MCI E/J buses use a hitch that attaches to the inside of the engine cradle rails. If the trailer is heavy, they use a HD engine cradle. MCI has plans for the hitch if you need to build one.
I would just like to say hello to you too and I can’t imagine not watching your videos I learn something every time you put one out I hope you have a good day and weekend and summer. Thank you again
Looks good. When I bought my 2001 102 DL3, I wire brushed the under-carriage and engine area and used corroseal then paint to tidy up the salt corrosion that accumulated over the years. Of course, be ready to do brakes, bearings, air bags, air lines and shocks, as well.
Very nice! Wish I could use this setup on an Eagle bus… I’m at this very stage in my build and I’m scratching my head bald. I also noticed the change up in your video 👍🏼.
Splitting the main cross tube with the hitch receiver tube makes it significantly weaker. It would be better to butt the hitch tube up to the main cross tube or put it beneath or above the main hitch tube. If you are going to cut the main cross tube like you have done, I recommend overlaying reinforcing plate above and below the junction of the cross tubes and the hitch tubes. If you know anything about beams, the hitch tube like you have it is 2 flanges without a web.
I studied hitches on HD pickup trucks, and all were built this way ( Here’s an example from Curt rated as a class 3 hitch. d2hw29brqn7o70.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/720x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/C/u/CurtManufacturing-13001_a.jpg). The welder that finished the assembly makes custom hitches, and also concurred that it was a solid way to build it. The 1/2” thick gussets do a lot to solidify it as well.
@@LacroixCruiser Welders aren't engineers. You have a truss section with no web. Ask a plumber how large a hole they are allowed to drill in a floor joist.
@@LacroixCruiser I think you were pointing me to the Curt 13001 hitch. I couldn't follow your link. Yes, they did it that way. But it is only a 3500 pound hitch. Go look at heavier models and they don't.
Look at the Curt 15300 hitch. Class IV. Note that the chain connect plate goes under the reciever and there is a plate above it too. If the web is missing, the flanges should be made thicker so they don't bend.
Superb educational video. Going to make something like this eventually. In your research did you happen upon any variants that connected further forward? I once talked to a bus converter who didn't trust bumper-style hitches so he and his engineer son attached his MC-8 hitch somewhere near the axles. I wasn't ready for that step at the time and he's since passed away - always curious what he was talking about. Ever heard of something similar?
Hi me and my wife are in the process of purchasing a 1999 van hool coach. I was wondering if you can tell me what is the towing capacity and tongue weight of you motorcoach Thank you
It varies considerably, there were towing packages available that reinforced the engine cradle. For the Vanhool, the best people to ask would be ABC coach.
Very wise to let the professionals finish those welds!
I trust my welding up to 1/8” thick, after that it’s not my pay grade.
Great Video Yvan hitch turned out Great
Thank you
Really excellent video. Love the little fabrication tips that you put in them. They will really help a lot of hesitant folks out. Keep them coming.
Thank you for following along
MCI E/J buses use a hitch that attaches to the inside of the engine cradle rails. If the trailer is heavy, they use a HD engine cradle. MCI has plans for the hitch if you need to build one.
That’s great to know!
@@LacroixCruiser Great channel. Great content.
How big of a trailer/weight can you tow without going to the heavy duty engine cradle?
Not sure, that’s a question for MCI.
I would just like to say hello to you too and I can’t imagine not watching your videos I learn something every time you put one out I hope you have a good day and weekend and summer. Thank you again
Thank you for watching!
Looks good.
When I bought my 2001 102 DL3, I wire brushed the under-carriage and engine area and used corroseal then paint to tidy up the salt corrosion that accumulated over the years.
Of course, be ready to do brakes, bearings, air bags, air lines and shocks, as well.
There is always something to do
Very nice! Wish I could use this setup on an Eagle bus… I’m at this very stage in my build and I’m scratching my head bald.
I also noticed the change up in your video 👍🏼.
Thank you
Splitting the main cross tube with the hitch receiver tube makes it significantly weaker.
It would be better to butt the hitch tube up to the main cross tube or put it beneath or above the main hitch tube.
If you are going to cut the main cross tube like you have done, I recommend overlaying reinforcing plate above and below the junction of the cross tubes and the hitch tubes.
If you know anything about beams, the hitch tube like you have it is 2 flanges without a web.
I studied hitches on HD pickup trucks, and all were built this way ( Here’s an example from Curt rated as a class 3 hitch. d2hw29brqn7o70.cloudfront.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/720x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/C/u/CurtManufacturing-13001_a.jpg).
The welder that finished the assembly makes custom hitches, and also concurred that it was a solid way to build it. The 1/2” thick gussets do a lot to solidify it as well.
@@LacroixCruiser Welders aren't engineers. You have a truss section with no web. Ask a plumber how large a hole they are allowed to drill in a floor joist.
@@LacroixCruiser I think you were pointing me to the Curt 13001 hitch. I couldn't follow your link.
Yes, they did it that way. But it is only a 3500 pound hitch. Go look at heavier models and they don't.
@@LacroixCruiser Respectfully, the gussets do nothing to help the loads in the Z direction.
I love your channel. I'm a big fan.
Look at the Curt 15300 hitch. Class IV. Note that the chain connect plate goes under the reciever and there is a plate above it too.
If the web is missing, the flanges should be made thicker so they don't bend.
Thanks for sharing, very nice job!
Thanks for watching.
Superb educational video. Going to make something like this eventually.
In your research did you happen upon any variants that connected further forward? I once talked to a bus converter who didn't trust bumper-style hitches so he and his engineer son attached his MC-8 hitch somewhere near the axles. I wasn't ready for that step at the time and he's since passed away - always curious what he was talking about. Ever heard of something similar?
No haven’t heard of that on MCI coaches but was very common on GMC coaches.
Hi me and my wife are in the process of purchasing a 1999 van hool coach. I was wondering if you can tell me what is the towing capacity and tongue weight of you motorcoach
Thank you
It varies considerably, there were towing packages available that reinforced the engine cradle. For the Vanhool, the best people to ask would be ABC coach.
Do you happen to build these by request for fellow mci owners?
No, but any good welder will be able to make you one.
Do you sell these ?
No
Does this work for an 1982 MC9?
Yes it will be similar
@@LacroixCruiser how much to build one and send it to me?
Any welder will be able to make one for you locally