Hanging hammocks from a trailer hitch

sbraniff · 05-20-2013, 17:25

I am having trouble finding good info/tips/success stories of using a 2" trailer hitch and/or trailer hitch mounted bike rack as a mount for a hammock. Can anyone point me towards or thread and/or provide some success stories? -Thanks

**pgibson** · 05-20-2013, 17:36

Ask and you shall receive. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ighlight=hitch

sbraniff · 05-20-2013, 18:01

Thank you for the speedy response!! I should be able to adapt that for the back of the Sprinter doors. I may add a second hitch to the underside of the front in which case i can anchor the straps to the front doors.

**hppyfngy** · 05-20-2013, 18:07

Ooh, did somebody say Sprinter? I hang inside mine.

**Miguel** · 05-20-2013, 18:48

Here's a solution using a receiver from a bike rack. It works quite well without any additional straps although they might be a good backup just in case.

Miguel

**hppyfngy** · 05-20-2013, 19:10

Originally Posted by Miguel

Here's a solution using a receiver from a bike rack. It works quite well without any additional straps although they might be a good backup just in case.

Miguel

Where'd you come up with that Miguel?

**Miguel** · 05-20-2013, 22:48

Originally Posted by hppyfngy

Where'd you come up with that Miguel?

Someone on here recently said....even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while.

I figured if the rack could hold four bikes it just might hold me. I just hope the pipe is strong enough. I have hung in it with no problems.

**Klaussinator** · 05-21-2013, 00:15

Wow, Miguel - That looks like A LOT of bending force on the vertical pipe and on the lower "elbow" at the hitch. Obviously, you said it held you, but I wouldn't trust that to last for very long.

The horizontal pull of your hammock at the top of that pipe puts immense strain on those pieces, and is way more extreme than the weight of four bikes, thanks to the leverage of the tall pole.

Not tryin to knock a cool idea, brother. Just don't wanna see your post about the failure and how the pole came down and bonked you on the head after you'd been dropped to the ground.

Maybe a tension line from the top of the pole to your roof rack or wherever would keep the horizontal forces in check.

-Klauss

**Miguel** · 05-21-2013, 08:16

Originally Posted by Klaussinator

Wow, Miguel - That looks like A LOT of bending force on the vertical pipe and on the lower "elbow" at the hitch. Obviously, you said it held you, but I wouldn't trust that to last for very long.

The horizontal pull of your hammock at the top of that pipe puts immense strain on those pieces, and is way more extreme than the weight of four bikes, thanks to the leverage of the tall pole.

Not tryin to knock a cool idea, brother. Just don't wanna see your post about the failure and how the pole came down and bonked you on the head after you'd been dropped to the ground.

Maybe a tension line from the top of the pole to your roof rack or wherever would keep the horizontal forces in check.

-Klauss

Those same thoughts have crossed my mind more than once. I have no clue as to the forces being applied but if I ever sleep in it I will definitely have some reinforcing straps attached to the racks. I've also thought about shortening the pole.

**UrsaMajor1887** · 05-24-2013, 13:19

Google "hammock hang calculator" to get an idea on the loads. I think the vertical load is okay, but the lateral pull could snap your vertical at it's base.

I would consider running a line frome the top of the pole over the top of the truck and securing it to the bumper. Just be careful not to bend any body work with the crushing force of the line.