Original Pull-Rite hitch - I'm stumped on what to do with it

[grey2112]

Just bought a 2004 Suburban 2500. Person towed a 35 foot toy hauler and has an original Pull-Rite hitch installed.

https://www.pullrite.com/pullrite

This won't work for my applications (I mostly tow a 25 foot, 8500 pound boat) and using this would wreak havoc on both the hitch and ramps I frequent. So I am having it removed.

Does anyone still use these or is there a market for them? I can see the concept being pretty sound and useful for some applications. Just wanted to see if anyone still uses them before I toss it in the landfill.

[smthbros]

The "88 Sub I inherited has a pulrite. I enjoy being able to turn without fear of the trailer contacting the truck (which was a problem) and being able to drop the tailgate without hitting the trailer jack. The hitch came with a clamp to secure the tow bar from swinging for towing light trailers. Pulrite used to maintain a directory of used hitches for sale.

[carringb]

JRscooby wrote:

carringb wrote:
That was a newer feature not present on older models. But I'm sure something could be easilyl fab'd up.

Not sure what you think is "older model" I know the one in our family was around in the early '80s. And brother always bought Suburbans at least 6 YO, kept until wrecked or rusted to the point it was not safe. Most times he had 2. (Now '03 as work truck, and '48 for when not working)

It was only in the 2000's that Pullrite started adding the extra center receiver and factory pin-to-center option. The 80's and 90's version did not have those features that I'm aware of.

[JRscooby]

carringb wrote:
That was a newer feature not present on older models. But I'm sure something could be easilyl fab'd up.

Not sure what you think is "older model" I know the one in our family was around in the early '80s. And brother always bought Suburbans at least 6 YO, kept until wrecked or rusted to the point it was not safe. Most times he had 2. (Now '03 as work truck, and '48 for when not working)

[JRscooby]

BenK wrote:
When not being used, the ball/arm is swung to one side and pinned out if the way

When in use, towing...the ball/arm swings from side to side within the allowed swing travel

Well, brother towed a bunch of trailers with his. Pined to side, it did not bite you on the shin. Pulling the travel trailer, yes, the bars mounted so the hitch acted like a extension of the tongue. If we stacked cars on the trailer, let it work like designed. Just hauling one car around town? Lock the hitch in center, and let the coupler pivot on ball.

[BenK]

When not being used, the ball/arm is swung to one side and pinned out if the way

When in use, towing...the ball/arm swings from side to side within the allowed swing travel

[carringb]

That was a newer feature not present on older models. But I'm sure something could be easilyl fab'd up.

[JRscooby]

IIRC, it had a couple pins went thru track.

[grey2112]

Problem is there doesn't seem to be a way to "pin" the hitch in the straight, extended position. The only hole for a pin is for when it is pushed all the way to the left side of the SUV.

[dodge_guy]

They are the best hitch out there at what they do. Enonly downside is the ground clearance you lose. It's still worth some money. Try and sell it first.

[BenK]

Wanted one for my Suburban, but after checking out what I had to do to get it (added weight, cost and installation) decided not to

Still like how it works and is what HA/Pro simulate via projection of the linkages...moves the center of swing (coupler ball) closer to the TV's rear axle center line

That reduces the lever arm the trailer has against the TV's tail

It should work on anything that has a coupler (boat trailer, travel trailer, etc)

Maybe the OP thinks the boat trailers surge brakes won't work with this WD Hitch system. It should work, unless there is something else the OP hasn't posted about

[JRscooby]

We had one of those in the family, on 3-4 Suburbans. Most times, if just pullin a light trailer, we just left it pinned in center. Nephew would pull one pin, swing the ball over to left, where he could see it go under the coupler, hook up, pull out and turn right until he felt the hitch hit the pin, put the other pin back in...
I can't see how it could cause trouble towing a boat, and can tame a pretty unruly trailer...