Buyers Products 2 Inch Pintle Hook Mounting Plate slides into a 2 in. receiver to provide a mounting plate for a variety of pintle hooks and combination hitches. You can mount a pintle hook at either a high or low position to accommodate trailer height. The strong, durable construction features continuous welds and a black powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance.
Specifications
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Finish | Powder-Coat |
| Height (in.) | 7.38 |
| Horizontal Hole Spacing | 3.375 |
| Length (in.) | 9.0 |
| M.G.T.W. (lbs) | 14,000 |
| M.V.L. (lbs) | 2,800 |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type | Pintle Mount |
| Mounting Hole Size (in.) | 0.531 |
| No. of Mounting Positions | 3 |
| Pairs of Holes | 4 |
| Receiver Size (in.) | 2.0 |
| Shank Type | Solid |
| Vertical Hole Spacing | 1.75 |
Advanced Technical Overview: Retail Packaged PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate
The Retail Packaged PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate from Buyers Products represents a pinnacle of engineering dedicated to robust and reliable heavy-duty towing solutions. Designed for seamless integration into standard 2-inch receiver hitches, this component serves as a critical interface for a diverse array of pintle hooks and combination hitches, facilitating secure and efficient trailer coupling across various demanding applications. This detailed exposition aims to provide a comprehensive technical analysis of the PM87, exploring its design philosophy, material science, manufacturing integrity, performance metrics, and operational advantages.
Precision Engineering and Core Functionality
At its core, the PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is meticulously engineered to provide a steadfast foundation for towing operations requiring substantial load capacities. Its primary function is to convert a standard square receiver opening into a versatile mounting platform for pintle-style hitches. The inherent simplicity of its slide-in design for a 2-inch receiver minimizes installation complexity while maximizing system rigidity. This direct integration ensures that the stresses generated during towing are efficiently distributed through the vehicle's frame, adhering to the fundamental principles of mechanical load transfer.
A key design attribute is its adaptability to accommodate diverse trailer heights. The PM87 offers multiple mounting positions, specifically three distinct vertical settings, enabling users to optimize the hitch height for perfect alignment with the trailer. This adjustability is crucial for maintaining proper trailer leveling, which is paramount for stable towing, effective brake application, and uniform tire wear. Incorrect hitch height can lead to dynamic instability, reduced traction, and accelerated component wear, all of which are mitigated by the PM87's inherent flexibility. With four pairs of precisely drilled holes, the plate ensures compatibility with a broad spectrum of pintle hooks and combination hitches, each designed to meet industry-standard mounting patterns. The mounting hole size, precisely specified at 0.531 inches, guarantees a snug fit for standard fasteners, preventing unwanted play and ensuring a secure attachment of the primary towing apparatus.
Material Science and Structural Integrity
The selection of materials is fundamental to the durability and performance of any heavy-duty towing component. The PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is constructed from high-grade Carbon Steel. Carbon steel is renowned for its exceptional tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue resistance, properties that are indispensable in applications subjected to cyclical loading and high stress concentrations inherent in towing. This material choice ensures that the mounting plate can withstand the dynamic forces encountered during acceleration, braking, and traversing varied terrain without deformation or catastrophic failure.
Further enhancing its structural integrity are the continuous welds employed during fabrication. Unlike intermittent or spot welds, continuous welds create a homogenous, uninterrupted joint that maximizes load-bearing capacity and minimizes points of stress concentration. This manufacturing technique ensures superior shear strength and torsional rigidity, critical for maintaining the structural cohesion of the plate under the rigorous demands of heavy towing. The meticulous application of continuous welds is indicative of Buyers Products' commitment to engineering excellence and product longevity, providing users with a component that offers unwavering reliability.
Corrosion Resistance and Longevity
Given the typical operating environments of towing equipment, often exposed to harsh weather, road salts, moisture, and abrasive debris, robust corrosion protection is not merely a feature but a necessity. The PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is finished with a durable Black Powder-Coat. Powder coating is an advanced dry finishing process that involves electrostatically applying a finely ground, dry pigment and resin powder to a metallic substrate. The coated item is then cured under heat, allowing the powder to flow out and form a "skin" with a hard, durable, and aesthetically pleasing finish.
This powder-coat finish provides several key advantages over traditional liquid paints:
- Superior Adhesion: The electrostatic application ensures a uniform coating and excellent adhesion to the carbon steel, minimizing the risk of chipping or flaking.
- Enhanced Durability: Powder coats are significantly more resistant to abrasion, impact, and scratching, preserving the aesthetic and functional integrity of the plate even after prolonged use.
- Chemical Resistance: The cured polymer matrix forms an effective barrier against corrosive agents, including road salts, automotive chemicals, and atmospheric pollutants.
- UV Stability: The black powder-coat is formulated to resist fading and degradation from ultraviolet radiation, ensuring long-term color retention and protective performance.
Performance Specifications and Load Capacities
The performance capabilities of the PM87 are quantitatively defined by its Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (M.G.T.W.) and Maximum Vertical Load (M.V.L.) ratings. These metrics are crucial for ensuring safe towing practices and component compatibility:
-
M.G.T.W. (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight): 14,000 lbs
This specification represents the maximum permissible weight of the fully loaded trailer that the mounting plate is designed to safely handle. A M.G.T.W. of 14,000 lbs positions the PM87 firmly within the heavy-duty category, suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial trailers, including utility trailers, equipment haulers, and certain agricultural implements. Adhering to this limit is critical to prevent overloading, which can lead to structural fatigue, premature component failure, and dangerous towing conditions.
-
M.V.L. (Maximum Vertical Load) / Tongue Weight: 2,800 lbs
The M.V.L., often referred to as tongue weight, is the downward force exerted by the trailer tongue onto the hitch receiver of the tow vehicle. A rating of 2,800 lbs indicates substantial capacity for the vertical forces inherent in towing heavy loads. Proper tongue weight (typically 10-15% of the M.G.T.W. for conventional trailers) is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and control. An inadequate tongue weight can cause trailer sway, while excessive tongue weight can overload the tow vehicle's rear axle and suspension components. The PM87's robust M.V.L. rating ensures it can reliably manage the substantial vertical forces generated by heavy trailers, contributing significantly to overall towing safety and performance.
It is imperative that users never exceed the lowest rating of any component in their towing system, including the tow vehicle's hitch receiver, the pintle hook itself, and the PM87 mounting plate. This principle, known as the "weakest link" rule, is fundamental to safe towing operations.
Dimensional Precision and Versatility
The precise dimensions and geometric configuration of the PM87 are integral to its functionality and broad compatibility:
-
Receiver Size (in.): 2.0
This specification confirms compatibility with standard Class III, IV, and V hitches that feature a 2-inch square receiver opening, a ubiquitous standard in the towing industry.
-
Height (in.): 7.38; Length (in.): 9.0
These dimensions define the overall footprint of the mounting plate, influencing its interaction with the receiver and the range of pintle hooks it can accommodate. The thoughtful sizing ensures a compact yet robust platform.
-
Horizontal Hole Spacing: 3.375 in.; Vertical Hole Spacing: 1.75 in.
These hole spacing measurements are critical for interfacing with pintle hooks and combination hitches from various manufacturers. Standardized hole patterns ensure universal compatibility, providing flexibility for end-users to select their preferred hitch apparatus. The precise 0.531-inch mounting hole size further underscores the commitment to industry-standard fitment, facilitating secure bolt-on attachment.
-
No. of Mounting Positions: 3; Pairs of Holes: 4
The availability of three distinct vertical mounting positions significantly enhances the versatility of the PM87. This multi-position design allows for optimal height adjustment to achieve a level trailer, irrespective of the tow vehicle's ride height or the trailer's coupling point. The provision of four pairs of holes offers additional flexibility in mounting various pintle hook designs, ensuring a secure and stable attachment point.
Shank Type: Solid Construction for Uncompromised Strength
The designation of a "Solid Shank Type" for the PM87 is a critical design choice that directly impacts its strength and durability. Unlike hollow shanks, a solid shank provides an uninterrupted cross-sectional area of material, maximizing resistance to bending, twisting, and shear forces. This robust construction eliminates potential weak points associated with internal voids, offering superior resilience under extreme towing conditions. The solid carbon steel shank effectively transmits load forces from the pintle hook through the mounting plate and into the receiver, ensuring a direct and uncompromised load path. This characteristic is particularly vital for applications involving dynamic loads and sudden movements, where structural integrity cannot be compromised.
