99 IS, Hitchdoc 15400 - hitch too narrow??

[jer0177]

Hey y'all...I ordered the Hitchdoc 15400 for my '99 IS and when I went to install it, the upper part of the rails is more than 2" too narrow to fit around the fender struts.

Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to "adjust" the hitch? Did I get the wrong hitch?

[sandy]

Maybe bend it outward but contact hitchdoc first.

[ridingron]

2" is a lot to bend.

Did you check to see if you recieved the hitch you ordered (part number)?

[jer0177]

2" is a lot to bend.

Did you check to see if you recieved the hitch you ordered (part number)?

2" is a lot. The instructions show all the spacers for the hard bag supports and whatnot, the box had the right part number on it, but it's not stamped anywhere on the hitch itself.

[Valker]

2" is a lot to bend.

Did you check to see if you recieved the hitch you ordered (part number)?

2" is a lot. The instructions show all the spacers for the hard bag supports and whatnot, the box had the right part number on it, but it's not stamped anywhere on the hitch itself.

Are the sides separate or part of a single, whole hitch, unit? If the sides are separate, did you switch them?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Hey y'all...I ordered the Hitchdoc 15400 for my '99 IS and when I went to install it, the upper part of the rails is more than 2" too narrow to fit around the fender struts.

Am I doing something wrong? Do I need to "adjust" the hitch? Did I get the wrong hitch?

I don't have the 15400, but the plain one (15304 maybe). As I remember I had to spread the arms out to get it on. Didn't need to bend anything though.

[gordonv]

Are the sides separate or part of a single, whole hitch, unit? If the sides are separate, did you switch them?

My 3 piece hitch had a L or R on each side plate.

I think I would put it together, and measure at the horizontal and then at the tips of the side plates and compare the width. Is it square, or are the horizontal sides bent too far in?

It's new, so I would go through the seller.

[da prez]

As said , there is a right and left. The two mount bolts will have a bend at the dog leg. They should angle away from the fender
. If you cant get it , PM me a phone number and I'll send you a picture.

             da prez

[The emperor has no clothes]

Aren't all the HitchDocs 1 piece units ?

[Factor]

All the HitchDoc's I've seen are one piece from the manufacturer.

1) make sure you asked for the right thing.
2) make sure you got what you asked for.
3) make sure you're putting it on correctly. Specifically, get the order of fender, saddlebag rack, trailer hitch and spacers confirmed.

I'm guessing that the trailer hitch sits within the "grab rails" - not on the outside of them. That would be about the 2" you're missing.

[jer0177]

Welded unit, so no assembly goofs (at least on my end).

I ordered the one for a Valk with hard bags - they don't differentiate IS from the rest.

The box matched what I ordered, but there's no part number on the hitch itself.

Back and forth a few times with Hitch-doc today, last thing was waiting for Todd to call me (he didn't), but they asked me if I have an aftermarket tire, then if I have aftermarket saddle bags. 

They swear that 11" it's enough room to fit along side the fender struts (aka grab rails).

The Standard and Tourer use different fender struts (trunk mount points), so I'm wondering if they're not as bulky also.

Does anyone have a tape measure and wouldn't mind seeing how much room you need to clear the rails side to side??

[The emperor has no clothes]

Welded unit, so no assembly goofs (at least on my end).

I ordered the one for a Valk with hard bags - they don't differentiate IS from the rest.

The box matched what I ordered, but there's no part number on the hitch itself.

Back and forth a few times with Hitch-doc today, last thing was waiting for Todd to call me (he didn't), but they asked me if I have an aftermarket tire, then if I have aftermarket saddle bags. 

They swear that 11" it's enough room to fit along side the fender struts (aka grab rails).

The Standard and Tourer use different fender struts (trunk mount points), so I'm wondering if they're not as bulky also.

Does anyone have a tape measure and wouldn't mind seeing how much room you need to clear the rails side to side??

Mine measures 11" down at the bottom where the legs turn up, and about 13" where they mount on the rails. Hopefully you can see what's going on from the pics. I think you just need to spread out the arms. The shorter spacers go to the inside.

[gordonv]

grab rail, spacer, hitch, spacer, then bag?

I didn't know which hitch was which when I mentioned the 3 piece one. I have them both.



I checked my picture, posted in a different post, and I can see the single piece hitch arms are bent outwards. My 3 piece, almost looks straighter.

[jer0177]

That's how I was trying to do it (grab rail, spacer, hitch, spacer, bag bracket, bolt head), but it just won't clear the grab rail.

>2" is an awful lot to have to 'adjust' out....   

If I don't hear back from "Todd" tomorrow by lunch, I'm calling them again.

Anyone with a Standard/Tourer have a chance to measure?

[jer0177]

[Chrisj CMA]

That's how I was trying to do it (grab rail, spacer, hitch, spacer, bag bracket, bolt head), but it just won't clear the grab rail.

>2" is an awful lot to have to 'adjust' out....   

If I don't hear back from "Todd" tomorrow by lunch, I'm calling them again.

Anyone with a Standard/Tourer have a chance to measure?

I have a hitch doc on my standard. The measurement at the bottom, at the welds, where it cannot change is 10.5" inside to inside

[jer0177]

That's how I was trying to do it (grab rail, spacer, hitch, spacer, bag bracket, bolt head), but it just won't clear the grab rail.

