Hitch for step bumper

[wdwfans]

Hello all...
Last summer we purchased a 2005 Ford F150 2WD. We have a Coleman cedar XL pop-up. I was going to have a full Reese hitch installed by U-Haul(@$250). While at Wal Mart, I found a Reese product that called a Step Bumper Receiver for @$35 that is well within the weight limits of our camper. Has anyone had any experience with this product? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!

[aw738]

The hitch is not the question here. The problem is what your bumper will hold. Most bumpers on new trucks are there as just someting to cover the end of the frame. On my new Dakota the bumper is just for looks. The good thing about it is that if you put a ball in it actually bolts to part of the factory trailer hitch.

[fritz_monroe]

I found an article online that says that the max weight for a step bumper hitch is 3500#.  This is only if the bumper actually attaches to the frame.  So before towing anything, make sure that it's not just there for decoration.

[esweeney]

I have an '03 F-150 4X4 I bought a Reese class III at local auto parts store for about $120. I installed it myself in about 1/2 hr with simple hand tools

[ForestCreature]

We have the step bumper on our E 150, while we could have hitched to it, it sits to high and the PU would be at a drastic angle for towing. We went with getting a hitch installed.

[flyfisherman]

In years past I've used pick-up truck bumper hitches for small utility and boat trailers,  nothing of any size or weight, or going to any great distance.  Like what's already been said, the bumper hitch is only as strong as your rear bumper and how well that bumper is attached to the truck! And, again, like what's already been said, there's no height adjustment. Your pick-em up already has holes drilled for a class III reciver hitch and it's just a matter of finding one that's sized for your truck, which should be easy. Around this part of the country we have some Agri-Supply stores where farmers go to buy all their bric-a-brack and prices are usually a little less than anywhere else. I've seen Class III reciever hitches there for $99.00, plus you have to buy the  ball mount (and the ball), maybe $30.00 - the point is that this baby bolts (which are included) right to the frame, right at the right place.

As all of us know, you get into an emergency situation where you might have to make some zigs and zags out there on the highway, with a ton + of trailer hanging on to the rear of your truck, can put a lot of "stress" on that hitch!


Fly

[wavery]

You can also pick up a drop-hitch for your reciever. This is just an example but you can get them that drop as much as 6" or maybe more:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45903

[TheViking]

I used one of those on an old Dodge Power Wagon years ago to tow an 18 foot boat.  It worked fine.

[chasd60]

Your truck manual should give you the bumper tow rating. You also have to consider the rating of the bumper attachment you plan on using. I believe the one you are referring to mounts under the bumper, correct?
 
FWIW, my 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 QC that had the 5.2 gas engine had a bumper tow rating of 5000lbs with 500lb tongue weight, same as the frame mounted hitch. The manual had no information about using a weight distributing hitch though. The frame mounted receiver could handle 10000lbs with 1000lb tongue weight with weight distribution, more than the truck was capable of towing.

[wdwfans]

Thanks everyone! Great replies all. I think I am going to have to buy a complete receiver hitch though.  I looked under the bumper, and the stock trailer ball hole does go through a small part of frame, but there is not enough to mount the Reese part I was asking about. Also, the bumper is WAY too high to just put a ball through and use it.

[tlhdoc]

wdwfans welcome to PUT.

[wdwfans]

Thanks tlhdoc! This is a great site.  

[mike4947]

An FYI:

ALL towing equipment be it a step bumper with a hole for a ball, a bumper hitch, or a receiver type will have rating numbers STAMPED into the metal.
A single set of numbers such as 350/5000 means the weight carrying capacity of whatever type of connection. the lower number being the tongue weight capacity and the higher the GWR of that connection.
Receivers capable of weight distribution will have TWO sets of numbers as in 500/5000  700/7000. The lower set beng the weight carrying capacity the higher being the weight distribution capacity.

[tlhdoc]

This is a great site.

I think so too.