jalichty

Lander, Wyoming 82520

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After extensive research and viewing, my wife and I purchased an Eagle SuperLite HT 26.5 RLS and expected to be able to have a hitch welded to the frame so we could tow our boat behind it. Had an older one for 18 years that we did exactly that with. Much to our surprise, the welding company told us today that the I beams are too thin and he would not weld a hitch on it. Says, because of the construction, he wouldn't even be able to reinforce the I beam so it would work. Have any of you folks had a hitch welded to a Superlite HT fifth-wheel and has it worked for you. I am so mad at myself because I thought I had covered all the bases before taking the jump.
John A. Lichty
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garysol

Avon Ohio

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Keeping my fingers crossed for you John but I doubt you find much success being able to have much if any hitch weight on a frame designed for weight savings.
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 6.7 CTD SRW, Pullrite Superglide 18k.
2012 Komfort 3530fbh 5th wheel with Ground Control
Seasonal at Roundup lake in Mantua Ohio. Site E15.
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Vulcaneer

Northern New England

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You are fortunate the welding shop was up front with you. Sounds like a great welding shop you have there. While it is UN-fortunate that the frame is made that way to save weight. But that is one of the disadvantages of light weight concept used in today's RV's.
But to think it thru with some armchair quarterbacking and 20/20 hindsight, does it make sense to make a lightweight trailer so that it can pull substantially more weight behind it? Kinda defeats the purpose of being a SuperLite, doesn't it?
I am wondering if you brought it to a different shop, if they would have any better ideas as to how they might re-enforce the frame to install a safe hitch for you.
I know that doesn't make you feel any better. But don't feel bad. That is a mistake that could easily be made by anyone. And your posting brings that issue up to others that may be thinking of doing the same thing.
2006 F350 V10 4X4 SC SB SRW 4.30 22,500 GCWR
2011 Open Range 393RLS 14,250 GVWR
Pullrite Super Glide 18K
Super Duty, Super Cab, SuperGlide
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jalichty

Lander, Wyoming 82520

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I talked to the dealer and he is trying to find us a trailer that we can trade for about the same price. They have a couple on the lot, including a Greystone 27RK, that might fit the bill, and a couple of Sydneys. Welder is coming over in a couple of hours to see if he could weld any of them. Really don't like the rear kitchen, but that Greystone must be pretty well built, total weight is almost 2,000 lbs more than the Jayco.
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ausie607

white lake

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How heavy is the boat and trailer you're wishing to tow?
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MTPockets1

Florida

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I'm fairly certain that fifth wheel frame warranties are void if anything is connected for towing... Suggest looking at this real close - I would be very leary of a dealer who didn't tell me this up front if they knew I wanted to attach and tow behind the 5th wheel.
2012 3055RL Big Horn - Dexter 7000 lb axles - G rated LT Tires
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TMBLSN

Washington State

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????
You have an 18 year old SuperLite HT?
Call me skeptical, but that would put it right around a '94 model. I'm not seeing it:
http://www.rvvaluesonline.com/Navigation........d=74356&model=JAYCO+FIFTH+WHEEL+TRAILERS
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bpounds

Whittier CA

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There is a way to get a receiver on that trailer. It is just a matter of figuring it out, and how much steel it will take. But thin frame channels does not make it impossible.
Bill and Carol
2006 F250 Diesel
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colliehauler

Mc Pherson KS USA

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MTPockets1 wrote: I'm fairly certain that fifth wheel frame warranties are void if anything is connected for towing... Suggest looking at this real close - I would be very leary of a dealer who didn't tell me this up front if they knew I wanted to attach and tow behind the 5th wheel. Some like Excel and New Horizon can be ordered with a hitch.
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jalichty

Lander, Wyoming 82520

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No, you are right, I didn't have a superlite, had an Eagle 215SD that we towed with for 18 years with four different boats, including one that weighed 5,000 lbs when fully outfitted for fishing and full of gas. I see where I might have confused you, sorry.
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