Receiver Tubes from Buyers Products are available in a variety of lengths, dimensions, and finishes to match your towing needs. The 1-1/4 in. tubes have a cast steel collar and a 1/2 in. hitch pin hole. Available in black powder coat or plain finish.
Specifications
| Finish | Plain |
|---|---|
| Length (in.) | 6.00 |
| M.G.T.W. (lbs) | - |
| Material | Carbon Steel |
| Mount Type | Weld On |
| Mounting Hole Size (in.) | 0.531 |
| Receiver Size (in.) | 1.25 |
The 1-1/4 Inch Plain Receiver Tube with a 6-inch shank from Buyers Products represents a meticulously engineered component, designed for the discerning fabricator and professional requiring custom hitch solutions. This receiver tube serves as a foundational element for integrating auxiliary equipment or establishing a light-duty towing point on a diverse range of vehicles and machinery. Its precise dimensions, robust material composition, and "plain" finish underscore its suitability for permanent, weld-on installations where structural integrity, customizability, and precise fitment are paramount.
At the core of this product's utility is its 1-1/4 inch receiver size. This dimension is standardized across the towing industry, primarily designated for Class I and some Class II hitch applications. These classes typically accommodate lighter loads, making this receiver ideal for personal vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, garden tractors, and various utility equipment where heavy-duty towing capacity is not the primary requirement. Common applications include mounting bike racks, cargo carriers, small utility trailers, and specialized agricultural implements. The 1-1/4 inch form factor offers a distinct advantage in situations where space is limited or where minimizing the visual impact of the hitch system is desired. Its compact profile ensures that the overall footprint is reduced compared to larger 2-inch or 2-1/2 inch receivers, contributing to a cleaner aesthetic and potentially improved ground clearance in certain off-road or tight-maneuverability scenarios. Despite its relatively smaller size, the engineering of this receiver tube ensures a robust connection point, provided it is integrated into an appropriately strong chassis or frame structure.
The "Plain Finish" of this receiver tube is a critical attribute for its intended application as a weld-on component. Unlike pre-finished or coated alternatives, the plain surface, devoid of paint or other protective layers, offers an optimal substrate for welding. This bare carbon steel surface facilitates superior weld penetration and adhesion, reducing the need for extensive surface preparation such as grinding away coatings that could otherwise interfere with the welding process and compromise joint strength. For professional fabricators, this translates to reduced labor time and a higher confidence in the metallurgical bond achieved. Post-welding, the plain finish allows for complete customization of the final surface treatment. Depending on the operational environment and aesthetic preferences, the receiver tube can be painted, powder-coated, galvanized, or otherwise treated to match the vehicle's finish or to provide enhanced corrosion resistance. This flexibility is invaluable in custom fabrication, enabling seamless integration and tailored protection against environmental factors.
With a 6-inch shank length, this receiver tube provides a balanced compromise between mounting flexibility and structural integrity. The shank refers to the full length of the square tube body that is designed for insertion into or attachment to a structural member. A 6-inch length is often chosen for applications where the receiver needs to extend through a frame component, crossmember, or bumper, allowing sufficient material for a strong, multi-plane weld. This length is particularly advantageous in scenarios where the mounting surface is not immediately flush with the desired receiver opening position, providing ample depth for strategic placement without excessive protrusion. For custom trailer builds or specialized equipment, the 6-inch shank offers enough material to be cut down to a specific, shorter length if required, providing versatility for precise fitment in unique chassis designs. Conversely, it prevents unnecessary overhang that might occur with longer shanks, thereby maintaining better departure angles or reducing interference with other vehicle components.
The selection of Carbon Steel as the primary material for this receiver tube is a testament to its engineering for strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness in towing applications. Carbon steel, known for its high tensile strength and yield strength, provides the necessary structural rigidity to withstand the dynamic forces associated with towing and load bearing. Its inherent ductility allows it to absorb impacts and stresses without brittle failure, which is a crucial safety factor in hitch components. Furthermore, carbon steel exhibits excellent weldability, which is paramount for a weld-on application. Fabricators can employ common welding processes such as MIG (Gas Metal Arc Welding), TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), or Stick (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) to achieve robust and reliable joints. The material’s composition is optimized to ensure that once welded, the integrated structure maintains its load-bearing capabilities over an extended service life, even under demanding conditions. Buyers Products’ commitment to using quality carbon steel ensures that the fundamental material properties meet or exceed industry expectations for structural components in vehicle-related applications.
A distinctive feature of this receiver tube is its cast steel collar. This collar is not merely an aesthetic enhancement; it is a vital structural element designed to reinforce the opening of the receiver tube. By integrating a cast steel collar, Buyers Products ensures superior dimensional accuracy and rigidity at the point where accessories are inserted. Cast components offer advantages in complex geometries and material density, providing increased strength in critical areas subjected to high localized stresses. The collar helps to prevent deformation of the receiver opening over time due to repeated insertion and removal of accessories or sustained loading. It contributes to a precise fit for hitch accessories, minimizing play and rattle, which enhances both the performance and longevity of the entire towing system. The use of a cast steel collar over a simple fabricated or cut edge signifies a design choice focused on enhancing product durability, fitment precision, and overall user experience.
The Weld-On Mount Type specifies that this receiver tube is intended for permanent integration into a vehicle's frame, chassis, or structural crossmember via welding. This mounting method offers unparalleled strength and customization, making it the preferred choice for applications where a bolt-on hitch assembly is either impractical or undesirable. Weld-on receivers are commonly found on custom-built vehicles, specialized utility trailers, commercial fleet vehicles, and heavy equipment where the hitch system needs to be an integral part of the machine's structure. The advantage of a weld-on mount lies in its ability to distribute load stresses more broadly across the supporting structure, provided the welding is performed correctly by a qualified professional. This results in a highly secure and durable connection that can often exceed the strength of many bolt-on alternatives. However, the integrity of a weld-on installation is directly dependent on the quality of the welding process, including proper joint preparation, selection of appropriate filler material, adequate penetration, and post-weld inspection to ensure freedom from defects. It requires skilled craftsmanship and adherence to best practices in structural welding.