Typical Applications and Target Industries
The Retail Packaged PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is an indispensable component across a broad spectrum of commercial, industrial, and heavy-duty recreational applications. Its robust design and high load capacities make it ideal for:
- Construction Industry: Towing heavy equipment such as mini excavators, skid steers, scissor lifts, and material trailers to and from job sites. The plate's durability ensures reliable performance in rugged construction environments.
- Agricultural Sector: Transporting farm implements, livestock trailers, and utility wagons. The ability to adjust pintle height is particularly beneficial for diverse agricultural machinery.
- Utility and Municipal Fleets: For utility trucks, road maintenance vehicles, and municipal service vehicles requiring the capacity to tow generators, air compressors, and specialized equipment trailers.
- Commercial Hauling: Suitable for landscape trailers, car haulers, and general commercial transport where significant gross trailer weights are encountered.
- Heavy-Duty Recreational Towing: While primarily industrial-grade, it can also serve discerning recreational users who require maximum strength and reliability for large toy haulers or custom heavy trailers.
The versatility of the PM87 ensures that it meets the rigorous demands of professionals who rely on their towing equipment day in and day out.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
While the PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is engineered for maximum safety and durability, proper installation and adherence to towing best practices are paramount for preventing accidents and ensuring reliable operation:
- Load Capacity Compliance: Always ensure that the combined weight of the trailer and its cargo (M.G.T.W.) does not exceed the lowest rating of any component in the towing system, including the tow vehicle, hitch receiver, pintle hook, and the PM87 plate. Similarly, maintain proper tongue weight (M.V.L.) within specified limits.
- Secure Installation: The mounting plate must be securely inserted into the 2-inch receiver and fastened with an appropriately rated hitch pin and clip. The pintle hook or combination hitch must be bolted to the PM87 using high-grade fasteners (e.g., Grade 8 bolts) torqued to manufacturer specifications. Regular inspection for loose bolts or wear is crucial.
- Trailer Leveling: Utilize the adjustable mounting positions to ensure the trailer rides level. This optimizes weight distribution, tire wear, and braking efficiency, and minimizes sway.
- Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect the mounting plate for signs of wear, fatigue cracks, bending, or damage to the powder-coat finish. Any signs of compromise warrant immediate replacement.
- Maintenance: While the powder-coat offers excellent protection, occasional cleaning and inspection of the finish can help prolong its integrity, especially after exposure to corrosive elements.
Adherence to these guidelines, combined with the inherent strength and quality of the PM87, will ensure safe and efficient towing operations for years to come.
The Buyers Products Advantage
Buyers Products has long been recognized as a leader in the truck and trailer equipment industry, synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability. The Retail Packaged PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate embodies this legacy. By utilizing premium carbon steel, employing advanced manufacturing techniques such as continuous welding, and applying a robust powder-coat finish, Buyers Products delivers a component that not only meets but often exceeds industry standards for performance and longevity. The meticulous attention to detail in design, from the precise hole spacings to the solid shank construction, reflects a deep understanding of the demanding requirements of heavy-duty towing applications. For professionals and serious users who cannot compromise on safety or performance, the PM87 offers an unmatched combination of strength, versatility, and enduring quality, solidifying its position as a preferred choice in the market.
Conclusion
The Retail Packaged PM87 Pintle Hitch Mounting Plate is more than just an accessory; it is a meticulously engineered, high-performance interface designed to facilitate secure and reliable heavy-duty towing. Its thoughtful design, superior material construction, advanced corrosion protection, and impressive load capacities of 14,000 lbs M.G.T.W. and 2,800 lbs M.V.L. underscore its capability to withstand the most rigorous demands. The versatility afforded by its multi-position mounting and compatibility with standard 2-inch receivers makes it an indispensable tool for a wide array of professional and industrial applications. By choosing the PM87, users invest in a product that promises not only exceptional durability and performance but also the peace of mind that comes from utilizing a rigorously tested and expertly crafted towing solution from a trusted industry leader. This mounting plate is an essential component for any operation requiring uncompromising strength and adaptability in its towing infrastructure.
