5/3 - Update. I've got photos of what I ended up doing at the end of this thread. What do you think?

****************************

I tow my 4500lb 4Runner a few times a year, and hate wrapping the straps around the frame. Not being a welder, but liking an idea I saw on SolidAxleDurango's "Test tow" thread awhile back, I'm trying to come up with a mount point that's strong and doesn't require welding. What do you think of using a u-bolt (NAPA 5/8" x 1.75" x 8") through the trailer frame like this:

http://www.scaldeddog.com/images/trailermountingpoint.jpg

The trailer is a 700lb PJ.

Will this keep the 4Runner on the trailer, assuming the straps or chains are strong enough?

Mark

id still just use your normal d-rings.

I cant see the image? Anyone else?

Yea, I see it. Sounds like a good idea to me if you don't mind it sticking up all of the time. I would say it would be plenty strong.

Instead of a "U" bolt use a square top bolt, double nut the bottom and it could pull up to use, and drop down when not in use.

Sorry for those of you who couldn't see the image - I host my site out of the house, and had firewall problems erlier this evening.

I'm not too concerned about them sticking up all the time. I'm, always looking for a place to tie stuff down, and they wouldn't stick up that far.

Other thoughts or problems I haven't thought of?

Mark

Is the frame in the pic the very back of the trailer? If so, do you ever scrape it? That would be my only concern. Other than that which might not even matter, looks like a great idea.

Here are a couple of photos of what I ended up doing. I took a suggestion from the board and used D-rings. An acquaintance welded them on for me. They're welded to the frame of the trailer on the inside, and to angle iron on the outside. The angle iron occupies the space between the frame and ramp bar in the back, and covers the top of the stake posts in front.

I used grade 8 hardware to bolt them through the C frame on the inside and just through the angle iron on the outside. I'm not sure how much it helps, but I'm a belt and suspenders guy when it comes to stuff like this.

Anyway, let me know what you think...

One of the ones on the rear
http://www.scaldeddog.com/images/pj-rear-mount.jpg

... and one of the ones on the front
http://www.scaldeddog.com/images/pj-front-mount.jpg

Mark