My step bumper says V-5 / 800lb tongue / 8000lb gross trailer weight rating. It has two bars ( 2-1/2" or 3" x 1/4" plate ) at the same stock frame mounting holes as original bumper. (this may be factory bumper, I don't know)
Has anyone ever seen a stock looking step bumper that will actually hold this kind of weight? I'm tempted to use it but something tells me it will end up being one of those drooping rear bumpers.

I'm looking for a receiver hitch for my '95 longbed. They seem very expensive as compared to a hitch for late model trucks. Since it also appears neccessary to drill when installing a hitch for these I've considered getting a universal fit instead of made to fit version to save money.

 

I believe that a factory step bumper is only good for around 5000K pounds. What kind of truck?

 

I reccomend the putnam hitches. THey seem to come in at 1/2 the price of the reese ones and I am running the 15000# one on my 92. Its also requires drilling to install but I did two of them in an hour. Good luck.

 

For the towing most capacity excluding 5th wheels, check out torklift. About $500. But well worth it. Other comapnies use large receivers(the square tube) and therfore are not "standard" http://www.torklift.com/ It also gives you the option to add extention up to 4ft for towing with cabover campers.

 

Ever try the DMI bumpers. The reciever that they make is much more popular now. They are expensive but believe me, that spring cushion is awesome when you pull a heavy load.

 

Something slightly related. If I were to pull a trailer about 1000 miles a month, how much could I load it up and still not over work the truck? I know it says 8k with the proper hitch, but that is probably too hard on the tranny, the engine, and everything else to do too often.

 

It's an F150 w/ 351W. It is the 4 speed auto. I guess the bumper is aftrmarket but it has a factory look. My trailer maxes out at 7000lb.

 

As for hitches there are used ones every week in papers ($50 )around here. Check wrecking yards . One From 92 down dodge will work also. If I was heading down there to buy another truck . I'd drop you one off.

 

my dad's f-250 didnt come with a bumber when he bought it new you had to add it and there where several choices from not costing anything to the one he has which is a v5 1000lb tongue and 10,000lb trailer and he has pulled 10,000 lbs with several times. and now he has a bolt-on reciever that uses the stock bumber holes to give you extra drop he did add a 1/4" steel plate and weld in an extra bolt in the middle to give it extra strength and we have pulled ~10,000 lbs with that on a few times also and there isnt a slight bend in it from pulling.

so yes it is very possible the bumber on my pickup says 900lb tongue and 9000lb trailer put i dont trust that one anymore since it is all rusted i stick to the reciever that is one it and with my lift the extra drop is much needed

 

Thanks dhag911. With that info I may get one of those receivers that attach to the bumper which would allow me to use the different drop tongues with appropriate ball sizes for my trailers.
I do appereciate this forum. I had a short stint with a Colorado. The online forum was filled with, well, how to say it nicely, young punks with atitudes who could not reply without calling you an idiot for not knowing something and lacing in a few curse words for no identifiable reason.