Fish Trap Owners: Q. about tow hitch

[EyeSkater]

I am currently using a new Trap X2. I bought the Trap tow hitch but really didn't care for it when I put it together. Hardware seemed a bit lightweight, and the tow arm-to-bracket pin connection is loose and "jangly". I'd appreciate feedback on your hitches and what you think. I considered fabricating my own hitch and brackets....maybe.

'Eye-Skater

[Mallard1]

I have the X4 probably with the same hitch. I think the cure to eliminate the looseness of the hitch is to go to the biggest pin that will fit the connector to whatever your tow vehicle is. the way it attaches to the fishouse seems solid to me. The hitch pins can be picked up at any farm hardware store, have to do the same myself. Good Luck..

[Northlander]

I use a pad lock with a rubber cover over the key hole. That way I never have a pin come off and not have my house when I get to my fishing spot.

[Neiko]

I was going to use my tow hitch from old portable which was a suitcase style. It is a Shappell Jet Sled hitch. Do you think this will be enough for my X2 if I put some bigger washers holding the eyebolt in?

[weeds]

Just bought the hitch. I'll likely install it in the next couple days. I'll let you know. Thanks for the tip on the pin.

[tisosy11]

I got the X2 - put the clam hitch recomended on it and it worked just fine. There was some play before getting to the ice around trees and such but when on the ice it pulled straight and true. I would recomend some spare pins just in case you lose one through the day. My main pin that connected to the wheeler was real bent after a weekend.

[EyeSkater]

What I don't like:

The brackets that attach to the sled have a slotted hole for the safety pin. This allows the hitch arms (and pin) to move around a fair amount and creates (I believe) a wear point. It definitely makes for more noise and movement there.

The 1/2 inch bolt with shock-springs seems a rather weak link...prone to future problems. If you take a 150 pound shelter and toss in 50 pounds of gear, you've got a good load. Running at 25+ mph can create very strong shock-loads on the hitch.

The main hitch hookup only allows for the 1/4" safety pin. This can be drilled out to 3/8 or greater and a sturdier actual hitch pin used.

'Eye-Skater

[Kodiak]

the hitch is fine...the pins that come with it are JUNK, just go out and purchase some heavy duty pins.