Anyone make their own Hitch to pull a Sled with an ATV?

[lefty2053]

I know the hitches Shappell are only $32 or $39 but I was wondering if anyone made one cheaper? Perhaps a Straight bar bolted to the ATV hitch and then a cross bar in a T shape to bolt onto the Sled.

[thesleddinfisher]

That is basically what I made, all of the metal was scrap iron (rod links off the beet digger). Only cost was two sets of pins and spacers.

Sorry I don't have better pictures of the hitches, I can take some better ones tomorrow if you want.







Probably don't help you much if you don't have access to (free) scrap iron and a welder.

[lefty2053]

Do you have a pin in the center so the sled will swivel? Thats what I think I will do. Just got to find some metal somewhere. I have a friend with a lot of junk laying around I might find something at his yard.

[d4ng3r3ux]

I have tried the single bar in the middle but my sled fliped over in deeper snow.
I had a old swing that I used
Bought a 1 7/8 ball receiver (around 6$ cda) and 2 cotter pins

[FISHFORPIKE]

I welded one up from some 3/4" black iron pipe I had lying around; for an Otter sled.  Just made up a T-Bar about 8" long - the "T" wide enough to line up with the pockets on the sled, two more pieces about 6" long with cross holes  to bolt into the sprockets.  The "stem" 1/2" pipe, drilled for a pin. Then another 3/4" pipe about 40" long drilled for the pin (to the "stem"; with two pieces of 3/16"X 1 1/4" flat stock welded to the other end of the draw bar, drilled for the hitch pin.  I did not make "swivel" - do not like them - I think there is enough "play" in the hitch to allow some twisting and yet have a "holding" effect to keep things from tipping over.  Pretty simple build, really.  The pin at the T-bar allows removal of the drawbar, with no tools required, for transport in the trailer/vehicle (T-Bar stays attached to the sled all the time.

[skulldugary]

Made this a few years back...cost abot 9-11$...

[lefty2053]

Those all look good. I will give it a try when my neighbor gets back home from Hunting so I can use his welder and make something up.

[PaperMouthPersuer]

I copied this guys with the conduit (first set of pics) and it works great, not to mention inexpensive.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=129074.0

[Doubles Shooter]

I copied this guys with the conduit (first set of pics) and it works great, not to mention inexpensive.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=129074.0

I'm also running to  conduit hitch. Cheap and it works.

[Fishmon]

Gotta luv the conduit.  It is cheap, tough as nails, works great towing my Clam Scout with ATV, and meets the intent of laws/regs, etc.  I used 1" pvc about 42"long.  Cut two pieces, run your tow rope through it,make a loop in center,  and snug it up tight to your towing hitch.  I carry my electronics, auger, and gear on ATV so I don't worry about the Clam bouncing around.  They can take a lot of abuse, but your gear cannot.  I also tow a larger two man Flip over, but I use a Shappell tow bar for that.  Both set ups work fine.

[Knoodles]

I found a thread on here where a guy made one from pvc and chain.  We rigged one up this way and I works great. 

[Woodsman]

I found a thread on here where a guy made one from pvc and chain.  We rigged one up this way and I works great.

I doubt that would meet the legal requirements (solid tow bar) in Ontario.

[hunter991]

Yep, 2 eyebolts and a closet rod. Works great. $5

just hook the eyebolts to the ATV and to an eyebolt on the sled. Good to go.

[SLAYERFISH]

A couple 4ft. pieces of 3/4" pvc and run rope thru them . Tie a loop at top of the "triangle"  tie a couple caribiners on the wide end. I put an eye bolt on each edge of sled front and this way  hitch is easily removable.

Total cost about $10 and very light takes up no space.

[lefty2053]

A couple 4ft. pieces of 3/4" pvc and run rope thru them . Tie a loop at top of the "triangle"  tie a couple caribiners on the wide end. I put an eye bolt on each edge of sled front and this way  hitch is easily removable.

Total cost about $10 and very light takes up no space.

Really like this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[SLAYERFISH]

Here's some pics. Rope for manual pulling and PVC for powered pulling.

[hamms]

I am making one like the pvc one. Simple and perfect for my 3 wheeler