Sorry but a newbee here and I'm going crosseyed tryin to do searches and getting nowhere. A simple question I need answering, I've brought a trailer and need to lower the towball 4". I want to use the stock rated tow hitch on the bumper. Is there a attachment that can bolt onto the bumper from the bottom for this purpose or do I have to buy a completly new tow hitch arrangement? This trucks never towed a trailer in it's life and it's about time it did.

 

Wildmike. Welcome aboard.

Well, I can offer some assistance. First of all, the answer to your question.
CURT STEP BUMPER HITCHES - JCWhitney

Now for some advice. unless the trailer you are towing is VERY light. i.e. sub 2k TOTAL I would suggest that you do something a little more substantial. Understanding the leverage on the bumper (Which is a weak point anyway) and now you are moving the attachment point several inches below where it is designed to be, any adverse pressure on that mount may well be more than the bumper should be handling.

I would suggest putting a receiver type hitch on the truck. You will be able to level the trailer better, and not worry about prying your bumper off without warning.

Just my .02.


Glenn

 

The tongue weight rating on that step thingy is 500lbs. What is the tongue weight rating on your bumper?

I agree with Glenn. Get a good frame mounted receiver hitch. Even if you will tow infrequently, you will be glad you did it.

 

Thanks guys, as you've both noted 'something a bit more substantial' will be the way I have to go, it's a largish, enclosed, twin axle trailer with a couple of heavy road bikes in it. No sense in destroying my bumper or making a lethel weapon out on the road...

 

If its a tandem axle trailer it more than likely has electric brakes also. If it's over 2000# GVWR it MUST have brakes per the DOT. If it 's got tandem axles, it is more than likely got a 7000# GVWR. I have one of these trailers and I tow it daily. It is NOT LIGHT!
Do yourself a favor.... get a good quality frame mounted receiver. Also, get a 2 1/2" drop shank that is rated to the GVWR of the trailer. It more than likely has a 2 5/16" ball and a round 7 pin connector. You WILL need a brake controller.
Look at it this way,
How much are the bikes worth?
How much is your truck worth?
How much is the trailer worth?
A brake controller can be purchased for about $100 for a good quality proportional controller.... I suggest a Prodigy.
A Good receiver can be purchased for approximately $200 or less
The shank can be bought for about $30
The ball is about $20.
You will also need to get the wiring harness for your truck and run the brake wire from the controller to the plug on the rear.
So, for about $500, you can set up the truck to tow your bikes safely and with no fanfare..... IE.... police, fire trucks, ambulances, ect.
I know my buddies full dress Harley weighs in at about 1200# so with 2 similar bikes you are looking at approximately 2400# plus the weight of the trailer. Do it right, do it once and keep your belongings the way they are supposed to be..... undamaged!

 

Truer words have never been spoken.

I have been towing trailers for the better part of 25 years on a very regular basis.

Boats, Utility, Airplanes, Motorcycles, Fuel, you name it, I've hooked it. Motorcycles, or any other automobile can be a challenging load, especially with the suspension issues of trailer rocking one way, vehicle rocking the other.

I remember towing a trailer full of motorcycles (6 I believe. Could have been 8, but we will go with 6). I was not the one to tie them down. Got as far as Hartford, CT with a rough road and realized all the bikes were bouncing and rocking different ways, the trailer was all over the road, etc.

If you were towing your 10' aluminum row boat to the lake 3 miles down the road, I would say sure, no problem. But DEFINITELY not with the bikes on there.

Just because I can, I will let you know that in after market hitches (I've owned many) I always had the best luck with the Hidden Hitch brand. Side plates were thicker, as was the rest of the material. They have never let me down.


Good luck.

Glenn

 

Yep, thanks guys, talkin to a few mates and the're all sayin the same thing, "get a decent hitch, that bumpers not strong enough"
I'll have to get one made by the pros, don't know if you guys realised I live in New Zealand and there's not too many F150's over here, anyway it's certainly not something I can buy off the shelf so roll on New Year when everything's open again and I'll get it sorted properly...
Meanwhile it's Xmas eve as I'm typing so best wishes to all and God bless...

 

How about internet order? I don't know how the shipping works to NZ but it might be worth a look. PPL motorhomes and RV wholesalers are the first 2 places I would look to. There are also several online hitch shops that will have what you need too.
Merry Christmas!