>2" is an awful lot to have to 'adjust' out....   

If I don't hear back from "Todd" tomorrow by lunch, I'm calling them again.

Anyone with a Standard/Tourer have a chance to measure?

I have a hitch doc on my standard. The measurement at the bottom, at the welds, where it cannot change is 10.5” inside to inside

The bottom of mine is OK, it's the top where I'm having a problem. I don't feel that it's safe to 'adjust' it by over 2 inches, if that's even possible.

[Chrisj CMA]

That's how I was trying to do it (grab rail, spacer, hitch, spacer, bag bracket, bolt head), but it just won't clear the grab rail.

>2" is an awful lot to have to 'adjust' out....   

If I don't hear back from "Todd" tomorrow by lunch, I'm calling them again.

Anyone with a Standard/Tourer have a chance to measure?

I have a hitch doc on my standard. The measurement at the bottom, at the welds, where it cannot change is 10.5" inside to inside

The bottom of mine is OK, it's the top where I'm having a problem. I don't feel that it's safe to 'adjust' it by over 2 inches, if that's even possible.

If the inside measurement at the bottom is 10.5" then it's the right part. Just spread the top to where it needs to be. That thing is indestructible

[gordonv]

I think it is wider at the top to give you a triangle to hold the lower portion ridged. Otherwise it would sway from side-to-side.

10.5" wide on the bottom, 12.5" on the top.

[jer0177]

Latest update.

I finally talked to "Todd" yesterday, and he said they think they've found one that will fit better and they'll swap it out, but I have to ship it back at my expense. That doesn't make me too happy.

ISO certified company? When I was talking to him, he said "well, maybe someone welded it out of the jig". :rollseyes:

[da prez]

If they screwed up , it should be on their nickle.

                   da prez

[Steel cowboy]

Have him send you the dimensions first. Top and bottom.

[gordonv]

How much to ship?

How much was the purchase?

Would bending a piece of steel really hurt it?

[Madmike]

is it chromed mild steel or stainless??

If it is mild steel you should be able to bend it, its only 1/4" from the looks of the pics.  If you cant come to an agreement on shipping you could likely make a jig up out of some 3/4" plywood, maybe 2 layers laminated, taper the sides to match the dimensions you want at a couple of inches down from the top then pull the top in so they are square to the rails and the holes are on line to the bolts. use some clamps to help with holding it to the jig.  If I am not articulating my thoughts clearly send an email and I will send a drawing.

[jer0177]

I asked for measurements, and they said they'd send them, but I haven't gotten them yet.

Mike - I'm picturing it, but it's more like 2+".  Mild steel.

My concern is that it'll bend at the weakest point - where the diamonds are cut out of the uprights - instead of at the place it needs to - the weld at the bottom plate.

[Factor]

I wish they would put the model number on the sticker or stamp it into the steel. That or provide dimensions online. Anyhow, here's what I see on the used hitch I've got that I've never installed.

The welding of the side plates are not parallel - there's a slight widening of the side plates as it moves forward on the bike. Starts at 10.5" clearance on the bottom and gets to 12" by the yellow arrow - at which point there is a clear bend in the steel to bring the side plates closer back to parallel - but not exactly. I've got 12 5/8" clearance on the rear bolt holes, about 13" on the front. Enough to fit.


You can see the machined bend by the white pipe reflection getting all wobbly at the yellow line.


The tourer has about 12.5" across where it needs to mount so I'm certain the top end will fit. It's the bottom I'm concerned about as I have the fender tip and bag rails similar to meathead's setup.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I wish they would put the model number on the sticker or stamp it into the steel. That or provide dimensions online. Anyhow, here's what I see on the used hitch I've got that I've never installed.

The welding of the side plates are not parallel - there's a slight widening of the side plates as it moves forward on the bike. Starts at 10.5" clearance on the bottom and gets to 12" by the yellow arrow - at which point there is a clear bend in the steel to bring the side plates closer back to parallel - but not exactly. I've got 12 5/8" clearance on the rear bolt holes, about 13" on the front. Enough to fit.


You can see the machined bend by the white pipe reflection getting all wobbly at the yellow line.


The tourer has about 12.5" across where it needs to mount so I'm certain the top end will fit. It's the bottom I'm concerned about as I have the fender tip and bag rails similar to meathead's setup.

I'm pretty sure it will fit just fine.  (I'm pretty sure the OP's would have also)

[Factor]

I was really happy to see your rear end. That don't sound right. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I was really happy to see your rear end. That don't sound right. 

no, it doesn`t

[jer0177]

Latest update:
I finally got the dimensions of the hitch that Todd thinks will fit better:


That definitely looks better than the one that I have:


The original one is on its way back to Hitchdoc (at an expense of $62.99 out of my pocket  ), and should arrive Friday, barring any issues with UPS.

[Factor]

That drawing looks like mine. Any chance you know the model number?

[jer0177]

That drawing looks like mine. Any chance you know the model number?

Hitchdoc's website lists it as a 15350 (if you have a bike with hard bags), 15340 (leather bags), or 15330 (no bags). I think the only difference in those parts is the associated hardware (bolt lengths/spacer sizes and assortment).

[jer0177]

(I'm pretty sure the OP's would have also)

Not a chance.