Useful accessory for trailer hitch

I stumbled on an interesting accessory that allows long stuff to be carried in a short bed. Check out http://www.accessconnect.com/hitch_hand.htm.
http://www.accessconnect.com/images/hitchhand.gif
I have been daydreaming about designing a removeable roof / ladder rack for use with the Ridgeline. This may be a much easier, less difficult, and less expensive alternative for those of us that do not need to carry long or very heavy items regularily. Add a light kit and this thing looks like a real winner - at least for my purposes. I thought that other ROC members might like to see it too.
Edit 6/12/06: NOTE, IT APPEARS THAT ACCESSCONNECT HAS CHANGED MANUFACTURERS AND MODELS FOR THIS ITEM. THE LINK ABOVE TAKES YOU TO THAT ITEM. THE FOLLOWING LINK TAKES YOU TO THE "HITCH-HAND", AS PICTURED ABOVE, MANUFACTURERS SITE WHERE THERE IS A DEALER LOCATOR LINK http://www.lundinternational.com/lund_int_truck_product_detail_objectname_Hitch_Han d___truck.aspx .

...I thought that other ROC members might like to see it too.Yes, thanks HOG, this looks like a great thing to have on hand, doesn't it!!!!

Sold... ;)

Very nice find.

Interesting to say the least, 750Lbs, good workbench, and a Mini field goal for the football tike. Would hate to see a small car try to rear-end that truck with that thing on it. Yikes !!

Now I know why I bought a hitch.


thanks...........

Any idea how far it sticks out behind the tail gate? This is intrigueing. Would love to hear first hand account from someone who has one.

Bellteck,

Good point, hence the light kit, and a large flag. On the other hand, grind the tips of the field goal to a point, mount them horizontally, then see how impatient those tailgaters are! Just kidding, of course! Then again, with the Ridgeline, we can open the rear window and fire a paintball at the offenders.

ROFLOL! You have made my day, Ultra-HOG, with yet another great use for that automatic rear window! Commutes could become fun again! :D

I saw a similar device (somewhere on the internet...but I have forgotten where now) that will extend either straight back at bed level as in the pictures, or it can pivot 90-degrees up to a level even with the roof rack to act as a rear support for such items as long lumber or ladders. As I recall, it was fully height and length adjustable. If I find it again, I will post the link.

Update: I finally got around to ordering one today. ETA is Thursday 6/23. I spoke with a very nice person that took my order. They are located just outside of Cleveland. Free shipping on orders over $100.00, handling is $5.95. If anyone wants to see it - and a Retrax tonneau cover - you will have to come to the Northeast / Mid-Atlantic ROC meet this Sunday 6/26 in Western PA, north of Pittsburgh, near the PA / Ohio line. Ya'all come now, ya hear?

Here are the pictures of the "Hitch Hand". Note that the lights shown in the pictures ARE NOT INCLUDED with the Hitch Hand. I had them from previous towing uses. I bought them from U-Haul several years ago for about $35.00, I think. They are magnetic and plug into the flat 4-pin hitch connector. I may add lights that can be seen from the sides. Maybe just drill a hole in the side of the light case and pop a lens from a pilot light in the hole. It is 10 feet from the front of the bed to the goal post end of the hitch hand. It is 4 feet from the rear most part of the lowered tailgate to the goal post. The goal post is adjustable both vertically and horizontally for width. The "goal post' can be installed horizontally to allow you to make a table or work bench. It supports 750 pounds. This thing is surprisingly heavy and very well made. I would be worried about using this thing at night without the light kit. I am not convinced that the flag is enough to keep Polly Ponytail from running into it while she is talking on her cell phone, eating a box of Ho-Hos, and drinking a large diet Mountain Dew while smoking a cigarette and all the while checking her hair in the mirror and looking for just the right CD on the floor. :eek:

Kind of reminds me of the Master card ad - "Trailer Extension; $xxx - beautiful child to set on extension; priceless" :)

Thanks for posting the pics. Looks good.

That's awesome U-H. Maybe I can go buy one today since its near me and have it for Todd when he gets home from Canada tomorrow to soften the blow of the scratches and lost CC :rolleyes:

OMG they are 10 minutes from me. Guess where I'm going!!
swwooooosssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh!!! GONE!!

Well...the last few days have just really taken it's toll. I just glanced in the mirror and saw this old, confused mentally battered woman and I was half tempted to ask what type of flowers she wanted on her grave stone. :eek: I can't until Monday so I can try this all again. From missing Todd all week, to a scratched up 50K vehicle ( after taxes and finance is paid ) to a lost credit card to dissappointing friends, I'm cooked-stick a fork in me! I'm glad you guys are here. You have really been more only sanity this week. Thank you for being here for me. I wish ALL of you lived near our PA meeting place this Sunday so I could each and eveyone of you a hug. :)

Anyway..sorry...I digressed.
I went and bought one of bed extenders like U-H has. I bought it for Todd as a surprise. Do you think it's a good surprise since he likes Lady Ridgena as much as me??

Hey girl, if he is into tools and gadgets...yes a very happy man when he gets home (missing him terribly, aren't you?) Damn, need to quit "making love" to my truck and maybe find me a real woman...naaaw, truck isn't near the headache most women are...lol :rolleyes:

He's gonna love it. Have a great weekend, LadyRidge. You deserve it.

truck isn't near the headache most women are...lol :rolleyes:


If I didn't know you so well Nick..I might take offense to that. Good thing I know ya huh?? :confused: ;) Yes, I miss him terribly. Not only have I not seen him since Monday morning but we have not talked either. No phone service in the dead of Quebec.

I got one...I got one...just like that!! I called the place that U-H got his from and they had one in stock that came in a damaged box and it was being returned because they could not ship it in that condtion. I asked them where they were located and turns out they are 10 minutes from my house. I told him.."Don't send it back. I'll take it "as is" if the product is not damaged." So they checked it over before I got there and then again in front of me and in a matter of minutes it was mine. I also walked out of there with some 303. Can't wait to try it out. Both items that is. Great people to work with. Give them business if you can. I paid $139.00 plus tax ( 8% in Cleveland ) and $8.95 for the 303. I didn't think that was a bad price at all for all that it can do. Thanks Bruce. See you and Nick Sunday. AND anyone else so inclined to meet us. :)

Here are the pictures of the "Hitch Hand". Note that the lights shown in the pictures ARE NOT INCLUDED with the Hitch Hand. I had them from previous towing uses. I bought them from U-Haul several years ago for about $35.00, I think. They are magnetic and plug into the flat 4-pin hitch connector. I may add lights that can be seen from the sides. Maybe just drill a hole in the side of the light case and pop a lens from a pilot light in the hole. It is 10 feet from the front of the bed to the goal post end of the hitch hand. It is 4 feet from the rear most part of the lowered tailgate to the goal post. The goal post is adjustable both vertically and horizontally for width. The "goal post' can be installed horizontally to allow you to make a table or work bench. It supports 750 pounds. This thing is surprisingly heavy and very well made. I would be worried about using this thing at night without the light kit. I am not convinced that the flag is enough to keep Polly Ponytail from running into it while she is talking on her cell phone, eating a box of Ho-Hos, and drinking a large diet Mountain Dew while smoking a cigarette and all the while checking her hair in the mirror and looking for just the right CD on the floor. :eek:

She is such a doll baby!! :p

FYI, amazon.com has this item for $124.99 shipped via Super Saver. My order is in. I have some 16' 2x8's to pick up soon, and the roof rack is not an option.

Thats great! My net invoice including shipping and handling was $146.00 directly from the factory. Also, I saw a similar magnetic light kit at Lowes. I am sure that they are not all that uncommon or hard to find.

Watch out for Polly ponytail when you have those 16' 2X8s loaded - shes out there! 'Ya gotta' post a picture for us. Who says "ya can't haul nothin in a Ridgeline"?

I'm hoping Todd has the opportunity to use ours soon. It's still in the box and I want to "play". I'm looking forward to seeing what trouble I can get myself into. :D I am probably worse than you guys when it comes to new toys. Nah...scratch that..No one is as bad as a Boy with his new Toy!!
Thanks for the update on where to find the magnetic lights U-H. :)

U-H, I plan on doing something with lighting for this thing. I like your magnetic taillight idea. I was thinking on the drive in to work today about a more permanent solution. A side trip to Napa will tell if it's worth it. Otherwise I'll use your rig.

Polly Ponytail - that had me in stitches when you posted it. I had one in front of me this week, brushing her hair while on the cellphone, steering with her knees. Her speed was oscillating between 30-50 and she was all over the road. I've had guys in front of me slam on the brakes in order to gawk at a hottie - so it goes both ways :)

I have to pick up another 12 bags of cement this weekend. That's about 960 lbs. Every load is just another adventure for this truck.

I thought about permanently mounting some lights and running the wire down the inside of the tube, out the back of the trailer hitch and into the 4-pin connector. I already had the magnetic lights and I was concerned that I might break the lights when handling the heavy main support bar. If you come up with an easier solution than having to install and then un-install the magnetic lights after each use, I'm all for it. It does take some time to set them up.

I had Polly pull right out in front of me last night from a Wal Mart parking lot. No big surprise there. She actually was on her cell phone. I came within 6" of broadsiding (no pun intended - but it works!) her little car. I think she must have burn marks on her face from my headlights. It is a good thing that the Ridgelines brakes are so good. I think that I would have hit her if I still had my Blazer. She did look very familiar though. You may have seen her around too. She looks exactly like this :eek: . She never stopped.

Here's the Hitch-Hand at work this morning on my way back from Lowe's. I had several people inquire about it while I was loading up (the Hitch-Hand, not my Ridgeline - everyone knows about it already). I figure there's about 800 lbs. on it. The long boards are 16 footers. Canoe owners take note.

I would be careful loading your truck down too much with this accessory. It acts as a fulcrum to your truck's suspension. Just use common sense. It drove just fine, but the front end was up a little and I could feel the weight, more than the last time I hauled 800lbs. without the Hitch-Hand.

Yeow! I am going to print your pictures and carry them in the glove box. The next time some Gomer says that 'you can't haul nothin in that truck' I will show him why I have a different opinion. I have not used my Hitch Hand for anything serious yet - but it's ready. Nicely done!

Thanks. It was you who let me know about this thing, and I appreciate it. Lowe's charges $65 for deliveries, so it pays for itself in two trips.

Later this week I'll have fifteen 80lb. bags of cement in the bed. That will be as close as I've gotten to the load limit (1480 lbs. for my model).

some more shots of the Hitch-hand. I got to see shovehd's at our meet. It is a quality rugged piece of gear. I'm ordering one. Thanks for bringing it Chris.

Hey, that's cool! I'm going to go ahead with the rack I'm building, but this hitch extension is great, thanks.

Man! Does that thing scrape at all backing outa the driveway?

Nope. I put it on at the pickup point and take it off at home.

I had twelve 16' lengths of composite decking on it today. This stuff is extremely floppy and slippery. I managed to strap it down but it still slipped backwards on inclines.

I thought I posted pictures in here of my hitch-hand. I guess I goofed somewhere or maybe old age is setting in faster than I'll admit.
:D

Anyone know if there is a Canadian distributor for HitchHand or something similar?

I just got my hitch hand and will like it but the design is DIFFERENT!!!

No curve on the long bar but more important, NO END BARS! I am enclosing the photo from their web site, there are just 2 hooks at the end of the cross bar, no nice big flag, no curve and no end bars to help hold long items in place.

I just looked on Amazon and the one you just posted is made by a differnet manufacturer. It's not a "Hitch Hand" by Deflecta-Shield.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=pd_sl_aw_tops-1_tools_5936963_2/002-8597240-5657668?search-alias=tools&keywords=hitch%20hand

Anyone know if there is a Canadian distributor for HitchHand or something similar?

Check out this site to find Deflecta-Shield dealers in Canada. That's who makes Hitch Hand.

http://www.lundinternational.com/lund_int_find_a_dealer.aspx

Wow, when I clicked on the link from a post last week I did not notice the difference and bought the "extend-a-truck" not the "hitch-hand".

Now it's not worth the shipping back for the reflector tape and side bars but BE CAREFUL anyone else who buys one of these, be sure to look at the picture so you get the one you want. I wanted the other one but this is so close I'll keep it. I cant believe how dumb I was.

Great find Hog. I am ordering my tomorrow. I do much woodworking and this will help with lumber and 4x8 sheets of 1/4".

Sorry to be a kill-joy, but Farm & Fleet also sells them (I just saw it there last week while shopping for supplies). I would assume if you have no Farm & Fleet, try going to TSC (Tractor Supply Co.) or the like.

I don't know how much they are selling for, but it is the one with the curve in the bar as well as the 2 upper arms that extend up OR out. I do not know if it had the flag or not...I'll have to get back to the store to check it out.

Cheers,
George

I was just at my local Farm & Fleet store today, and I saw the exact hitch-hand thing you guys are talking about, with the upright arms and red flag and everything. Their price is unbelievable! $119.95

It is made BY "Lund" and also says "Deflecta-Shield."

I assume Lund is the actual maker, and Deflecta-shield is the name under which it is sold.

At any rate, that is a damn good price!

Cheers,
George

For those that will be using this while driving, I just want to 'caution' you that some states do have restrictions on what the maximum load is for cargo extending past the rear and/or sides of the vehicle.

For example, in AZ :

"The load on a vehicle operated alone or the load on the rear vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend more than six feet beyond the rear of the bed or body of the vehicle."

"The load on a vehicle operated alone or the load on the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles shall not extend more than three feet beyond the foremost part of the vehicle"

"A passenger type vehicle shall not be operated on a highway with a load carried on the vehicle if the load extends beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of the vehicle or extends more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side of the vehicle."

Since the Hitch Hand already extends 57", you may be limited to what extends past the hand portion (if you were in AZ). Is the length adjustable??

Just a heads up for those looking to buy. Of course, every state is different
so you may want to check your local ordinances ;)

Good point meanmachine19. I also think that common sense is required with the use of this thing. I am not sure that the red flag is enough warning for inattentive drivers so that is why I use the light kit as shown in post #12 whenever I use mine. If I do get hit, I don't want the other driver to have any reason to say that they didn't see it. I have been through our local tractor supply and I didn't see them on display but they could have them available by special order. I really don't know either way. I have used it quite a few times since I got it and it works great. I like it.

I know you can adjust the width, but what about the length? Is it fixed at 57"?

Yes it is a fixed length. The 'boom' is a heavy one piece square tube.

Not to be a "tight-wad", but this thing would not be that difficult to make. I am sure the square bar that fits the hitch would be the only real expensive part (unless you had tons of it laying around). I think just bolting some heavy-duty pipe together would do the trick. I have lots of round bar, but no square stuff.

Who knows, if I ever need this thing for something, I might just look into it. But for now, I have my trailer, and that suits me just fine.

Cheers,
George

but BE CAREFUL anyone else who buys one of these, be sure to look at the picture so you get the one you want. I wanted the other one but this is so close I'll keep it. I cant believe how dumb I was.


I wouldn't say that you were dumb. Easy mistake. If you went to Ultra-Hogs post http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1202

and click on his link for the "Hitch-Hand", you'll be directed to the competitors "Extend-A-Truck". Don't know what's going on there....:confused:

Will Hitch hand stow under rear seat or in trunk? Probably not, but would sure be handy if could store on board somewhere.

