Hitch Rules

[BluegrassDiesel]

The current hitch rules of many organizations do not address the issue of cab and chassis trucks equipped with flatbeds. I will use the NADM hitch rule for the 2.6 class as an example. This is not an attempt to bash NADM or any other organization about rules, but to simply raise a question about an issue that I think needs to be addressed by pulling orgs.
Hitch: The hitch must be a receiver-style hitch; reinforcements are permitted. Reinforcements must not extend forward of the centerline of the rear axle. Trick hitches are prohibited. The hooking point must be the rear-most point on the vehicle and must be rearward of the stock location of the tailgate. The hitch must be horizontal to the ground and stationary in all directions. Bumpers may be notched or removed. The hitch’s height from the ground may not exceed 26 inches on 4wd units and 30 inches on 2wd units. The hooking point must have a minimum 3.750-inch inside diameter opening for the sled hook. The hooking point will be measured to the center of the clevis loop.

Where does this leave trucks that are equipped with flatbeds? Homemade and commercially distributed steel and aluminum flatbeds all vary in size and length, therefore a truck with a short flatbed can gain a considerable advantage by having a hookpoint that is much closer to the rear axle, while still being compliant with the current rules. Id really like to see some sort of provision for flatbeds or a rule change stating that the hook point must be X amount of inches from the centerline of the rear axle.

 

[jlibert]

The current hitch rules of many organizations do not address the issue of cab and chassis trucks equipped with flatbeds. I will use the NADM hitch rule for the 2.6 class as an example. This is not an attempt to bash NADM or any other organization about rules, but to simply raise a question about an issue that I think needs to be addressed by pulling orgs.
Hitch: The hitch must be a receiver-style hitch; reinforcements are permitted. Reinforcements must not extend forward of the centerline of the rear axle. Trick hitches are prohibited. The hooking point must be the rear-most point on the vehicle and must be rearward of the stock location of the tailgate. The hitch must be horizontal to the ground and stationary in all directions. Bumpers may be notched or removed. The hitch’s height from the ground may not exceed 26 inches on 4wd units and 30 inches on 2wd units. The hooking point must have a minimum 3.750-inch inside diameter opening for the sled hook. The hooking point will be measured to the center of the clevis loop.

Where does this leave trucks that are equipped with flatbeds? Homemade and commercially distributed steel and aluminum flatbeds all vary in size and length, therefore a truck with a short flatbed can gain a considerable advantage by having a hookpoint that is much closer to the rear axle, while still being compliant with the current rules. Id really like to see some sort of provision for flatbeds or a rule change stating that the hook point must be X amount of inches from the centerline of the rear axle.

our pulling organization says 36% of the wheelbase between the hitching point and the centerline of the rear axle.

Flatbeds have an advantage in that the hitch is part of the bed and in a way it's like reinforcments forward of the rear axle.

 

[seeker1056]

if the hitch is solid in all directions, and the rearward attachment point is the reciever it doesnt matter where the bracing is as it has no effect

the length from centre of axle to the hitch point really makes a difference as does height

 

[JerrodGlover]

Our rules and I believe the old DHRA rules use 44" from the Centerline of the axle to the hook point.

Anyone care to define: receiver-style hitch?

 

[jlibert]

Anyone care to define: receiver-style hitch?

In the U.S. the vehicle attachment is known as the trailer hitch. Trailer hitches come in two main configurations: receiver type and fixed-drawbar type. Receiver-type hitches consist of a portion that mounts to the frame of the vehicle that has a rearward facing opening that accepts removable ball mounts, sled pulling lunette rings, chrome testicles, or other hitch mounted accessories. Fixed-drawbar hitches are typically built as one piece, have an integrated hole for the trailer ball, and are generally not compatible with aftermarket hitch accessories.

 

[zstroken]

Receiver style hitch. Wow that will be interesting debate.

I think they should define the receiver as horizontal to the ground and no connection points in front of the rear axle.

 

[reece01]

I agree with Teddybear, but xcab shortbed trucks need to be included. This is one positive thing to come from Scheids rules at TS and i like the rule.

 

[DISTURBED]

Receiver style hitch. Wow that will be interesting debate.

I think they should define the receiver as horizontal to the ground and no connection points in front of the rear axle.

I agree. Im surprised that all organizations dont have in their rules that the hitch cant be mounted or attached in front of the center line of the rear axle.