vezePilot
Well-known member
I am very seriously considering modifying the Front Receiver that I have, instead of sending it back. This will involve some heavy-duty cutting of steel channel, and getting my neighbor or a shop to weld it for me. But I will have the component that I want. It will fit the way that I want. And it will validate any drawing that I make. Perhaps Draw-Tite will use the drawing to make a part that fits this model TB. Perhaps they won't.
But we will still have a part that fits this particular model year Trail Boss. And anyone who has the skills, or that can hire a shop, can use the drawing and acquire one. And we can have it whether Draw-Tite, or Curt or Reese makes it or not.
I have done quite a lot of looking at what is available, and the differences. And it seems to me that a front receiver that fits my truck is either NOT available, or can only be had by using one meant for another model, or by modifying one.
When I needed a new Engine Mount for my Cozy MKIV homebuilt, I studied a set of plans, cut the 3/4" 4130 steel tubing and notched the ends myself. Then I had a neighbor at the airport tack it in a jig, with his welder in his hangar. And then I took it to a very reputable welder and had it completed. This was a much more complex part than the front receiver. And a MUCH MORE CRITICAL part ... the engine mount for an airplane.
I took this mount to a well-known welder in Longmont named Hank. He was trusted for decades with welding for racing cars and for aircraft. My engine mount was the last work that he did before retiring with terminal cancer.
(Note: the engine is mounted at the rear of these canard homebuilt airplanes.)
But we will still have a part that fits this particular model year Trail Boss. And anyone who has the skills, or that can hire a shop, can use the drawing and acquire one. And we can have it whether Draw-Tite, or Curt or Reese makes it or not.
I have done quite a lot of looking at what is available, and the differences. And it seems to me that a front receiver that fits my truck is either NOT available, or can only be had by using one meant for another model, or by modifying one.
When I needed a new Engine Mount for my Cozy MKIV homebuilt, I studied a set of plans, cut the 3/4" 4130 steel tubing and notched the ends myself. Then I had a neighbor at the airport tack it in a jig, with his welder in his hangar. And then I took it to a very reputable welder and had it completed. This was a much more complex part than the front receiver. And a MUCH MORE CRITICAL part ... the engine mount for an airplane.
I took this mount to a well-known welder in Longmont named Hank. He was trusted for decades with welding for racing cars and for aircraft. My engine mount was the last work that he did before retiring with terminal cancer.
(Note: the engine is mounted at the rear of these canard homebuilt airplanes.)
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