I posted this on the towing forum but did not receive any feedback, so will repost here.

Does anyone know if there is a class 3 or 4 hitch that can be mounted on my 1976 F350 Supercab, with the factory chrome bumper? I know I will have to relocate the spare tire, but I don't want to remove the bumper. My truck also has the factory 19 gal. rear tank mounted between the frame rails.

Thanks

 

Yeah, shop for a frame-mounted hitch and position it so the receiver projects about an inch beyond the bumper....

I've picked correctly dimensioned hitches from the JY for a paltry $25 each. Finding a narrow one for my F250 Bump took a while but IT finally found one early last year.

 

Thanks, HIO. Do you happen to recall the frame width on the 76 F350? Too cold right now for me to measure, but I'm thinking it is 34; however, some internet sources say the F350 supercab had 34-inch frame to the rear of the cab then it was widened to 38 to the rear of the frame.

 

Also check to make sure you have mounting holes in the rear of the frame. I took the cl3 off my dads (stuck) 79 trailer special to mount under my 79 Scab lariat 4x4 & discovered it doesn't have the holes for a receiver.

 

And if you don't you can just drill 'em! Had to do this on my '79 F-100.... Just clamp the hitch on with a couple c clamps to mark the holes, make sure you wear a face shield and stuff so you don't get hot metal shavings all over yourself, and drill away!

 

Sorry I don't have the frame dimension for a 76 F350 but the Tech Info Compilation has links to a builder's layout that does.


My 73 has a wide frame. That was easy to find.. an early 80s Bronco donated that. Last year an F250 Bump arrived with a frame mounted hitch.. woohoo. What you'll want to do is spread the load over a greater area than just the bolt head and nut I suggest installing a backing plate with wide washers on top of the frame and avoid just relying on the drilled holes. Also use fine thread Grade 8 nuts and bolts with Loctite thread locker.


C'mon now.. run out there and slap a tape measure on it.

 

New and sort of pricey, but made to fit.

1979 Ford F-100, F-150, F-250, F-350 Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com

Draw-Tite Class IV Custom Fit Trailer Hitch Receiver 75038

Draw-Tite Class IV Custom Fit Trailer Hitch Receiver 41504

CURT Manufacturing - CURT Class 4 Trailer Hitch #14001

 

I'm sure the links above cover it. I've had good luck with Curt from Etrailer.com.

 

Thanks to all who have replied. I did go out and "slap a tape on it" as HIO suggested. It's the "wide" frame; I've seen wide and 38 inches used interchangeably. I'll start shopping around for the hitch. I do want to make sure the hitch will clear the factory bumper. Will definitely use backing plate, large grade 8 washers, nuts and bolts.