Another trailer thread

[salukispeed]

I like Runedog's HF trailer and hitch enough to stop and buy one shortly. There on sale right now. I have always been concerned with the standard coupler used on bikes and trailer combos. Many years ago I built something very similar from 1- 1/4 inch square tubing and a Sears Roof top carrier that was a much lighter than the HF one. In place of the standard coupler/ball I used a 3/4 inch rod end/Heim joint threaded into the tongue to deal with the issue if the bike somehow fell over. It was placed over a 3/4 stud in the bike hitch with a hitch pin to retain it. I was concerned that the limited rotation would destroy the hitch or tongue. I pulled it with my 76 gl for about a year with no problems. The trailer had independent trailing link suspension with SL-350 rear shocks. You barely knew it was there. But I always was in fear of the rod end failing at the threads because it was being used improperly.. Are there other Bike hitches today one might use.