Has this ever happened to you?
If so, I have a quick, simple and cheap solution. If you can operate a drill, operate basic hand tools and read a tape measure then you can safely and securely stow away your hitch when not in use. It'll take a trip to your local hardware store or your favorite big box store (Home Depot, Lowe's Ace Hardware etc..). Of course online ordering is also an option. So let's get started!
PARTS
You'll need to purchase:
Four metallic conduit "C" clamps (measure the diameter of your swing bars to determine the size of clamps you need.)
One metallic two gang electric box extender.
Six hex headed self drilling screws (I recommend using hex headed screws, not flat or Phillips headed ) I used #8 x 1/2 inch screws but be sure to check the holes on the box extender and clamps to ensure you have the correct size screws.
TOOLS
You will need:
Tape measure
Pencil/marker
Drill
Steel drill bit ( good quality, sized correctly for pilot holes)
Socket that fits the hex self drilling screws
Socket wrench or drive socket for your drill.
DIRECTIONS
Now we're ready to plan and lay it all out.
First determine the easiest place to stow your hitch (using the electric box extender). My bracket hangs below the A frame (see pictures below). The hitch is heavy and can be somewhat awkward to handle, so take extra time determining the best location. Also ensure that you have easy access to install the receiver hitch pin and lock (the pin and lock keeps the hitch secure from theft).
Next, figure out the best location to stow away the swing bars (using the conduit clamps).. Be sure they won't interfere with removing or installing the hitch. I put mine along the A frame one on the left and one on the right. (see pictures below).
Now that you have everything laid out it's time to start installing the electric box extender bracket and conduit clamps.
First, install the electric box extender bracket, make sure you measure the opening so that your receiver end of the hitch has enough room to fit into the square on the bracket (measure bottom end of bracket opening to frame).
Next level the bracket and mark the holes. Double check all your measurements (measure twice, drill once).
Next, using the drill and steel drill bit, drill the pilot holes for the hex headed self drilling screws (be sure and use the correct bit size for the screws you purchased).
Next, using the correct socket and drive, screw the bracket to the frame using the self drilling screws.
Once the bracket is secure check to ensure it's installed correctly by placing the receiver end of the hitch through the bracket and installing the pin and lock. If the hitch does not fit into the bracket correctly, you'll need to re-install the bracket.
Now that the hitch bracket is installed it's time to install the conduit clamps for the swing bars.
Working with one side at a time (I suggest the side that had the hitch bracket) space out and mark the location for the clamps.
Next, mark the holes for the clamps. Double check all your measurements (measure twice, drill once).
Next, using the drill and steel drill bit, drill the pilot holes for the hex headed self drilling screws (be sure and use the correct bit size for the screws you purchased).
Next, using the correct socket and drive screw the clamps to the frame using the self drilling screws.
Hang the swing bar on the clamps and ensure everything works correctly.
Now it's time install the clamps to the other side, but first, you need to find a reference point to measure the placement of the clamps you just installed. This is so you can align the clamps to be proportional on each side (if this isn't important to you then you can bypass this step).
Once you've found found a reference point and have the correct measurements mark the clamp locations.
Next, mark the clamp holes. Double check all your measurements (measure twice, drill once).
Next, using the drill and steel drill bit, drill the pilot holes for the hex headed self drilling screws.
Next, using the correct socket and drive screw the clamps to the frame using the self drilling screws.
Hang the swing bar on the clamps and ensure everything works correctly.
And just like that your done! Stand back and admire your work!
Hopefully you find this project and new location for your hitch and swing bars to be efficient and useful. This will reduce the $$ you are putting in the "swear jar" and will keep you from getting those dang shin and knee bruises and potentially serious injuries in the future.
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