understand the concept. Add in a lifetime of use (maybe some abuse) and fatigue at that point on the frame and now you have the conditions where that extra leverage causes failure under the extreme load case.

Yep. I get it. Mechanical engineer by schooling. Just too project motivated and tired when I made this mistake.

New hitch, frame repair, and lighter towing and I should be in good shape.

Just need to stop thinking this truck is a “do it all” rig. At some point, you need a full 1 ton setup.

 

[dhcomp]

It lives!

Frame shop had one good frame guy in his 60’s, and he got COVID right after he put it on the rack. So it took like 3 weeks to get it back.

But frame work looks good, new class 5 hitch and bumper installed.

And my 285 spare fits. Internet had rumors a 265 wouldn’t even fit with this hitch, but I got lucky. No fit problem whatsoever.

Just in time to put boats away for the winter before daughter #2 arrives Friday!

 

[Wes Harden]

So who's class v and did bolt farther back?
What did Rhino say?

 

[Blue85]

How big is the tire? You've only told us the width.

 

[dhcomp]

The Reese and drawtite hitches look identical. I did the drawtite. Bolts another foot for more forward on the frame. The main tube looks like the 89-99 factory hitch, and the end flanges look a little goofy, but worth it for the strength.


Spare is a 285/70r17 MT. So near 33x10.50. Got a deal on a new tire somewhere, hence the Mt when I’m just running AT’s

 

[dhcomp]

Talked to rhino. They said they had never had any issues. They allowed me to return it, so I lost shipping and some restocking. Not ideal, but better than selling on craiglist.

Got the b&w 4” drop version. See it in use A LOT on contractors trucks. Avoided it in the past because of the extra ball hanging low, but oh well. Nice quality piece.

 

[Wes Harden]

Just notice the frame on my 01 burb is tweaked. I have only towed little trailers, single axle stuff. PO did tow a toy hauler of unknown size.
I am not sure what I am going to do. try and repair my self or find a frame shop. Defiantly going to up date the hitch I leaning towards the Draw-Tite as well. You got 45515 ? 2.5" receiver ?

 

[dhcomp]

Bummer.

Definitely find a frame shop. They can do it without heating, which should be significantly stronger than doing it yourself.

I got the

Draw-Tite 41930​

Wanted to stick with 2". Nice product, worked well. Main thing you have to do is relocate your trailer wiring hardness, i drilled the bumper and put my favorite flat 5 round 7 combo in.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001FUP3UG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Wes Harden]

Right on ty

 

[Wes Harden]

New hitch arrived today, still looking for a frame shop. It all will need to wait till the new year. This truck has not cal trip in couple weeks.

 

[dhcomp]

Just notice the frame on my 01 burb is tweaked. I have only towed little trailers, single axle stuff. PO did tow a toy hauler of unknown size.
I am not sure what I am going to do. try and repair my self or find a frame shop. Defiantly going to up date the hitch I leaning towards the Draw-Tite as well. You got 45515 ? 2.5" receiver ?

View attachment 432811

Is the back of your frame bent down, or just this slight kink in frame rail?

The new hitch spans this area. Potentially possible to leave it, shim a couple bolts, and put the new hitch on. Kinda half ass, but worth considering based on your use case.

 

[Wes Harden]

It is bent down a little I think only the bottom part of rail, and has a little kink. Bumper has a slight tilt, since factory hitch bolts to bumper.