I'm about to remove the trailer hitch to clean up some rust. Does it add to the rigidity of the frame? That’s a serious chunk of steel and seems to tie the frame rails together at the end I'm taking a trip out to the Canadian bush with this 2X4 with a load near capacity in the bed. I won't get the hitch back on in time and now I wonder if I should leave it on until I get back.

 

Are you talking about an after market hitch that bolts to the frame? If so, then I would not worry about it, as the function of that unit is not to support the frame anyway. Its purpose is to fasten your trailer to your truck frame in a secure way and has no bearing on the load you can carry.

I have an after market hitch that bolts to the frame rails at the back of the truck...and I am assuming you have the same thing I do. If that is the case, no worries...your truck will carry up to its load rating with the hitch on or off.

 

as axe has already said the purpose of a trailer hitch isnt to add rigidity to your frame its to allow you to tow trailers and what not but any time you put a piece of steel between the frame rails it will add some rigidity to your frame but i wouldnt worry about it for carrying something in the bed as long as you dont go way over the max load for your truck you should be just fine

 

Ok just got it off and found it's a Draw Tite hitch with a 10,000# rating and feels like it weighs 60#.I did't know if it was factory and part of the frame.Thanks again for the replies.