The new Bird Hauler
01-11-2007, 12:06 PM
#31
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
Alright Rip, between you and Brian (Sydwayz), I'm seriously looking at a new hitch. Got any pics installed, and how is the installation?
I have to go through all the crap I'm getting from SEMA, but I remember talking with one outfit that had aluminum, adjustable, double locking ball mounts, plus stainless balls, rated at 14k lbs. I just need to get off my arse and make the call.
I have to go through all the crap I'm getting from SEMA, but I remember talking with one outfit that had aluminum, adjustable, double locking ball mounts, plus stainless balls, rated at 14k lbs. I just need to get off my arse and make the call.
I am on my 2nd Putnam, and I have many friend that are running them.
The factory hitch is affectionately referred to as the "flexi-flyer" on some of the Sub and Avalanche forums. It bolts to the bumper, and you can watch the bumper flex down with weight on the hitch. Its not pretty.
See my post I just put up on the thread in Truck and Trailers.
01-11-2007, 12:30 PM
#32
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
I put on the Reese Titan Class V hitch (2.5") and it fits just fine. If you want to doll it up a bit, you can add a nice spinning prop to the receiver when not towing 
Really, the factory tube hitch is not very stout and could be a problem for you. I have my old hitch sitting in the garage and everytime I look at it, I think how frail it looks.
Really, the factory tube hitch is not very stout and could be a problem for you. I have my old hitch sitting in the garage and everytime I look at it, I think how frail it looks.
01-11-2007, 12:38 PM
#33
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01-11-2007, 12:46 PM
#34
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
No way, he's buying up the neighborhood and cleaning out the less than desireable folks.
It's that Boss Hogg approach.
Last edited by RaggedEdge; 01-11-2007 at 12:49 PM.
01-11-2007, 12:54 PM
#35
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
3rd, ya really need to aim higher on the hero worship thing. It appears between you and Axa, you have one good looking rig. His '84 Sanford and Son Dually is a better fit for your '69 311. His '99 behind your new ride would be respectable. Seems an even trade both ways to me.... can someone photoshop this up.being yur in 'swego county 3rd you get the '84, although your new ride would be prone to getting jacked in Axa's neighborhood. Sure it'd show up a month later with 24s and spinners.
a place to keep the banjos dry!
01-13-2007, 08:04 AM
#37
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
Sydwayz, you're right about that published capacity. The 373 set up is only rated 10800 or so. However, the differing capacities based on azle ratios is really an efficiency rating. The truck is identical in all other regards to the 4.10, 12000 lb rated rig. It's not a safety concern.
01-13-2007, 08:07 AM
#38
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
3rd, ya really need to aim higher on the hero worship thing. It appears between you and Axa, you have one good looking rig. His '84 Sanford and Son Dually is a better fit for your '69 311. His '99 behind your new ride would be respectable. Seems an even trade both ways to me.... can someone photoshop this up. Being yur in 'swego county 3rd you get the '84, although your new ride would be prone to getting jacked in Axa's neighborhood. Sure it'd show up a month later with 24s and spinners, but..............
01-13-2007, 01:06 PM
#39
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
Sydwayz, you're right about that published capacity. The 373 set up is only rated 10800 or so. However, the differing capacities based on azle ratios is really an efficiency rating. The truck is identical in all other regards to the 4.10, 12000 lb rated rig. It's not a safety concern.
Right you are! There are no changes in terms of springs, shocks, etc. Even the hitch stays the same as far as I know. The change in rating is based on the vehicles ability to perform in a normal manner, accelerate and merge in trafic and so on with the rated weight in tow. Driving in a prudent manner has as much, and maybe more, to do with safe towing than the tow vehicle. In reality the trailer is more important. If boat fits well and is well balanced on the trailer it will tow like a dream. Your new Eagle should make a big difference for you. My 35 Fountain/Eagle combo goes down the road fine behind a 1/2 ton 4X4 Ext cab, wouldn't try for 75 mph or thousand mile trips, but at modest speeds it works. Haven't towed with the new truck yet, but used a friends last fall for the 62 mile trip home and it worked fine. Drove 55, anticipated stops a little sooner and set the old adjusto hitch up so the trailer sat right, all was fine. You have a nice set up there Bird, even if it is "only a gasser".
01-13-2007, 01:14 PM
#40
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Re: The new Bird Hauler
