Trailer for Model T

Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration
Model T Ford Forum: Forum 2013: Trailer for Model T
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick Mulrooney on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 06:44 pm:

Hi everyone,

I am wondering if anyone knows what the "trailer hitch" would have been for a Model T in the teens and twenties. I am thinking of buying/fabricating one to tow behind my 1916 Touring and I would really like to be period correct. What do the ends look like and how do they mount to the frame.

Thanks in advance (and I will thank you again for any help!!)

Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Roger Karlsson, southern Sweden on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 06:50 pm:

Here are a couple of older threads with lots of pictures of different style trailer hitches:
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/50893/69246.html?1226098461
http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/179374/249787.html?1322924618


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Mullis on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 07:08 pm:

Finding a period manufactured hitch to mount to your T will be difficult at best. They are out there just be ready to search for a while. I have decided to have a blacksmith friend to fabricate one from a picture I found of an old blacksmith made hitch.

I am still in the process of building my trailer.
It will be a "Pop Up" camper when completed.
I was determined not to use a T front axle for my trailer's axle.
I had a local machinist to fabricate two trailer axle spindles to accommodate Model T front wheels(expensive).
I'll have the axle welded up and then I'll start work on the frame.

By the way, i have a 16 touring as well.
Good luck


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gary H. White - Sheridan, MI on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 08:40 pm:

A basic one. I'd make some mods to take the sloppiness out but you get the idea.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Katy, Texas on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 09:03 pm:

I bought a commercially made cast steel T trailer hitch and paid a good price for it, only to find the thickness of the mounting holes that the rear spring U clamps are supposed to go through are so thick that the U bolts won't work. I had a 26-27 touring/sedan gooseneck that some one had cut in two so I made a hitch out of it. naturally I don't dare put too much tongue weight on it, but it works fine.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Menzies on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 - 09:30 pm:

I would fabricate the assembly the same as the rear bumper is fabricated. They are very long arms that attach to the frame. I would be cautious about attaching it to the rear crossmember. With light towing it would be ok but if the unit is required to pull hard it could bend the cross member and put stress on the differential yoke housing possibly causing cracking. Rear bumper arms are out there but may be hard to find but they are worth it in the long run.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick Mulrooney on Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 02:57 pm:

Thank you everyone for the links, pictures and suggestions! My plan is to use the trailer for spare parts, beer cooler, camping gear, extra beer, etc... so not too much weight. :-) I also do not plan on making it too big. Just something to carry extra essentials on tours so I am not having to sacrifice passengers for "stuff" I have to hand it to this Club, Website and Forum participants. You are all pretty awesome. I have posted a couple of times and had Very helpful replies within minutes. Thanks!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Katy, Texas on Thursday, December 19, 2013 - 10:16 pm:

Patrick, As I posted above, I made my trailer hitch out of a ruined 26-27 touring/sedan spare tire carrier. I made my trailer out of a 26-27 pickup, cut into just ahead of the bed front panel. I do have some plans for a Model T era trailer which was printed in Mechanic's Illustrated or Popular Mechanics, I can't remember which.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Patrick Mulrooney on Friday, December 20, 2013 - 09:00 am:

Terry, I would be grateful if you could post those plans sometime and also pictures of Your trailer. I am not completely above plagiarizing. :-)

Patrick


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Chester Wayne Lowery on Friday, December 20, 2013 - 05:10 pm:

Terry, I am glad you posted this. I have been interested in a hitch for my 26 Tudor. I would like a small trailer like others to haul tools, water, oil etc. That would get all of it out from behind the seat and more room leg for passengers.....Thanks and thanks to all who have shared their information...Chet


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Terry Woods, Katy, Texas on Saturday, December 21, 2013 - 07:50 pm:

Patrick and Chester, Posting a picture of my hitch isn't a problem, however If my trailer plans are over 1 page in length (its been a while since I looked at them so I don't remember), then posting them might be a problem. If I can, I'll post both. If not, I'm PM you for your addresses.


Posting is currently disabled in this topic. Contact your discussion moderator for more information.
Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting Program Credits    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration