Aloha! I have a 2002 Ford E-350 with a rear step bumper. With a 5000lb tow capacity and tongue weight of 500 lbs all I really need is a 2" receiver to mount on the underside of the step. I see many step bumper receivers on the market but as I look on the underside of my step bumper, I notice two wings folded down with eyelets. Every receiver I see seems to mount to a flat underside. Is there a specific manufacturer that makes receivers that will mate with the bumper? Don't see anything on Ford for just a receiver, just a complete class III frame mount. I would love to save some weight, and money, if I can get away with just a bolt-on. I know this is long winded but I'm exhausted from looking around. Thanks!

 

Personaly I would get a class IV receiver and forget the bumper-bolt on . I have seen too many step bumpers bent down because they couldn't take the weight , bouncing and stress of pulling a trailer . and we all know some day you will pull something too heavy for the bumper mount ........ The frame mount receivers are not that expensive , are a lot safer and a bolt on affair . This is just my opinion , but I'd rather over do when it comes to towing .

 

Thought about it and great advice! Local dealer wants a 'modest' $221 for a direct fit genuine Ford class III frame mount. Any suggestions on a solid hitch with maybe a lower price...?

 

Hey inland-guy , $221 ? that seems a little steep , but than dealers usaully don't have the lowest prices ! Is that an installed price ? It's pretty simple to put on , all the new receivers bolt up using existing holes in the frame . I did a search on line and even U Haul was cheaper than your Ford dealer ! The cheapest I found was at e-trailers , they have a class 4 part # PU25136 for $99.95 and a class 3 part # PU25049 for $104.95 . If you don't want to order on line you could check with some of the local shops that install hitches I'm sure they will beat the Ford dealer's price , also you could check out some of the truck accessary places or 4x4 shops . Post back and let me know what ya find out . Good hunting !

 

> I notice two wings folded down with eyelets

Most likely for safety chains.

The receiver/tube ($40 500/5000) I ordered from northerntools.com was 14x7. It has variable bolt spacing so it fits almost anything. You will need at least a 14x5 flat space to mount it. Reason I bought mine is to fit a custom bumper I made of of 5x5x 3/16 steel that boxes my frame, the receiver/tube is both bolted and welded in place. I have a pintle hook for heavy loads.

I thought you would like to know dimensions etc. That being said, I would strongly recommend against this for a regular bumper like everyone else!

A stock bumper is just not strong enough, imo, and my setup will not see over 3500 pounds of easy in city driving, most likely a tow dolly or small <2000 pound trailer, otherwise it goes on the pintle hook.

> all the new receivers bolt up using existing holes in the frame

Very true statement and for the $120 it usually costs locally, a very good value. The only reason I did not go for one myself is the previous owner ARC welded 1" plate to the rear frame and totally butchered it. I think it is well worth it to do it right the first time. I WISH HE HAD.

Someone posted earlier on FTE about getting rear ended while trailering a load. What if it happens. With a stock bumper I would think you are likely to totally lose the load and if you have a rear gas tank after the axle, maybe risk a rupture. How about losing the load and having it go through the rear door and killing a passenger. It happens with boats often enough. If you blow a tire and skid to the shoulder, can you count on your bumper carrying that shock load and will it turn a minor excitement into a major accident?

 

You bring up some very good reasons for going with the frame mounted receiver robocardo , some I hadn't thought of !