The Trailer Accessory/Light Towing Hitch Receiver from Buyers Products lets you easily add a bike or cargo rack with a 2 in. hitch to your trailer or RV. A It features a black powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance. The hitch receiver can also be used for towing loads up to 3,000 lb total weight. An adjustable cross bar allows for a 47-1/2 in. to 77 in. mounting range to suit a variety of applications. Mounting hardware is included (drilling required).
Specifications
| Application Summary | Recreational Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Class | Class II |
| Color | Black |
| Finish | Powder-Coat |
| M.G.T.W. (lbs.) | 3,000 |
| M.V.L. (lbs.) | 350 |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type | Weld-on |
| Receiver Tube Size (in.) | 2.00 |
Advanced Technical Overview: Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver for Enhanced Utility and Light Towing Applications
The Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver represents a highly engineered and robust solution designed to significantly enhance the utility and versatility of recreational vehicles (RVs) and various trailer platforms. While primarily optimized for the secure attachment of auxiliary equipment such as bicycle racks, cargo carriers, and other hitch-mounted accessories, its inherent structural integrity and Class II rating also confer a substantial capability for light towing applications, supporting a Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (M.G.T.W.) of up to 3,000 pounds.
Precision Engineering and Material Science
At the core of this accessory receiver's exceptional performance and durability is its construction from high-quality carbon steel. Carbon steel is meticulously selected for its superior mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, excellent yield strength, and inherent toughness. These characteristics are critical for components subjected to dynamic loads, torsional stresses, and vibratory forces encountered during vehicular operation. The specific grade of carbon steel utilized is optimized for weldability and formability, ensuring precise fabrication and robust structural connections throughout the assembly. This material choice guarantees a resilient foundation capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor environments and sustained operational demands, making it an ideal choice for recreational and light commercial applications.
Advanced Corrosion Protection: Black Powder-Coated Finish
To ensure long-term integrity and aesthetic retention, the entire assembly is protected by a premium black powder-coated finish. This industrial-grade coating is not merely a superficial layer but a sophisticated, multi-stage application process that imparts unparalleled resistance to environmental degradation. The process typically involves:
- Pre-treatment: The carbon steel components undergo thorough cleaning, degreasing, and phosphating to remove contaminants and create an optimal surface profile for adhesion.
- Electrostatic Application: Finely ground, dry powder particles, consisting of resin, pigments, curing agents, and other additives, are electrostatically charged and sprayed onto the grounded metal surface. This electrical attraction ensures an even and comprehensive coating, including complex geometries.
- Curing: The coated components are then transferred to a curing oven where they are subjected to elevated temperatures (typically 350-400°F). During this phase, the powder melts and flows to form a smooth, uniform film, and then chemically cross-links to create a highly durable and thermoset finish.
The resulting powder coat offers significantly superior protection compared to conventional liquid paint. Key advantages include:
- Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Forms a formidable barrier against moisture, road salts, chemicals, and atmospheric pollutants, preventing rust and oxidation.
- Superior Abrasion and Impact Resistance: The cured coating is remarkably hard and flexible, providing excellent resistance to chips, scratches, and impacts from road debris, which are common in trailer applications.
- UV Stability: Resists fading and degradation from prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation, maintaining its aesthetic integrity over time.
- Environmental Benefits: Powder coating is an environmentally friendly process, emitting zero or near-zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during application.
The choice of a black finish further contributes to its utilitarian appeal, seamlessly integrating with the aesthetics of most RVs and trailers.
Universal Adaptability: The Adjustable Cross Bar System
A hallmark of the Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver is its innovative adjustable cross bar, which offers an impressive mounting range from 47-1/2 inches to 77 inches. This adjustability is a critical design feature that ensures broad compatibility across a diverse spectrum of trailer and RV chassis configurations. Unlike fixed-width receivers that may necessitate custom fabrication or compromise structural mounting points, this adjustable system allows installers to precisely tailor the receiver's width to match existing frame rails or structural members.
The mechanism typically involves telescoping components or sliding sections that can be secured at various intervals along the specified range. This adaptability minimizes installation complexities, reduces the need for specialized tools for width modification, and ensures optimal weight distribution and structural integration on the host vehicle. The robust design of the adjustable cross bar, coupled with secure fastening points, maintains structural rigidity throughout its operational range, preventing flex or fatigue under load.
Receiver Tube Specifications and Compatibility
The unit features a standard 2.00-inch receiver tube size, which is a universally recognized dimension within the towing and accessory industry. This standardization guarantees immediate compatibility with a vast array of existing hitch-mounted accessories, including:
- Bicycle Racks: Accommodating multiple bikes for recreational travel.
- Cargo Carriers: Expanding cargo capacity for luggage, coolers, or gear that may not fit inside the RV or trailer.
- Tool Carriers: For utility trailers or service vehicles requiring external tool storage.
- Flag Holders: For decorative or safety purposes.
- Light Mounts: Providing additional lighting solutions for improved visibility.
The precision-formed receiver tube is designed to minimize play with inserted accessories, ensuring a secure and stable connection, which is vital for preventing noise, wear, and potential damage to mounted equipment during transit.
Performance Metrics: Class II Rating and Load Capacities
The Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver is rated as Class II, a classification established by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standard J684. This designation signifies specific load-carrying capacities and provides a standardized framework for safe towing and accessory attachment. For this particular receiver, the Class II rating translates to:
- Maximum Gross Trailer Weight (M.G.T.W.): 3,000 lbs. This metric defines the maximum permissible total weight of the trailer and its cargo that the hitch receiver is structurally capable of supporting. While the product title emphasizes its role as an accessory receiver, this robust M.G.T.W. rating unequivocally demonstrates its inherent capability for light-duty towing applications, such as small utility trailers, boat trailers, or personal watercraft carriers, provided the tow vehicle's capacity and local regulations are also observed. This structural capacity ensures a significant margin of safety even when utilized solely for heavy accessory loads.
- Maximum Vertical Load (M.V.L.): 350 lbs. Also known as tongue weight, the M.V.L. represents the maximum downward force that can be safely applied to the hitch ball or accessory mounting point. Proper tongue weight is crucial for maintaining vehicle stability, preventing sway, and ensuring safe handling. For accessory applications, this rating directly relates to the combined weight of the accessory itself and its cargo. A generous 350 lbs. M.V.L. allows for substantial bike racks with multiple bicycles or fully loaded cargo carriers without compromising the integrity of the receiver or the handling characteristics of the host vehicle.
These specifications underscore the receiver's dual functionality: not only excelling as a versatile accessory platform but also possessing the structural fortitude required for supplementary light towing tasks, thereby maximizing the utility of the recreational vehicle.
Installation Modalities: Drilling Required and Weld-On Considerations
The installation of the Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver is designed for secure integration with the existing frame structure of an RV or trailer. The instruction "Mounting hardware is included (drilling required)" indicates that the primary method of attachment for the adjustable cross bar assembly to the vehicle's frame involves mechanical fastening. This process typically entails:
- Positioning and Alignment: Carefully selecting the optimal mounting location on the chassis to ensure proper clearance and weight distribution.
- Marking and Pilot Holes: Precisely marking the drilling points on the frame rails, followed by drilling appropriate pilot holes and then expanding them to the required diameter for the included mounting hardware.
- Secure Bolting: Fastening the receiver assembly firmly to the frame using high-strength bolts, nuts, and washers provided in the hardware kit, ensuring all connections are torqued to manufacturer specifications for maximum retention and safety.
The specification of "Mount Type: Weld-on" refers to the inherent design and fabrication method of the receiver structure itself, or offers an alternative, highly robust installation method for professional applications. While the general user can install the product via drilling and bolting, the "weld-on" classification can be interpreted in two ways:
- Internal Construction: The receiver tube and its primary support brackets are factory-welded together to form a single, incredibly strong, and rigid unit. This manufacturing technique ensures superior structural integrity over bolted or riveted internal assemblies.
- Optional Professional Attachment: For scenarios demanding the absolute strongest and most permanent integration, or for custom frame applications, the receiver assembly is designed to accept direct welding to the vehicle's structural frame by a certified professional. Welding creates a molecular bond between the receiver and the chassis, offering unparalleled strength and rigidity, often preferred in heavy-duty commercial applications or where vehicle modifications permit. Users considering this method should consult with experienced welders and ensure compliance with all vehicle manufacturer recommendations and safety standards.
The inclusion of mounting hardware and the requirement for drilling cater to a broader installation base, allowing for competent DIY installation while maintaining a high level of security. Regardless of the chosen attachment method, adherence to precise measurements, proper tooling, and safety protocols is paramount.
Application Context: Recreational Vehicles
The primary application summary for this product is Recreational Vehicles. This encompasses a broad range of units including travel trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorhomes, and pop-up campers. RV owners frequently seek solutions to expand their vehicle's carrying capacity without occupying valuable interior space. The Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver addresses this need directly by providing a stable and secure external mounting point for essential recreational gear. Whether it's bikes for family outings, a cargo box for camping equipment, or even a generator, this receiver facilitates a more organized and enjoyable travel experience. Its adjustable mounting width is particularly beneficial for the varied frame designs found across the RV market, ensuring a proper fit for almost any recreational platform.
Conclusion: A Robust and Versatile Utility Enhancement
The Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver stands out as a meticulously engineered component designed to significantly augment the functional capabilities of recreational vehicles and various trailers. Its core strength, derived from carbon steel construction and a resilient powder-coated finish, ensures exceptional longevity and resistance to environmental stressors. The innovative adjustable cross bar provides unparalleled mounting flexibility, while the standard 2.00-inch receiver tube guarantees broad compatibility with a multitude of accessories.
With its robust Class II rating, boasting a 3,000 lbs M.G.T.W. and a 350 lbs M.V.L., this receiver transcends its primary role as an accessory platform, offering reliable structural capacity for light-duty towing applications where vehicle and regulatory guidelines permit. The dual approach to installation, offering user-friendly drilling and bolting with included hardware, alongside the inherent "weld-on" structural design for ultimate rigidity, provides flexibility for diverse user needs and professional applications. For RV owners and trailer operators seeking a dependable, adaptable, and long-lasting solution to expand their vehicle's utility, the Buyers Products Trailer Accessory Receiver represents a superior investment in functionality and performance.
