Hmmmm, I think that you may be right. I may get rid of the bottom tube all together, and weld trusses in for the hitch receiver tube. Thanks for the input, as it is in the pictures, it is about the same height off the ground as the original cladding. Of course I will have sheet metal across the hole bottom, so I can just slide up any obstacle, but it would defeat the purpose of my project if I don't increase my approach angle.