Hitch covers

[stainless_fab]

I joined here a long time ago and kinda forgot about this place. I just found it again and am impressed at all the great files here! Here are a couple files that I have made receiver hitch covers with.

BULL RIDER HITCH COVER.dxf

LINEMAN HITCH COVER-1.dxf

[metalart]

Thanks for sharing.

[twobigdawgs]

Thats awesome. I'm always looking for lineman stuff. Thanks. The bull rider is cool too. Thank you for posting!

[snowman70]

Did you cut another circle of the same diameter for a backing plate to cover up the 2" square tubing that slides into the receiver hitch? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm brand new at this.

[mdwalker]

Did you cut another circle of the same diameter for a backing plate to cover up the 2" square tubing that slides into the receiver hitch? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm brand new at this.

For hitch covers there is no need to use square tubing. Simply cut a plate that will slide in the receiver tube diagonally and weld your hitch cover to it. I will try to post a pic of what I am talking about later today.

Danny

[dustywill]

Did you cut another circle of the same diameter for a backing plate to cover up the 2" square tubing that slides into the receiver hitch? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm brand new at this.

For hitch covers there is no need to use square tubing. Simply cut a plate that will slide in the receiver tube diagonally and weld your hitch cover to it. I will try to post a pic of what I am talking about later today.

Danny

Danny,
Great Idea. I had not thought about that. I a min the process of designing a hitch cover for my students in my manufacturing class to make and sell. Would you mind posting a dxf (I know it is simple) of the shaft you use? I know it should be some sort of ellipse if the pin fits it well.

Also, what do you get for hitch covers like the lineman one?

[mdwalker]

Finally remembered to take a picture of the hitch cover. On future ones I will cut several holes for the hitch pin spaced approximately 1" apart so the cover can be adjusted in or out to fit each vehicle.

20130920_170331-1_resized_1.jpg

[motoguy]

I love the diagonal plate idea, vs cutting square tubing. Also love the adjustable hole idea. I know it's old, but thanks!

[4dycefabrication]

that is a great idea vs, tubing!!!

[Wraazer]

Thanks

[Funbum]

Really neat!! Thank you!!

[bigworm36]

Question on the diagonal plate. Does the plate slide back and forth horizontal in the receiver since it is not a tube. Seems like there would be a lot of slop. Or maybe I do not under stand the plate fully how it slides in.

[motoguy]

Question on the diagonal plate. Does the plate slide back and forth horizontal in the receiver since it is not a tube. Seems like there would be a lot of slop. Or maybe I do not under stand the plate fully how it slides in.

If it's at a 45 angle, it would be wedged against the inside corners of the receiver tube. Maybe a bit ratty, but shouldn't move much.

[bigworm36]

I'm looking at the picture above I still don't see a diagonal in the peice. Is there a picture showing the concept better. Sorry I can be a little slow at times !

[Gamelord]

When you insert the piece into the hitch receiver, the part that goes into the receiver is welded on a diagonal instead of being horizontal or vertical. That is the reason for the slot in the end instead of a single hole. That way it doesn't flop around. By putting it on a diagonal, you only need one piece of steel to hold it into place instead of a square tube.

[james.davis]

What a great idea. Some smart people on Plasmaspider
Thanks,
Jim

[bigworm36]

When you insert the piece into the hitch receiver, the part that goes into the receiver is welded on a diagonal instead of being horizontal or vertical. That is the reason for the slot in the end instead of a single hole. That way it doesn't flop around. By putting it on a diagonal, you only need one piece of steel to hold it into place instead of a square tube.

Got it ! Thank you. For some reason I was thinking of something a little different but this is a great idea no that I under stand it!

[hemichargersrt8]

Here is the diagonal plate for 10 ga steel, a 6 inch circle template that can be used to locate the diagonal mounting holes on your artwork and modified bull rider file as posted by the original poster.

bull rider hitch cover modified.DXF

trailer hitch art template- 10 ga ms.DXF

trailer hitch tab- 10 ga ms.DXF

[Gamelord]

Your 3D skills are envious. Thanks for the awesome visual...and the files.

[steel 35]

Yes they are & Thanks for sharing.

[bigworm36]

So awesome thank you for sharing ! What 3D CAD software do you use and how do you like it?

[hemichargersrt8]

I use Solidworks

[bigworm36]

I like solid works I use CREO at work and solid edge at home, I got a free year subscription so trying it out. I may look at solid works after it is expired.

[Redneck]

Thank you for the files.

[2015cmax]

I used a telescoping tube like the tubing used for road sign post for the few hitch covers I have done. (See attacked picture).
While learning how to use my plasma table I modified a design I saw here to create a cover for my neighbor who is a fire fighter. (sorry I don't remember who to thank). I did not like how the first one came out so I tried getting into more detail with the CAD program and came up with one custom to his department. It was a one of piece, and since I was just starting out I did not save the file.

The tubing is nearly a perfect fit into the receiver, little to no rattle, hole are already centered and I just drilled them out to the diameter of the hitch pin. The design could still use improvements and refining, but he like it.