I would gusset that right away, it will fall off and when it does it is your liability. I would add a plate gusset to each side of the arm (box it in for ultimate strength) and also a flat thick plate across the bottom of the angled surface. Since you are going to be welding already I would cut and angle the head in towards the cab. Look at these pics I photoshopped to see what I mean. No matter what you do it is going to rattle like crazy back there. I don't know who your fabricator is but the fact that he said just run it and see what happens scares me, there is no question that it will break like that but with a little work it will be good to go. I would look for someone else to do your work or have a talk with him about safety and liability.

 

Here is what my modification would look like installed on your truck, it would look a lot cleaner tucked up against the body.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys ... I can't blame him .. it was my design .. he only did what I asked him to do.

 

also how about a side plate that would attatch where the bolt goes through the reciever?

 

Great idea, needs work. That welded joint where the hitch comes out and goes to the vertical bar won't take it. You should have had two pieces of tubing welded together with the bottom piece and the vertical piece fitting square, then welded up with some gussets on either side! Then it would be killer!

Like they said, if it came off while on road someone would own your cars!

The rig is looking I can't wait to see it in person, as for serveral others! See you tomorrow hooka smoker!