Homemade Hitch and Rack?

[MattR]

I just got a good deal on a 81 YT125 ($200 runs&drives with almost new tires on it) and want to install a hitch and hopefully a front and rear rack on it. I can do basic fabricating and welding so that is not a problem. What I was worried about though is where are some good places to mount the things to the 3wheeler so it does not break? Also the places to NOT mount it to besides the super obvious.

If you have done these things to your 3wheeler and have any pics to give me ideas I would appreciate seeing what how you accomplished this. No huge pics though (on dial up..lol).

Thanks,
Matt

[FireboyTwister]

You should check out some of the hitches available for sale on Ebay. those should give you a good idea of the best places to mount a hitch. On my '83 200, it mounts to the axle via a clam-like setup and a brace going to a bolt under the tool box/ trunk.

[MattR]

I was checking out ebay before posting and it seemed like every one I opened only had a pick of the product itself and not when it was installed. I did find a factory hitch on another auction site, yet it was for the J model, I have the H and the frame seems to be a bit different. If I have to fab something, then I will make the whole thing out of thicker steel instead of the flimsy looking stuff they showed in the auction pic.

As far as a clam type setup, my rear axle does not have a housing to clamp it to, just the axle. There is two parts of the frame that are on the bottom side of the rear end that I was thinking of mounting it to, yet was not sure if it was a suitable place since it is not that big of an area.


Matt

P.S. I did find a front rack on ebay that should fit, yet not bidding on it till close to the end of auction.

[Threes company]

Hey matt... just went out and took a few pics of the factory hitch on my 82 175, not sure if its the same set-up as the 125?... hope they help. The last pic is of the underside of the axle..... are those the mounting points you were talking about? :beer


http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/tugboatrog/STEVESEBAYPICS253.jpg
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/tugboatrog/STEVESEBAYPICS256.jpg
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/tugboatrog/STEVESEBAYPICS258.jpg
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp171/tugboatrog/STEVESEBAYPICS255.jpg

[MattR]

Threes company,
Those mounting points are close to where I was thinking. I went outside and snapped a quick pic to show where I was thinking. Although where I was thinking of mounting it, it would be probably too low and result in too much tongue weight unless I raised the bar where the ball would mount to. As far as top brace mount, I was thinking of possibly bolting it where the grab bar would be fastened. Does this sound sturdy enough? I would just hate to mount it on a weak point and break something.

Matt