bumper towing capacity
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bumper towing capacity
Hello everyone, thanks for you advice in the past.
What type of weight can I tow with a bumper mounter hitch ball on a 1979 F150? I looked at the bumper and it is bolted right onto the frame. I don't see the use of buying a hitch that I have to mount to the frame anyway, and get in the way of the spare tire carrier. It is a 302 ci long bed. I looked on the bumper for a capacity rating but found none. The bumper is a grey painted bumper with the diamond cut top surface to provide traction when stepping on it. It has 3 holes in front of the plate for mounting towing *****. Any advice would be appreciated. Good luck on all your ford truck projects, Thanks
Erics79
What type of weight can I tow with a bumper mounter hitch ball on a 1979 F150? I looked at the bumper and it is bolted right onto the frame. I don't see the use of buying a hitch that I have to mount to the frame anyway, and get in the way of the spare tire carrier. It is a 302 ci long bed. I looked on the bumper for a capacity rating but found none. The bumper is a grey painted bumper with the diamond cut top surface to provide traction when stepping on it. It has 3 holes in front of the plate for mounting towing *****. Any advice would be appreciated. Good luck on all your ford truck projects, Thanks
Erics79
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From: clementsport canada
bumper towing capacity
mine has the factory bumper, with a hitch socket welded to the bottom of it, and i've towed over 9000 lbs with it ( tandem float and a 420john deere dozor) i often tow 3000-4000 lbs with mine and have never had a problem.
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From: Canada
bumper towing capacity
I am not sure of the capacity - but I put a hitch on my 79 F-150 (302, C6, standard cab and box) anyway (got a deal on it) - less chance of messing up my chrome bumper and license plate. Also gives room for more pivoting space and less chance of slicing trailer wires. Still room to get the spare out - not that I would ever use it - it is original!
Ultimately I think these bumpers were designed for towing and it sounds like some of the guys do just that! Hitches I think are idealy designed for new vehicles with "tin" or "foam & plastic" bumpers that can't stand any weight at all.
theonlybull - you got a picture of that 420 dozer?
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
Ultimately I think these bumpers were designed for towing and it sounds like some of the guys do just that! Hitches I think are idealy designed for new vehicles with "tin" or "foam & plastic" bumpers that can't stand any weight at all.
theonlybull - you got a picture of that 420 dozer?
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
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Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
bumper towing capacity
Geez.....All this talk about all this weight being put on a simple step bumper scares the hell out of me!!!!
I understand that "most" step bumpers are what is refered to as "V" rated, and I understand that means 500lb max tongue weight and 5000 max trailer weight, please, if this is wrong correct me, and clairify it for everyone before someone gets hurt.
I bought an aftermarket Western bumper when they were all the rage about 15 years ago, bolted it onto my '78 F150 Supercab, bumper had stickers that said it could handle 1000lbs tongue weight and 10,000 trailer weight, that doesn't mean the truck its bolted to will handle all the weight.
If it were me I'd put at least a class III frame hitch on your truck, if not a class IV, so you'll be safe, it only takes one time to have a trailer get away at highway speeds to mess up alot of lives.
I understand that "most" step bumpers are what is refered to as "V" rated, and I understand that means 500lb max tongue weight and 5000 max trailer weight, please, if this is wrong correct me, and clairify it for everyone before someone gets hurt.
I bought an aftermarket Western bumper when they were all the rage about 15 years ago, bolted it onto my '78 F150 Supercab, bumper had stickers that said it could handle 1000lbs tongue weight and 10,000 trailer weight, that doesn't mean the truck its bolted to will handle all the weight.
If it were me I'd put at least a class III frame hitch on your truck, if not a class IV, so you'll be safe, it only takes one time to have a trailer get away at highway speeds to mess up alot of lives.
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bumper towing capacity
You're correct Supercab
These weights these guy's are talking about is NOT 8000 lbs on the bumper (or tongue weight).
This is trailer weight on their own axles.
It wouldn't bother me to tow a snowmobile trailer with 200lb tongue weight, With the BUMPER hitch.
Towing anything that weighs a lot should be pulled by something with a REAL hitch (with equalizer system) not a bumper.
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These weights these guy's are talking about is NOT 8000 lbs on the bumper (or tongue weight).
This is trailer weight on their own axles.
It wouldn't bother me to tow a snowmobile trailer with 200lb tongue weight, With the BUMPER hitch.
Towing anything that weighs a lot should be pulled by something with a REAL hitch (with equalizer system) not a bumper.
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Lead Driver
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From: Albuquerque
bumper towing capacity
I think the bottom line is the a well mounted step bumper will handle more than most trucks should be towing. I installed a third bolt in the mounts of mine just because it was easy.
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bumper towing capacity
Thanks Guys for your responses. I think you answered my question.
I do believe a trailer hitch mounted to the frame after market is a wise choice for a newer truck or if you're really hauling. And I know as well that just because the bumper can hold the weight does not necessarily mean your rear end, tranny, and motor can take it. Thanks again guys, and as always, good luck on your ford truck projects.
Erics79
I do believe a trailer hitch mounted to the frame after market is a wise choice for a newer truck or if you're really hauling. And I know as well that just because the bumper can hold the weight does not necessarily mean your rear end, tranny, and motor can take it. Thanks again guys, and as always, good luck on your ford truck projects.
Erics79
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Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Canada
bumper towing capacity
I agree - most of us drive 1/2 ton trucks - which aren't designed to be hauling excessive weight - practicallity and common sense come into play at some point. BTW - my hitch is a Class III.
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
Keep it Rubber Side Down!
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