Is There Benefit to Using Ultra-Fab Steel Roller and Roadmaster Hitch Protector at the Same Time

Question:

I Own a 2000 Honda Odyssey, that has a Class III trailer. It has a two plates on either side of the receiver, used for the chains. I also use the RM-050 on an ongoing basis to protect the hitch especially on driveways. I have a couple of airbags installed within the rear axle springs, that hold 35lb of air, for purposes of stabilizing the van. When there is a load in the van, the RM-050 wheel comes in contact with the ground. I also have and use the MT70070 dual hitch, for carrying a storage box or a Hitch Ryder bike carrier. I have used the RM-050 wheel on the MT70070 dual hitch, but it sits very close to the ground and would make contact with all of the freeway bridges and uneven ground. My question pertains to the UF48-979020 steel wheel and would it protect the MT70070 with a load on the upper part of the dual hitch? I am assuming that because of greater clearance of the UF48-979020 there would be less contact on the MT70070. Would this be correct? Also, would there be any benefit in using the RM-050, on the van receiver in conjunction with the UF48-979020 wheel on the dual hitch? Thank you for your time regarding this issue.

asked by: Jim K

Helpful Expert Reply:

I went out to our warehouse to grab a couple measurements on the Ultra-Fab Steel Roller, # UF48-979020. The mounting bracket measures 1-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the edge of the bracket. You will need to determine if the two plates on your hitch for the chains will interfere with this.

I also took a measurement from the center of the hitch pin hole to the bottom of the roller. This measurement came in at 4 inches which is actually longer than the 3-1/4 inch measurement for the Roadmaster Rollaway Trailer Hitch Protector, # RM-050, that you currently have. I have included a picture which illustrates the measurements for the # UF48-979020.

Using the Ultra-Fab Roller will actually decrease the amount of ground clearance that you will have compared to your current set-up. Please keep in mind that by using either roller decreasing your ground clearance meaning that this roller will come in contact with the ground much sooner than the hitch or Extender, # MPG544, would have without the roller. Although your hitch or extender is not coming in direct contact with the ground, it can still be damaged by the force that is exerted on it by the roller hitting or dragging the ground.

As for using the # RM-050 and the # UF48-979020 together, I can't guarantee that it would provide any additional protection but it also wouldn't hurt anything. Since the roller on the hitch extender is going to come in contact with the ground first, there really would be no need for the roller on the hitch. The only situation that I can think of where it could possibly benefit you would be in the case of going over a speed bump.