Trailer Pin Hitch

[Magnechu]

What is the diameter of the pin that directly connects the robot and the trailer hitch?

[RyanS]

R18
The Trailer Hitch must be positioned so that the TRAILER may be locked in place with a standard 1/4– inch diameter hitch pin (McMaster-Carr part number 98416A009).

Ryan

[Magnechu]

Ah, sorry I didn't make myself clear.

Piece 19 in the schematics of the trailer, the Swivel Hitch, that connects the robot and the trailer. How big is that?

[RyanS]

I believe the trailer tongue is 3/4" EMT conduit. As for the length, it should be in the drawings.

Ryan

[Magnechu]

Ah, we figured everything out by finally locating the drawing we needed. Thanks a lot

[Magnechu]

Haha new question:

Can you alter the trailer hitch materials provided in the KoP for weight reasons?

[gburlison]

Originally Posted by Magnechu

Haha new question:

Can you alter the trailer hitch materials provided in the KoP for weight reasons?

To make it heavier, would give you an unfair advantage.
To make it lighter, would give you no advantage since the weight does not count toward the weight of the robot.

So the question is ... why?

[Magnechu]

What we mean is, there are materials in the KoP that the trailer will be connected to (I'm not sure on the correct terms) that must be permanately fastened onto the robot. How would that not count towards the weight of the robot? Will they weigh them separately and then subtract that from our total weight?

We are under the impression that we cannot alter ANY parts regarding the trailer connections, unless we are mistaken with the parts that are permanately on the robot. CAN we use other pieces (altered pieces of equipment, for example) that are to stay on the robot or must we use the unaltered pieces in the KoP?

[gburlison]

Update #1 states"

A. Exception: solely for the purposes of determining compliance with the
weight and volume limitations, these items are NOT considered part of
the ROBOT and are NOT included in the weight and volume assessment:
• The 12V battery and its associated half of the Anderson cable quick
connect/disconnect pair (including no more than 12 inches of cable per
leg, the associated cable lugs, connecting bolts, and insulating
electrical tape),
• BUMPER assemblies that are in compliance with Rule <R08>,
• The TRAILER,
• The Trailer Hitch (as defined in Rule <R18>),
• The OPERATOR CONSOLE


I would not permanently attach the trailer hitch and be prepared to take it off for an inspection. It is possible that the inspectors will know how much a properly constructed trailer hitch weighs and that they might subtract it from your total weight, but I doubt it.

[JesseK]

Originally Posted by gburlison

I would not permanently attach the trailer hitch and be prepared to take it off for an inspection. It is possible that the inspectors will know how much a properly constructed trailer hitch weighs and that they might subtract it from your total weight, but I doubt it.

This is a point I'm torn on.

I'd rather the hitch not be ripped off the back of the robot. We're actually going to reinforce the hitch point somewhat just because we believe the trailer will be the biggest weakness for a pin...

So what are the ideas floating around there to have a strong, rigid, but removable hitch mount (other than several bolts that will probably be included in the weight of the bot...)?

[GUI]

Use whatever size hardware uses the same wrench size as the inside width of the steel tube spacer included in the kit. Mount the hitch so that the nuts are inside the spacer and you simply thread the bolts in from the inside of the frame. It's easy, quick, and you can move on to more important problems.

[MrForbes]

That's a big nut!

There must be a better way.