I want to expand my touring/camping on my '84 FXRT with the use of a trailer. I finally found someone to provide a hitch for an '85 FXRT but they don't know if it will work on an '84. They'll take it back if it doesn't work but I'll be on the hook for roughly $100 in freight and customs fees, etc. (round trip to Canada) if I have to return it.

My '84 is box-stock original, complete with the enclosed chain etc., while the '85 had moved on to a belt. Can anyone think of a reason why an '85 hitch won't fit on an '84? I can't, but I'm not quite willing to bet $100 on it just yet, at least I hear what you all have to say. Thank you.

 

For those that really don't care about this ongoing saga, (and the few that may), let it be known that a trailer hitch that will supposedly fit an '85 FXRT will not fit an '84 FXRT. The horizontal draw bar dimension appears to be at least 2"-3" shorter on the '85 than it needs to be on the '84. I don't know why. I'm making the appropriate mods to the hitch I received rather than return it, so it'll be OK but I still have to wonder . . .

 

Did you try www.mchitch.com ?

 

Is it a chain vs. belt issue, I wonder? Isn't your 84 an enclosed chain?

 

Yes, it's an enclosed chain. I'm beginning to think I may have been shipped the wrong hitch because it doesn't even come close to fitting. I can't believe they designed a whole new rear end between 1984 and 1985. Doesn't matter at this point. The welder is fired up and the steel has arrived. Woo-hoo!

 

I have a full chrome receiver I bought for a 1984 FLHTC and sold the bike before I put it on and the owner didn't even want it.

Bolts, instructions, receipt, it was opened but clean as new. I gave (I wanna say) 160 for it and would send it with a lose on my end if you want it.

I'll give you one pic here and if you think it could work I'll send more and find the paper work that I think says if fits several other bike.

 

That 2x12 measures out right at 11 inches across.

 

Interesting - Are the FLH and FXR frames the same? Wonder if it would fit?

The hitch I'm modifying is a very elongated horseshoe that I'll be tying into the posts holding the passenger foot pegs. I've drilled and tapped the foot peg posts for the forward attachment points. They certainly seem strong enough. The aft points can be attached any number of places.

 

My bad I thought you were looking for a hitch. Good luck on what you come up with.

 

When did they start downsizing them?