TacoDell
Adventurer
I would think that test would be conducted pulling a 6000# trailer ? (tho' I don't know for fact)TacoDell, you have put the system in tension rather than compression which is significantly weaker. I do not have the engineering calcs handy to tell you how much weaker. The coupler is rated at 6000 lbs and it was not tested inverted in the SAE J684 test. I am fairly certain that the coupler would fail the test if run inverted.
I'm pulling a M 100 that has a max GVW of 1350 #'s Tongue weight at maybe 120 #'s
I'm fairly sure... I'm not exceeding the rating of the coupler/bolt/nut... whether upright or inverted.
Chris of Kilby personally came to my home for other matters... Chris and I had discussed the possibility of inverting the coupler...
and with consideration as to my trailers GVW... Chris's comment at the time... was that it should be safely doable.
I think so as well... tho' I intend to improve on safety, if and where I can.
I don't believe there's an issue... unless the bolt and nut assembly might loosen.With the coupler in it's proper position, the downward forces are put against the draw bar and hitch which are normally quite solid. There is also shear force exerted against the bolt. The way you have it set up not only are the same shear forces present but now, only the threads of the bolt are holding it in tension.
My only real concern it the chance of the nut backing off and allowing play/movement in the assembly.
Thanks... I can't help but feel somewhat lectured after reading your last comment.I can tell you that it was not intended to be used in this way and I strongly advise you to not use it in this way. You are at risk of losing the connection and your trailer, damaging the trailer and even worse, losing control of the trailer and vehicle, possibly even losing the trailer entirely if it overcomes the safety chains (which we have seen happen in violent handling situations). The liability of having the trailer injure others due to improper equipment use is no joke. That in itself is not worth the perceived extra inch of departure clearance.
Sorry to be a kill joy but we don't want to see anyone get hurt.
I'll assure you that I am a responsible adult of 50 yrs.
That I have a honorable lifetime history in safety and for the consideration of others.
...I'm also no dummy
as a prior SeaBee... I follow this attitude/spirit... " Can Do "
I find it somewhat negative if others say "can't do it"
IMO... anything can be done... if you put your mind to it.
and it can be done safely.
I do thank you for your input... (not so much the lecture)