I’d avoid the clamp on receiver. Lippert makes a hitch and will install it if you take the trailer to one of their service centers.

Here are some from etrailer Frame Mount Hitch RV and Camper Hitch | etrailer.com​. I think there is also a Stromberg Carlson brand.

I also would avoid the bumper. They are very thin.

Brian

I have added several receivers over the years. The GD is the first trailer I ever had that came with one from the factory. First off I would say never clamp it to the bumper. you can find a lot of pics of failed square tube bumpers online. It's not very strong at all.

Our Reflection has frame extensions at the end of each frame rail with a cross piece between them with the receiver welded on in the middle. Comes with a 300# tongue limit.

When I made my hitches I went out and bought a length of heavy wall 2x2 tubing. Then I cut two pieces to span the distance between the frame rails of the trailer. I attached one as close to the rear as was feasible. The other I attached about one metre away towards the axles. Then I cut one piece to length that would span across the two cross pieces and as far out the back as you need. Attach the class 3 piece to the end.

I'd call GD Customer Service and ask for the specific Lippert frame used on your trailer (meaning getting the Lippert identifier). Then I'd call Lippert Customer Service with that information ready to convey and ask your question to the frame OEM (which, of course, is Lippert).

Howard

P.S. Please follow up (I'm sure you will!) with what you find out / execute on your trailer.

Great suggestion. I had reached directly out to Lippert and have not heard back yet. Thanks all (also Scott'n'Wendy & Country Campers ) will keep everyone posted.​

Contacted Grand Design support - they are unable to look it up without the VIN # of an imagine that has at hitch receiver. Which per this thread...I do not have! I have contacted Lippert, but have not heard back (still) and will follow up with them.

Anyone here know of Imagine owners who might have this and who might be willing to send me their VIN# (on forum) or privately?

I welded this one to my Imagine 2800BH: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
See the reviews - it's great. Remember to disconnect your batteries and any expensive equipment grounds before welding on the frame.
You can see the receiver just visible below the factory bumper, here: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...ilwxvQUmjo9g8g

Scott,
Thank you for the post! Please take a few pictures (closeups) of where and how the Trailer Hitch Receiver is welded onto the frame. Adding a receiver (to an older Imagine) is a common topic here, so the info will be most helpful. (Thanks in advance!)

Also, I skimmed the product's information on Amazon but didn't find any ratings. Did the receiver come with specs? (In other words, what is the payload and towing capacity ratings?)

Country Campers -- any input? You're the most knowledgeable "metal guy" I know.

Howard

Ok guys - I got a shirt muddy taking these photos for you: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared...w_fLPmCr1aMi18
I checked to see if I saved the install instructions (I guess I didn't), and I don't remember what the rating is, but the hitch is not going to fail before the trailer frame does. I think the weak point is where GD welded the drop frame pieces to the I-beam frame, or the I-beam, itself, which isn't designed for side-to-side stress. I included a photo of that. Mine looks really good (p.s. UltraFab's website says 350lb tongue capacity, so beef it up if you think you need more capacity. The main tube is very heavy steel, so not sure what their concern is, other than liability). There is one key piece of the instructions that some of the Amazon reviewers screwed up: the bolts are installation assistants that are to be removed after you weld the hitch to the correct length. Then you can fill the bolt holes with weld, if you want to (I did it for fun). I realize some of my vertical welds are way over-done, but I wasn't going to grind them since I have no interest in catching my trailer on fire.

I had not thought to disconnect batteries prior to welding to the frame! Thank you! Also thank you for the pictures.

I have not heard back from Lippert yet. =/

The original bumper will help the I beam with the side to side stress I think?

When looking at new trailers with hitches and the aftermarket hitches you can buy ...I think I really over designed the ones I made back in the day when they weren't available. I remember back then being told I'm going to screw up the trailer frame..it's going to twist, slides will jam up.....nothing like that happened.

I used to have a tent trailer. I fabricated my own receiver with angle iron and a straight receiver from Harbor Freight. I welded and bolted it on to the frame and for 10 years we had a 5 bicycle rack on there (usually with all 5 bikes) and it never failed or caused problems, other than sway increase, so I agree with you. Probably you could get it to hold whatever you need without causing a problem, with common sense. The UltraFab is way stronger than the one I fabricated for my tent trailer. The Harbor Freight tube was rated for many thousands of pounds. It's all in how you install and use it.