Guys - We've been talking about hitches on another thread (Trailer Hitch Install) and that has taken a course that looks like it'll hijack the thread. So, I'm opening up this thread to kick some ideas around. But, most of this post will be a duplicate of what I posted on the other thread, so don't get confused.

First, the hitch on Rusty was originally on Dad's truck. But, it is ugly so I'd like to have something much less obtrusive for Dad's truck. And, Ozark1 has indicated an interest in a truly hidden hitch. So, here are a few pics to explain my thinking, the ugliness of Dad's/Rusty's hitch, etc.

Here's a couple showing how low it hangs:








Then a couple showing how it bolts on and how it is made:







And, now for my thinking. These pics show the bumper that is going on Dad's truck when it goes back together. (Jer, you might recognize it?) If you note in the pic above the bumper on Rusty has a significant dropped area just in front of the hole for the ball, while this bumper doesn't have that. The point is that some bumpers may lend themselves to this approach and some won't. Anyway, my thinking is to raise the hitch such that the drawbar will match up with the hole in the bumper. Drop the ball through and you'll have a really stout hitch that won't be seen.

However, that means that on Rusty the ball will be 4 1/2" higher than it currently is and that may be a problem. So, Plan B might be to position the hitch such that the top of the opening for the draw bar is 1/16" or so below the bottom of the bumper. That would allow a draw bar to be inserted but hide the hitch as much as possible.

Anyway, Jer is right, I'm thinking about it.







And, another thought is Ozark1/Jerry's idea of a truly hidden hitch with a fold-down license tag that hides the receiver. Doing it would not only require fabricating the hitch, although the previous idea would as well, but also cutting a hole in the bumper. But, I worry about what the police/sheriff/highway patrol might say with the tag folded down, so before that idea goes much further I'll ask my neighbor, a Tulsa policeman, what he thinks.

Anyway, what are your thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?

 

For certain places, such as California, Texas, and anywhere else requiring two plates, the fold down option is great. I know Misouri has a law for trucks that primarily tow that requires only the front plate (Mom's 03 Powerstroke). I think as long as you have the plate upright and lit during non-tow outings, you should be covered. Beware of damage to the plate though. I don't know if OK would freak about that.

 

Gee you blokes are doing great if you can obscure or remove the rear plate, we get crucified if we do, got to keep the speed and red light cameras happy

I have seen plenty around here that have a secondary hitch structure with a flat plate that "laminates" below the standard rear bumper. That's about as hidden as I've seen.

 

Well, this is only during towing, at which time the cameras aren't going to be able to read the tag anyway. But I asked my neighbor about it yesterday, and he said as a city cop he doesn't deal with that kind of stuff and I should ask a highway patrolman. However, each patrolman is different and asking one won't answer for all. I took it that he didn't think much of the idea.

But, what you say is done there is pretty much what I was suggesting in the pics above - right?

 

"Lip tires" ??

Looks similar but you are using the tounge, which I assume means - remove towball, then remove towbar tounge. That will work, and probably look better when not towing

 

What "lip tires"? (Well, iOS was "helping" me and I didn't re-read it. )

 

You can look up hitches for Roll pans. They would hide behind the bumper.

I used to have one on my ranger behind the roll pan. I had 1/4 turn fasteners for the license plate

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/roll-pan-hitch

 

Interesting. Thanks!

 

My concern with the license plate idea would be that it would limit your use of draw bars. What if you need a 6" drop? I like the idea of keeping the receiver just below the bumper, with the hitch frame inside the frame rails.

 

As far as the license plate thing goes, just hang it in your back window? If a cop pulls you over, be like look I wanted you see that I have a valid plate While towing. I see lots of people riding around down here like. And it's not a permanent dolt, it's a towing only solution and your truck isn't a towing only vehicle So I don't see where an issue might occur. Just my opinion from my interpretation on the law from my lax *** state. the Carolinas.

I have an aftermarket rear bumper and the hitch sits right under it, and behind it so I got my bumper then a square sticking down and flush with my bumper, until I put a hitch into it.

 

I think the roll pan hitch witha flip UP plate would solve the drawbar issue.