Anyone ever broke a trans case...

[dgoyette 12]

...by overloading the standard WH hitch? I know most of us from time to time really put a load on that hitch, and I did read a while back someone make a comment on the hitch having it's limit.

But has anyone ever found this limit?

I am going to use a horse for a Halloween hayride for my niece and her friends and am going to hook up a 5x10 trailer. It got me to thinking I have never seen a post of anyone cracking the transmission case so just curious.

I know of the D problem and I am sure cases have been cracked in pulling, but anyone break the case by using the hitch in loading up to heavy?

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

The area around the pin boss is pretty strong, but because the drawbar attaching pin acts as a fulcrum, you can get a lot of upward pressure at the tab under the case if there's too much tongue weight.

If you install a "load spreader" plate between the tab at the front of the drawbar and the tranz case, it will take the pressure off of the concentrated area and lessen the possibility of it breaking up through the case.

Something as simple as a 4" square of 3/16" of 1/4" steel plate would be perfect.

[dgoyette 12]

Thanks TT I have done that and couldn't agree more. The other thing it does is lessen the chance of weight "bouncing". This past winter I had weight plates on it and didn't want the chance of the weights bouncing. So two very good reasons for the plate for anyone who plans on a lot of weight.

I just got to thinking if no one has ever reported this type of failure, I would guess chances of me being the first are pretty slim. People have loaded them up pretty good I would think.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,145]

I've never seen one broke either - but I'm sure it could happen.

[Raider12 13]

Another thing to keep in mind is the brakes? Depending on how many kids you have (weight) on the trailer, are you going to have enough brakes to stop? Just a thought :thumbs2:

[dgoyette 12]

Got it covered.

[can whlvr 993]

ive never broke the case but twisted up a standard hitch real good when i rolled my trailer with about a tonne of bricks in it :thumbs2:

[kpinnc 12,464]

I've got one that the bottom of the case was broken on both halves at the point the draw bar hitch makes contact. I've always assumed someone accidentally dropped the tongue of a trailer down on it.

As TT said, I've converted my draw bar hitches to have a larger surface area to spread the load. Never had a problem since. This was one of the first examples, but since then I've used a larger "plate":

[Don1977 604]

You could build a hitch that clamps to the axle housing like the blade attachment.

I have one that also carries my vacuum. I also had a 450 amp. battery back there.

I have changed to a 300 amp. back in the regular battery box.

[SAM58 30]

Only one I have ever seen broke was when a tree fell across it....

:thumbs2: