I need a Class III Trailer Hitch for my 1973 Ford Bronco (302-Auto-PS). I have looked everywhere and cannot find anyone who sells them, any ideas where to buy one. I want to install it myself and dont want a bumper hitch combo. Use stock bumper and add trailer hitch receiver (ala Reese Drawtite etc)

 

As far as I know, no one makes one. A few years ago I made my own and it worked great. Unfortunately, it left with the truck. I do have another Bronco with one welded to the frame (really bad weld job too) that I plan to cut off and make a Reese style...I can draw one up and send you the prints if you like.

 

I got a hitch from my 81 F150. Will that fit your Bronco?

 

I just looked up two sights and found two reciever hitches.

Toms bronco 159.00
James Duff 89.00

Later, Duane

 

Thanks for everyones suggestions and help!!

I have looked everywhere, none of major manufactures (reese, uhaul drawtite etc) make one. The only ones I found are
Toms Bronco-$159
James Duff -$89 Class II but 2" receiver
Quality S-$69 wholesale manufacturer www.xceleratedperformance.com retail

I wanted a Class III both for towing capacity and 2" receiver, I honestly think the Class II will be plenty (3500ib towing 300lb tongue). I will use it to tow Bass Boat small trailer/ uhaul etc, plus cargo carrier. Would rather have extra capacity of Class III but am leaning toward James Duff.

The James Duff is Class II but has 2" receiver to accept most accesories. I called them and they said it bolts on between bumper frame under stock bumber (no drilling) and receiver sits below bumper (pretty much hidden). They did say i might have to cut a inch or so out of skid plate to clear hitch.

The other standard Class III (reese style hitch) bolts to frame on either side of gas tank, It looks very sketchy that I will be able to mount with skid plate. The Quality-S says it will fit my car but they offer no dimensions pictures etc so I can be sure, plus its not like I can return it if it doesnt Fit. Also that style would be very noticeable (cosmeticaly) from the rear of the Bronco. I have seen a couple of these type hitches on EB's and they dont really fit the frame (bracket straight, EB frame angles slightly toward bumper). If I could goto Autozone & pick one up and "dry fit" to see if it fits then return if I dont like it then that would be an option, but that doesnt exist!

So question? Will a Class II be enough? Maybe a better question is what cant I tow with a class II?
Anyone bought/installed/used the James Duff $89 hitch? or any of the others
Your feedback will be greatly appreciated!!

Lindsay

 

I think a class II will be plenty and should net you the standard 2" receiver.

I think 3500-4000 is the max safe towing capacity for a Bronco. Because of the short wheelbase and relatively light weight, they tend to handle poorly. I have towed several trailers, including my car trailer with a 2wd F100 on it. I wouldn't do it again.

Jason

 

Update: I am the user formerly known as lindsayshuffreg (one who started this thread)

I went with the James Duff Hitch, it literally was the only one I found and it Bolts right on. it is Class II (3500 lb trailer 300lb tongue) with 2 " receiver. It was $89 plus $30 shipping (WA to GA). Hitch only --no inserts hardware

You remove the stock bumper (4 bolts) insert the hitch inside the bumper frame, put bumper back on, attach original bumper bolts thru bumper and hitch. the hitch cross bar is hidden by bumper and all you see is the receiver. It came painted Black. You can purchase inserts at Duff put because of weight I will purchase accesorries at Autozone etc

Before installation

James Duff Hitch

Stock Bumper removed

Hitch Mounted inside frame

Hitch and Bumper installed


I am very happy with it and think it was the best (only) option for me. i might have to mod my skid plate a little but no big deal. I have not tested it yet towing my bass boat but will update when I do.

Hope this helps someone

 

I recall seeing a class V hitch to fit the EB in the JC-Whitney catalog.