OUCH! TB carbon fiber pipe vs. RT trailer hitch

[packbuckbrew]

Just finished a bunch of mods which included adding a Two Brothers carbon fiber pipe. After a test ride, I was checking everything out and noted that the portion of the hitch that covers the axle bolt sticks out far enough that the rear suspension travel allows the pipe to contact the hitch. This resulted in the damage in the photo. DANG! I hope to work around this by 1. adding a washer or two to the pipe mounting to move it out laterally a bit without breaking the seal 2. Trimming off some of the metal on the hitch, this does not appear to be critical to the hitch strength or function, so I think this should be ok to do. 3. Run rear suspension on stiffest setting to decrease chances for contact. I would love to hear anyone else's ideas for dealing with this, and putting the stock pipe back on is not a helpful answer(although it might be the smart answer). In checking out the TB website, they clearly state that this pipe should not be used with a trailer (I thinks what they really mean, is should not be used with the BRP trailer hitch), guess I missed that. Anyone have a thought about the damage to the pipe and whether this will be a problem. In feeling the gouge, it feels like it is only superficially into the fiber, will this hold up if no more damage is done? Is there something I can use to seal up the fiber with that will withstand high temps?

 

[SteveMac]

Just finished a bunch of mods which included adding a Two Brothers carbon fiber pipe. After a test ride, I was checking everything out and noted that the portion of the hitch that covers the axle bolt sticks out far enough that the rear suspension travel allows the pipe to contact the hitch. This resulted in the damage in the photo. DANG! I hope to work around this by 1. adding a washer or two to the pipe mounting to move it out laterally a bit without breaking the seal 2. Trimming off some of the metal on the hitch, this does not appear to be critical to the hitch strength or function, so I think this should be ok to do. 3. Run rear suspension on stiffest setting to decrease chances for contact. I would love to hear anyone else's ideas for dealing with this, and putting the stock pipe back on is not a helpful answer(although it might be the smart answer). In checking out the TB website, they clearly state that this pipe should not be used with a trailer (I thinks what they really mean, is should not be used with the BRP trailer hitch), guess I missed that. Anyone have a thought about the damage to the pipe and whether this will be a problem. In feeling the gouge, it feels like it is only superficially into the fiber, will this hold up if no more damage is done? Is there something I can use to seal up the fiber with that will withstand high temps?

Bummer.
Since it is on the inside, you could perhaps use some black JB Weld ( link ). That will hold up to the heat and fill the gash. May have to have the muffler laying on its side until the JB weld cures though. :dontknow:

 

[CyncySpyder]

You may want to try using the search feature & see if you can find other threads on this. I remember reading about this very same issue that another forum member had posted last year, but can't recall the details or solution. Hope someone can offer a solution for you.

 

[JCSMOKE]

Yikes

Wish I had more for you then that, what about putting a little bit of a bend in the mount and adding washers or a spacer? Just added my hitch today but I still have factory muffler on mine.

 

[RAYYOU]

You made me curious. Just went out and looked at mine and it is hitting also. Mine is stainless
not cf so it's just a dent in the housing. It looks like if you turn the hitch bolt around so that the head is on the same side as the muffler it may clear. If I get a chance next week I will try this. Thanks I never heard it hit.

 

[clueless]

i think on the website for the muffler they say not made for use with trailer

 

[kevorama]

I'm getting ready to have Len install the TB Carbon pipe on my RT-S and they just did my RT-622 hitch install. I'll mention this to him and make sure that they know about it. Thanks for the head's up.

 

[RAYYOU]

I turned the bolt around today and it appears to give more clearance. I tried to make it hit the
muffler but was unable to, but it looks like if you hit a big bump hard enough it could hit. If
anyone has another idea I will try it.

 

[kevorama]

I'm having an upgraded performance done to my RTS by my favorite dealer. It includes the TB CF pipe and I also have the BRP hitch. They were the same dealership that installed my hitch and assured me that both can work together well. First of all, the hitch needs to be installed correctly, and I bellieve that he also said that the stock bracket spacers need to be left in to keep the two apart. I'm not sure on the exact specs. I am having this done on Friday and I'll try to be more specific on what they did and I'll try to send a clear photo of where the conflicting parts are in relation to each other.

 

[ThreeFeet]

Oh STUFF and crud. I just had my RT fitted withthe crome 2brotheres and I have the BRP hitch. Will take it to my Favorite spyder Guru Kevin and see if there's any problem. But really have the feeling that Kevin already fixed this possible problem. Hope so anyway. pps:

 

[kevorama]

Oh STUFF and crud. I just had my RT fitted with the chrome 2 brotheres and I have the BRP hitch. Will take it to my Favorite spyder Guru Kevin and see if there's any problem. But really have the feeling that Kevin already fixed this possible problem. Hope so anyway. pps:

Yours was done right:thumbup:. Len said that it is well known that if the BRP hitch is not installed correctly and the spacers are not used with the pipe install, the two will contact each other. I'm having the Performance II package installed on my RTS this Friday at Cowtown and I'm going with the Carbon Fiber pipe. He told me not to worry and that there would be more than enough clearance. See you March 3rd.

Kevin

 

[kevorama]

Rayyou was correct, also. They have to take the rear axle bolt out and turn it around so that the head is on the right side. Two Brothers does not ship with washers or spacers. Putting in a few spacers in conjunction with the axle flip will keep the two from hitting. Good luck!