When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hey y'all. I've been doing a lot more towing with with my XLT than I had expected. -Seems all my friends and family now have trailers and projects that need transported. Most recently I towed a 1968 Caprice from DesMoines, IA all the way back to Tulsa non stop. The problem is that the stock bumper is too high and it just looks cheap. So I've been looking for a drop-style bumper like I used to have on my 86 F-250. A big, heavy duty, chrome plated SOB that frightens taigaters! This issue is that I havent been able to find a drop bumper for 2009 F150s. Anyone else had any experience with this or know where to find one?
Hey y'all. I've been doing a lot more towing with with my XLT than I had expected. -Seems all my friends and family now have trailers and projects that need transported. Most recently I towed a 1968 Caprice from DesMoines, IA all the way back to Tulsa non stop. The problem is that the stock bumper is too high and it just looks cheap. So I've been looking for a drop-style bumper like I used to have on my 86 F-250. A big, heavy duty, chrome plated SOB that frightens taigaters! This issue is that I havent been able to find a drop bumper for 2009 F150s. Anyone else had any experience with this or know where to find one?
Are you towing with a bumper mounted hitchball?
If so, I would suggest getting a true hitch installed (2" receiver, class IV hopefully) which will ride below your current bumper. You can then simply get a 4" or 6" drop ball mount to make up the difference of the level trailer and your new receiver hitch.
EDIT: the 4" or 6" is just a generic number I threw out. Could be 2" or higher than 8". Depends on the application.
I'm still searching for "the right bumper". I'm just not a fan of these big, bulky no step chunks of iron. I do like the Iron Bull bumpers, but again, no real step to speak of. Reunel makes a nice set up available in SS with welded in receivers; but they sure make you pay for them. -over 1500 bucks! Anyone ever had a custom-made bumper?
I completely second Chandler's post. Get a class IV hitch and then adjust your towing height accordingly. Additionally, with a frame mounted hitch, you're transferring the weight and stress of the tongue further up the frame where it belongs.
i've used both and the receiver will allow you to turn MUCH sharper without worry of smashing your bumper. The ability to hook up to any trailer by changing the ball mount is a plus as well. My car trailer will bind on the bumper past about 45 degrees because of the way the tounge drops over the ball.
sorry, but i can't help with the drop bumper, i've never looked for them. To be quite honest, if i had a truck with a drop bumper, i'd pull it off and put on a receiver very first thing.
thanks for the input. I'll deffinately be going with a receiver in one form or another. I've had the smashed bumper experience already, and you're right, its frustrating to say the least. I'll probably end up going with somthing like this.