The presence of a 0.531-inch mounting hole size, commonly referred to as a 1/2-inch hitch pin hole, dictates the standard hitch pin size for securing accessories within the receiver tube. This dimension is typical for Class I and some Class II hitches, which utilize 1/2-inch diameter hitch pins. The slightly oversized diameter of 0.531 inches (approximately 17/32 inch) is a standard manufacturing tolerance designed to facilitate easy insertion and removal of a nominal 1/2-inch hitch pin. This clearance prevents the pin from binding due to minor variations in manufacturing or slight misalignment during accessory attachment, ensuring smooth operation. The hitch pin, secured by a cotter clip or a locking mechanism, is a critical safety component, preventing the accidental disengagement of the ball mount, bike rack, or other accessory from the receiver tube. Users are advised to always utilize appropriate hitch pins that are correctly sized and rated for their specific application, and to ensure they are fully engaged and secured before any towing or transport operation.
It is important to address the specification for M.G.T.W. (Maximum Gross Trailer Weight), which is indicated as "-". This omission is intentional and fundamental to the nature of a weld-on receiver tube. Unlike pre-manufactured, bolt-on hitch assemblies which are tested and rated as complete units for specific vehicle models, a weld-on receiver tube is a component part. Its ultimate M.G.T.W. and corresponding tongue weight (M.T.W.) ratings are not inherent to the tube itself, but rather become a function of the entire integrated system. These ratings are determined by several critical factors: the strength and structural integrity of the vehicle or equipment frame to which the receiver is welded, the quality and engineering of the weld joints, the specific welding procedures employed, and the overall design of the complete towing or load-bearing system. Therefore, the responsibility for calculating and validating the safe working load rests with the fabricator or the end-user, often requiring professional engineering assessment. It is imperative that any custom hitch system incorporating this receiver tube complies with all applicable SAE standards (e.g., SAE J684 for hitches), vehicle manufacturer's guidelines, and local transportation regulations to ensure safe operation. Overlooking this critical aspect can lead to structural failure, property damage, and severe safety hazards.
The versatility of this 1-1/4 Inch Plain Receiver Tube extends beyond traditional towing. Its robust construction and weld-on design make it an excellent choice for a myriad of custom fabrication projects where a reliable and adaptable attachment point is needed. This includes, but is not limited to, mounting auxiliary lighting, spare tire carriers, winch mounts, specialized agricultural implements, removable tool racks, or even custom steps and grab handles. In commercial and industrial settings, these receiver tubes can facilitate quick-attach systems for various tools or machinery, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability. The plain finish allows for custom paint schemes or protective coatings that integrate seamlessly with the host equipment, maintaining a professional appearance. The ability to precisely position and permanently secure this receiver tube offers unparalleled flexibility for designers and fabricators to create bespoke solutions tailored to unique functional requirements, ensuring a strong, durable, and highly customized attachment point.
Buyers Products is renowned for its commitment to manufacturing high-quality vehicle and trailer components. This receiver tube is produced using advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring consistent dimensions and material integrity. Strict quality control measures are applied throughout the production cycle, from raw material sourcing of carbon steel to the precision casting of the collar and the final machining of the tube. This dedication to quality ensures that each receiver tube meets the rigorous demands of professional use and provides a reliable foundation for any custom towing or mounting application. Investing in a Buyers Products receiver tube means opting for a component engineered for longevity and performance, designed to withstand the stresses of dynamic loads and challenging operational environments. The precise fitment and structural integrity inherent in this product significantly contribute to the overall safety and reliability of the complete system it becomes a part of.
For optimal performance and safety, adherence to proper installation and maintenance protocols is crucial. Installation must be performed by a certified welder following recognized industry standards and best practices for structural steel welding. Adequate preparation of both the receiver tube and the host structure, including cleaning, beveling (if necessary), and proper jigging to ensure alignment, is essential. Post-weld inspection should be conducted to verify weld integrity, penetration, and the absence of defects. Given its plain finish, appropriate post-installation treatment is necessary to protect against corrosion, especially if the vehicle or equipment will be exposed to moisture, road salts, or harsh environmental conditions. Regular inspection of the receiver tube and its welded connections for signs of wear, fatigue, corrosion, or deformation is recommended as part of a routine maintenance schedule. Any signs of damage should prompt immediate remedial action or replacement to prevent potential failure and ensure ongoing safe operation. Proper maintenance not only extends the service life of the component but also upholds the safety standards of the entire towing system.
In conclusion, the 1-1/4 Inch Plain Receiver Tube with a 6-inch shank from Buyers Products stands as an exemplary component for custom fabrication and specialized towing applications. Its precise 1-1/4 inch receiver size caters to light to medium-duty requirements, offering a compact and versatile attachment point. The plain carbon steel finish facilitates optimal weld quality, providing a strong, permanent bond to the vehicle's structure. The 6-inch shank length offers flexibility in mounting, while the cast steel collar reinforces the receiver opening for enhanced durability and precise fitment of accessories. Though the M.G.T.W. is dependent on the overall integrated system, its robust material and weld-on design offer the potential for exceptional strength when professionally installed. This product embodies a commitment to quality and functionality, providing fabricators and professionals with a reliable and adaptable solution for creating custom hitch systems that meet specific performance and safety requirements. It is a critical component for those who demand precision, durability, and customization in their vehicular and equipment modifications.