I wouldn't say that you were dumb. Easy mistake. If you went to Ultra-Hogs post http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1202

and click on his link for the "Hitch-Hand", you'll be directed to the competitors "Extend-A-Truck". Don't know what's going on there....:confused:

Thanks for pointing that out. It appears that Accessconnect has changed manufacturers and models for the "Hitch-Hand" as shown in my original post. The original link takes you to their current version, but NOT the actual "Hitch-Hand" as pictured in post #1. Thanks to your heads up, I edited my original post and added the following link to the "Hitch-Hand" manufacturers site where there is a dealer link that you can use to find a dealer near you. http://www.lundinternational.com/lund_int_truck_product_detail_objectname_Hitch_Han d___truck.aspx .

And, kzeyus, no it is too long to fit under the seat, at least I think it is, but it will fit in the bed. The main bar is heavy and probably would be pretty tough on the interior surfaces. The vertical flat pieces for the "goal post" are kind of sharp for the interior plastics too. I don't carry mine every day, just when I need it. I still like it and still use it. I do recommend getting the magnetic lights.

Great find U-H. I will definately have to put this on my shopping list. I could have used it last week when I brought home a 12' counter top.

I bought the cheap version!! Harbor Freight had it for $19.99 plus $7 for shipping on Friday, looks like it is now $39.99. Still not a bad deal!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39168

I bought the cheap version!! Harbor Freight had it for $19.99 plus $7 for shipping on Friday, looks like it is now $39.99. Still not a bad deal!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39168 (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39168[/quote]Please) Please post pictures when it arrives. I like this one better.

For anyone that's looking for the real Hitch Hand, you can get it from Summit Racing:

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=DEA%2D9900&N=305241+115&autoview=sku


Price is $109.95 and they throw in some ratchet straps too.

I just got the Darby Extend-a-truck yesterday, but I am not sure I like how unstable it is. I haven't loaded anything onto it or tied it down securely, but right of the box it is pretty sloppy. The hitch hand is much heavier and may be sturdier, but this was available locally and quick for $99, so I thought I would try it.

The Darby gets pretty good reviews from paddlers at paddling.net or similar, so maybe I will try shimming it real good.

Please"]http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=39168[/url] Please post pictures when it arrives. I like this one better.[/quote]

I've had one of these for several months. My main beef is that an eight foot board is just short of the support member. Ten foots work really well. For plywood or drywall take some ten footers for support. The construction is stout and it installs in seconds. A definite "nice to have" item and at $39 it's a lot easier to have.;)

If anyone lives in Tampa / St Pete, I just found a very similar product at Bill Jackson's for $49.99. I am returning the $99 Darby and getting this cheaper one instead. I mistakenly thought the darby was made in U.S.A., but it is not.

Dave

It turns out my $49.99 model is just a re-sale of the $39.99 Harbor Freight model. Strange, though, the only one I could find on Harbor Freight's web site was a short version more suited to just supporting a load right at the tailgate, not a 50" extension. I went to the Harbor Freight store this am, and there it is, exactly like the one I have seen elsewhere for $129, straight from China, except $90 less.

WOW! great stuff. An adjustable leg on the end would give more support.

Thanks...

For anyone that's looking for the real Hitch Hand, you can get it from Summit Racing:
<snip>
Price is $109.95 and they throw in some ratchet straps too.
I just ordered a Hitch Hand from Summit for that price. With sales tax, shipping and handling it came to $134.09. I need this thing now but they are out of stock with an expected ship date of 07/16/06. Oh well, my home repairs will have to wait a couple more weeks. :p

Here is what I use mine for when I am not pulling my bike trailer.

Not an endorsement of the vendor, but Northern Tools & Equipment lists the Extend A Truck (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_19670_19670) attachment at $120.

Fans of the "mud flap" TV commercials may like this: Hitch Cover Lens (http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200310905_200310905)