Need help with hitch dimensions

[Neil E.]

At this point I have concluded that I will make my own spare tire delete parts. Also making a new high mount led light plus plate bracket. Going to disassemble the camera housing and remount the camera too.

The method of raising the bike creates a larger lever arm at mid lift so I'll have to tie the hitch mount to the rear bumper for some extra strength. I'm thoroughly disappointed with the stock trailer hitch and the wimpy frame crossbar. Ford really missed the boat with that one. I was expecting a light version of the hitch on my F250.

The difficult part of this is guessing at dimensions. I would have thought there would be more Heritage owners here who could provide some basic measurements.

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[BroncoChallenger]

The method of raising the bike creates a larger lever arm at mid lift so I'll have to tie the hitch mount to the rear bumper for some extra strength. I'm thoroughly disappointed with the stock trailer hitch and the wimpy frame crossbar. Ford really missed the boat with that one. I was expecting a light version of the hitch on my F250.

Given the intended purpose of the Bronco, and how its suspension is set up, I'm surprised it was offered with a hitch at all that was bigger than a 1.25" receiver. It's not meant to be a heavy-hauler, it's not even rated as high as an F150 in that regard. The MAX payload is 1300 lbs, I suspect most versions are less. And if you're carrying gear with you, you're definitely reduced.

I would say for your uses, it might be better to invest in a small bike trailer.

 

[JL8jeff]

The difficult part of this is guessing at dimensions. I would have thought there would be more Heritage owners here who could provide some basic measurements.

The Heritage really has nothing to do with it, it's the Sas setup that determines the carrier and how much the tire sticks out. Does the Heritage have the metal rear bumper or plastic? The plastic rear bumper will be a challenge to tie into but for your use, you really might want to consider an aftermarket bumper that can accomodate a bike mount. That would tie it directly to the frame vs the hitch using the crossmembers.

 

[Neil E.]

I would say for your uses, it might be better to invest in a small bike trailer.

That's the fallback plan if my ideas are not practical.

 

[Neil E.]

Does the Heritage have the metal rear bumper or plastic? That would tie it directly to the frame vs the hitch using the crossmembers.

The Heritage has a steel bumper, but I'll be surprised if it's thicker than 16ga. Even so that would add some tie-in to the frame. I won't be coming anywhere near the max payload as I don't carry much extra stuff. Considering the load of the bike, I wouldn't want to exceed 50% of the actual payload rating.

All opinions are welcome.

 

[Montana Bronco]

I tow commercially with my Bronco, and I can verify that the crossmember that the hitch attaches to flexes like crazy.

I am a fly fishing guide here in Montana, most of my towing is fairly light. Primarily fiberglass drift boats, so probably 1,000 to 1,500 pounds most days. Biggest variable is how much ice is in the cooler.

One of my clients has a YouTube channel and he accidentally left his GoPro on while the boat was on the trailer. He later showed me the footage, my hitch and the crossmember were flexing an unbelievable amount. I was shocked.

 

[Neil E.]

Good to know. Did you change to a better hitch?

 

[Montana Bronco]

Good to know. Did you change to a better hitch?

What better hitch? The issue isn’t the hitch, the issue is the crossmember on the Bronco.

I don’t let it bother me. My towing is very light in the overall scheme of things. Bronco’s were made for off-roading, not towing. Anyone who bought a Bronco for towing is an idiot. That includes me.

 

[Neil E.]

I found a heavier hitch that is great for anyone who wants a bit more safety or just less flexing:

 

[Montana Bronco]

^^ while that thing certainly looks beefy, it begs the question, if you need a hitch like that why in the world did you buy a Bronco ?

 

[Neil E.]

Long story. Been driving the F250 crewcab for the past 17 years. Personal vehicle also used for taking the dirt bike to the forest. Slight overkill for what I used it for and also an increasing pain for parking. Bought it because I always had pickups and I could order it with a stick.

Fast forward to today and I still want a stick. Not many choices left, pretty much the Wrangler or the Bronco in order to get a stick. Other important consideration is that I also want an upright windshield. I can't stand banging my head on the window frames while getting in and out of current vehicles with sloped windshields.

The reality is that I specifically do not want to do any towing. Hence the dirt bike carried across the back of the vehicle. At 170 lbs that should not be a problem. Like you say it's not about capacity, it's really just a problem with the crossmember. I think the stock Bronco hitch can do the job, I just don't like the flexing. But I can also reinforce the Bronco like that heavy hitch does.

It's just difficult to plan for changes without the new vehicle in my hands. As long as I can easily transport the dirt bike, I'll be happy. The Bronco only needs some good mudflaps and undercoating to be serviceable.

 

[aermtr]

Long story. Been driving the F250 crewcab for the past 17 years. Personal vehicle also used for taking the dirt bike to the forest. Slight overkill for what I used it for and also an increasing pain for parking. Bought it because I always had pickups and I could order it with a stick.

Fast forward to today and I still want a stick. Not many choices left, pretty much the Wrangler or the Bronco in order to get a stick. Other important consideration is that I also want an upright windshield. I can't stand banging my head on the window frames while getting in and out of current vehicles with sloped windshields.

The reality is that I specifically do not want to do any towing. Hence the dirt bike carried across the back of the vehicle. At 170 lbs that should not be a problem. Like you say it's not about capacity, it's really just a problem with the crossmember. I think the stock Bronco hitch can do the job, I just don't like the flexing. But I can also reinforce the Bronco like that heavy hitch does.

It's just difficult to plan for changes without the new vehicle in my hands. As long as I can easily transport the dirt bike, I'll be happy. The Bronco only needs some good mudflaps and undercoating to be serviceable.

I have a 2.3 MT and own Bo-Flaps. Also tow thousands of miles at the limit with an Airstream behind me. Over 400LB on the hitch.
Broflaps.com

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