I have a 1/4 plate bumper made by the previous owner. It has a 2 inch receiver welded to the bumper and the step of the bumper.
I am wondering how I should have it tested (magnaflux)? Should I treat it at the same load rating as the stock bumper?
I am considering just purchasing a class 3 or 4 receiver hitch so I know the capabilities are legal and I won't have a run away trailer.
Any advice is appreciated.

 

Farmers used those things for years, but mostly on the farm. The reciever hitches are very affordable and properly installed should be safer and give you the peace of mind as well. IMHO

John

 

I agree on buying a receiver hitch and installing it.Driving and not having to worry if your trailer is still behind you is a much better way to go.

 

Not sure I understand how you think buying a hitch made out of thinner steel will be stronger?
Hiow is it attached to your truck?

 

Leader, It is called Engineering, and not the redneck kind either. IMHO

John

 

No matter how strong and heavy duty a bumper is, it's weakest point is the flanges it's mounted to. Those flanges are not designed strong enough for the torsional loads a trailer puts on the bumper.

 

So... the 1/4" plate steel brackets welded from the truck frame to the bumper aren't strong enough to pull a trailer???
Ok.. Glad you let me know that.
I'll just pay for that 1/8" bracket on that $200 hitch bolted on so I'll be "safe".

 

It's a liability thing and if you're comfortable with trusting a job done by Who Know's, from I Don''t Know When, that was Tested By Only God Know's, then Have Fun and Where Do You Live so I can stay away???

 

Could you get some pics of it for the people who don't understand how thick 1/4inch steel is? Make sure to get some from underneath to see how it is mounted.

I have seen many custom built front and rear bumpers. I'd trust them farther than any receiver hitch today. Receivers are cheap and easy that's why their everywhere. If I had the money I'd rather have custom bumpers put on my F-150 cuz I darn well they won't fold over like tinfoil when I encounter a deer on the road or a short stopping honda.


P.S. Don't bash what you haven't tried nor saw.

 

If the bumper is made of 1/4 steel and bolted directly to the frame, just add bolts for piece of mind.

If the receiver is an aftermarket type, there should be holes in it already for it to be bolted to a step bumper. Just drill the holes in the 1/4 plate that matches to the holes and add the bolts. There should be holes for (2) 5/8" grade 8 bolts and (2) 9/16" grade 8 bolts. You only need one set of either, I usually use both. Bolts are cheap.

Personally I would buy a hitch. Good insurance for $120-$150. Most 6K or better are made from 1/4-5/16" plate steel and tubing all around. I have NEVER seen a 5k-6k hitch made from 1/8" steel, NEVER, and I have seen a lot!

On the factory hitches the welds can be trusted and the side plates spread the load across the frame and flanges instead of putting it all at the end of the frame. Which makes the truck handle better.

 

I, too, am in the "buy a hitch" camp.
Were your bumper hitch to fail, you would be likely be liable for all damages.
Receiver hitches are designed by mechanical engineers and use materials of known quality and welding processes that have been proven to withstand the loads at which the hitch is rated.
How can you tell how well these welds were executed? Was the man certified? What electrodes did he use? Are the welds subject to brittleness?
I think the bumper hitch is good for around the farm or up at the camp, but I would hesitate to hitch anything heavy to it for a long haul over the road.
Call me chicken.

 

Another vote for buying the reciever hitch and for all the aformentioned reasons summed up in two words. Safety and liability.
Safety for your fellow travelers on the road.
And liability if your trailer decides to go it's own way and kills someone. You could lose everything you own and be in debt for life. Wanna risk that over a $200.00 reciever hitch?

 

Just remember if that trailer comes loose (hitch fault or not) and they look at it for the cause of an accident you will be who hoo not a happy camper.

 

Another thing; 1/4" cold rolled steel is not in the same league as the alloy steel used in...hitch...designs.
1/4' don't mean a thing!