OOSC, Part II, Item 3. Coupling Devices, g. Hitch Systems (excluding fifth wheels and pintle hooks)
| Entry Date | November 13, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Issue Number | 19-040-VEH |
| Name | Brad Gibson |
| Agency | Texas Department of Public Safety |
| Address | 6200 Guadalupe StreetBuilding PAustin, Texas, 78752United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab) |
| Phone | (512) 424-2051 |
| [email protected] | |
| Committee | Vehicle Committee |
| Status | Closed |
| Summary of Issue | Usage of hitch extensions in conflict with the manufacturer's recommendation(s). |
| Justification or Need | The CMV in the attached photo (was not stopped for inspection, photo was sent in with no additional information) is using multiple hitch extensions in conflict of the manufacturer's recommendation(s) in order to "bumper pull" a gooseneck trailer. According to the hitch extension manufacturer, only the bottom receiver of these extensions can be used for towing. Using the top extension will reduce the hitch's weight capacity by 50 percent. Given the usage of the hitch extensions in the attached photo, the towing capacity of the hitch system on the truck has been reduced down by 75%. There is no current enforcement guidance regarding this matter nor does the current OOSC (3.g.) address this issue. |
| Request for Action | Request that CVSA develop guidance and/or OOSC item(s) regarding the usage of hitch extensions in conflict with the manufacturer's recommendation(s). |