Towing with factory step bumper?
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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Towing with factory step bumper?
I have a 70 Camper Special that has a clean step bumper on it. Looks to be possibly factory.
I will be towing a Jeepster and possibly car trailer with the truck and was wondering how strong the step bumpers that came on these rigs were.
The top edge of the bumper rides almost even with the bottom edge of the bed so it sits lower than a normal bumper would so I'm not sure if I could install a drop hitch under the existing bumper on this truck without raising the bumper.
I could always weld in more supports for the bumper and just use it as it is?
Just looking to see what other people here have done.
Any help would be great.
Thanks, Ken
I will be towing a Jeepster and possibly car trailer with the truck and was wondering how strong the step bumpers that came on these rigs were.
The top edge of the bumper rides almost even with the bottom edge of the bed so it sits lower than a normal bumper would so I'm not sure if I could install a drop hitch under the existing bumper on this truck without raising the bumper.
I could always weld in more supports for the bumper and just use it as it is?
Just looking to see what other people here have done.
Any help would be great.
Thanks, Ken
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,231
Likes: 1
From: Near Fresno, California
Step Bumpers were not always factory - these trucks often came without any rear bumper at all and the dealer installed what ever the customer would want. I would just look at the bumper and make my own judgment.
That being said, I would go with a receiver type hitch - much more sturdy and most were built to fit under your step bumper. You should be able to find one in the wreaking yard for $50. Reese makes a nice one you can buy new through napa for around $100.
With receiver type hitches you can adjust the ball height such that the trailer sits level.
Towing a jeepster with a tow bar you step bumper will work fine, but the tongue load of a car trailer may be too much for a bumper hitch. Around 1978 and later step bumpers were made considerably lighter, and would not handle the weight that the eariler ones could.
That being said, I would go with a receiver type hitch - much more sturdy and most were built to fit under your step bumper. You should be able to find one in the wreaking yard for $50. Reese makes a nice one you can buy new through napa for around $100.
With receiver type hitches you can adjust the ball height such that the trailer sits level.
Towing a jeepster with a tow bar you step bumper will work fine, but the tongue load of a car trailer may be too much for a bumper hitch. Around 1978 and later step bumpers were made considerably lighter, and would not handle the weight that the eariler ones could.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
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From: Brentwood,CA
i have towed with my step bumper i have had it up to a tongue weight of almost 900 lbs it seemed to have no effect the truck only went down 2 to 3 inches at most and the trailer was a 36 ft dual axle trailer with electric brakes so it was easier on the truck but when weighed at the scales at the dumps the load weighed 9,676 it is not something i would make a habit of.i don't even think they make 36 ft trailers anymore that are ball type i think they have all gone to 5th wheel type
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Step Bumper
I have to agree that the way to go for pulling a car trailer is a receiver type hitch. I had a buddy that had a new ford F250 in the 90's and I borrowed it to go get my 77 Ford Truck that gave out on me. After towing it home about 100 miles on a car trailer it had bent the bumper almost 45 degrees. He said I loaded the truck too far forward on the trailer but I don't know. Luckliy for me it only bent the mounts and not the bumper itself and so I would think the safe way to go for a car trailer is the receiver.
Mike
Mike
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 24,552
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From: Creedmoor, North Carolina
Ken, A lot of folks have squeeked by using step bumpers to pull heavy loads. Check the docs. and you will find a very low rating for the step bumper. Then look under the truck at where it is bolted to the chassis. Usually two bolts very close together is what you will find.
Class III & IV receiver hitches are fairly inexpensive, and a much better choice for towing vehicles. You dont want a seperation and someones family member get killed over $150.00. Most Class III hitches can be found for less. IMHO
John
Class III & IV receiver hitches are fairly inexpensive, and a much better choice for towing vehicles. You dont want a seperation and someones family member get killed over $150.00. Most Class III hitches can be found for less. IMHO
John
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Senior User
Joined: May 2004
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Thanks for the sales pitch guys,
I have used receiver hitches on all my other rigs but thought this bumper was very stout and with a little bracing it would be stronger than a receiver hitch.
I think I will have to raise the existing bumper to install a receiver type of hitch because of how low it sits but I will start looking for a receiver for the truck.
Thanks, Ken
I have used receiver hitches on all my other rigs but thought this bumper was very stout and with a little bracing it would be stronger than a receiver hitch.
I think I will have to raise the existing bumper to install a receiver type of hitch because of how low it sits but I will start looking for a receiver for the truck.
Thanks, Ken
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tuttle, Oklahoma
my old boss took another approach to this.....
he built the reciever hitch into the chassis, and hid it behind the license plate, and used a sprung plate mount from a cutlas or something like that.
he built the reciever hitch into the chassis, and hid it behind the license plate, and used a sprung plate mount from a cutlas or something like that.
My old Step bumper is fine