Has anyone ever converted the HF hitch hauler for a ski?

[shawn_NJ]

Has anyone converted this HF hitch hauler to hold a standup? I would reinforce it with (2) 4"x4" bunks, and bolt them on to the platform's frame. Think it should be ok for an X2? Sucks I would have to take the spare off my jeep's tailgate and put it in the truck, but not towing a trailer for 2000miles would be nice.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34313

 

[ger87410]

I've seen it done.

Make sure it can carry the weight and you should be good to go.

 

[shawn_NJ]

Its rated for 500lbs, but that is a Habor Freight rating...lol

Figured the only way to know is to try it. For $60 I gave it a shot. Here is my topdeck plug on the hauler (with spare still on).

I think the ski is sticking out too much on the sides of the truck (its too long). I dont think this is legal here in NJ. I might be screwed.

 

[ADDict]

Yeah I have.. Thats how I haul it when I'm on the road working.
I bought the one from wal mart with a 500lb rating. Used two pieces of PVC pipe, I believe 4", and turfed the tops of the pipes. Works great. I just back it down into the water, load and unload just like a trailer. Only sideways and right on the bumper.

 

[shawn_NJ]

Sweet, this would only be for long trips. Anything close I would just use my trailer. I have the beach cart for launching when I am using the hauler so I think I should be ok. I was also going to put lights on the hauler.

 

[ADDict]

Unfortunately this is the only picture I can find of it right now.

 

[ADDict]

As for it sticking out, mine did a few inches on either side of my truck, a dakota. I never had any trouble with it though.

 

[Speedfreak]

You should be able to leave your spare tire on the jeep. I hauled my ski a bunch with my rack like that. I ordered a FourReal rock crawler rear bumper so it would be higher and stronger then the little class one that the jeep had. (plus it looked mean) A buddy of mine hauls his dirtbike on that little HF rack it works great. NO worries.

 

[shawn_NJ]

You should be able to leave your spare tire on the jeep. I hauled my ski a bunch with my rack like that. I ordered a FourReal rock crawler rear bumper so it would be higher and stronger then the little class one that the jeep had. (plus it looked mean) A buddy of mine hauls his dirtbike on that little HF rack it works great. NO worries.

I got the "tow package" when I bought it. Comes stock with class 3 hitch. Good to know man! Thanks for the info. I'm going to start to put the bunk on then and give it some test runs local.

 

[Speedfreak]

I got the "tow package" when I bought it. Comes stock with class 3 hitch. Good to know man! Thanks for the info. I'm going to start to put the bunk on then and give it some test runs local.

I for got to say that I had a 33X12.50 spare so my tire was wider than a stocker and my SJ fit It was close but it fit.

 

[snowxr]

I use a hitch rack on my Jeep Liberty to haul a dirt bike or ski. The max width allowed is 102", so don't worry about it. I did have to remove my tire for the ski to fit, but the bike fits with the tire. I'm happy with the setup, and use it a lot.

 

[Lake Erie Monster]

used to do something like that for my 550. never had a problem

 

[surferdude345]

Shawn rich started this a while ago - http://x-h2o.com/showthread.php?t=16510&highlight=hitch

By the way the mold looks great

 

[Waternut]

I have done it with 2x6 carpeted bunks. You may want to add some leaf helper springs but it's not mandatory.

One thing you'll have to consider is your tail lights. The ski will block the lights so you'll need to wire up some lights on the back of the hitch hauler.

 

[infamy]

i was at either walmart or pep boys and saw a hitch carrier that was rated 1000lbs. if i remember correctly it was only like $65.

 

[Waternut]

I know Lowes sells them for around $60-$65 as that's where I got mine from. I'd be a bit leary of a carrier that rates it to 1000 lbs because your standard class III hitch is only rated to 500 lbs. I did find a picture of my hitch carrier without the ski so maybe you can figure out if that's how you want to build yours.

 

[madscientist]

i think as long as your narrower than a lane or a hummer you will be ok

 

[Twinturbostang]

Its rated for 500lbs, but that is a Habor Freight rating...lol

Figured the only way to know is to try it. For $60 I gave it a shot. Here is my topdeck plug on the hauler (with spare still on).

I think the ski is sticking out too much on the sides of the truck (its too long). I dont think this is legal here in NJ. I might be screwed.

As long as you are under 102 wide and 13.6 tall you are all good

 

[shawn_NJ]

Thanks for all the pictures and info!

Reinforced the hauler with 2x4's length wise and bolted the 2x4's to the steel frame of the hauler. I actually debated wrapping the 2x4's with 5oz kevlar and uni carbon then bagging them, but that seemed to be somewhat overkill. I jumped around on the platform and tried to see how much if it would flex, but its seems sturdy as hell. I plan on throwing lights and reflectors on it too. I think I'm going to go for it, and use the hauler for the FL trip in 10days. I just really do not want to deal with a trailer for this trip because my GF is going to have to drive for part of it, and I will not be able to sleep if there is a trailer behind us....LOL. Unfortunatly the spare tire definetly has to come off. Guess its the X2's width that causes that.

I took the plug hull for a rip around the neighbor hood. Hit some speedbumps and ripped some tight turns...so far so good! Going to throw my brothers X2 on it next weekend and leave it strapped on the whole weekend, to see how it does.

 

[Twinturbostang]

You have any pics of how you did the 2x4s?
I think it would be worth it to put a brake light in the middle with a trailer wire plug just to be safe. It would be real easy and just be nice if its dark out and you have somthing back there.