Trailer hitches

[Hook'em]

I was wondering if anyone uses a type III hitch with the 2" square recepticle on a truck with a sport chrome bumper. I have a hitch right now, but would like one of the newer universal type hitches so that I could use a bed extender.

[dwaite72lnghrn]

I don't have a chrome rear bumper but my receiver is down far enough it would clear a standard rear bunper. This is my WD hitch, The receiver is a Uhaul for the truck. I like the receiver type as you can remove the knee knocker when you disconnect the trailer.

[purple gas]

Wish I had a pic, BUT somewhere I saw a truck with a sport bumper, and a "Hidden Hitch" that was under / behind an old style fold down liscence plate holder. The kind you used to lower to put gas in a car. My '72 Chevelle had one. The plate would fold down & you put the hitch part in. when you didn't need to pull things, it totally disappeared. Really cool set up I thought. I'd like to do the same. Not sure if it would work with a bed extender tho?

[mr402]

Does ECE have that set up? Anyone else? I'm also very interested.

[68C15]

I made a hidden hitch for mine. I used 2 1/2 tube for the frame work & 1/2 plates to mount it to the side of the frame where there is more strength. then used a liscense plate mount from a 72 olds (flips down). it is completely hidden behind my bumper. unless you lay on the ground or flip the plate down it is invisible. I can take some pics tomorrow if needed.

[ac102nv]

I not sure who else offers the hidden hitch setup, but I have the one from Early Classic (ECE). Works great! And disappears when not in use. Cost is just over $200 (I think) which includes "Hidden Receiver Hitch, Extended Ball Mount, License Plate Flip Frame and Flat Four Trailer Wiring", but check their website to confirm...www.earlyclassic.com

[Longhorn Man]

purple...what is a bed extender?

[Tim Rich]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

purple...what is a bed extender?

Usually, a bed extender is a tubular steel gate that attaches to newer truck beds near the tailgate and, when the tailgate is down, can be flipped over to give you more bed storage space.

In this case, since we're talking about a receiver hitch, I think it's a T-shaped extension coming out of the receiver that turns up and lets you haul longer lumber, sheetrock or ladders. We made one for that purpose, but there's a picture of a store bought one at:

http://accessory-center.com/series.plx/30/5346/4046

[Hook'em]

Originally Posted by Tim Rich

In this case, since we're talking about a receiver hitch, I think it's a T-shaped extension coming out of the receiver that turns up and lets you haul longer lumber, sheetrock or ladders. We made one for that purpose, but there's a picture of a store bought one at:

http://accessory-center.com/series.plx/30/5346/4046

This is exactly the bed extender I was referring to. I use my truck to haul my kayaks, one of which it 15' long. The extension makes it easier to haul.

[1-PU70]

Heres a pic of what it looks like. I got this for free so I dont know the aplication or brand but they are out there

[StingRay]

I was given a hitch that I easily modified and reweled to be hidden behind the license plate. I also used an old GM flip down license plate bracket. I all cost me about 5 bucks and it's a class VI 16,000 lb hitch to boot.

[boraxman]

I have the ECE hidden hitch, cant beat it for the money.

[Hook'em]

The hidden Class IV hitch is what I am leaning toward. However, I need to see if I can even make it work. I have dual exhaust pipes out the back.

[68C15]

here are some pics of mine. I bolted it to the side of frame where it is stronger. I have pulled over 8000lbs with no signs of damage or any concerns.

[Hook'em]

Here is a pic of what I have now. I am not sure if I can fit the newer style hitch with the dual exhaust pipes, the spare tire, etc.

[68C15]

one like mine should work for you based on th pics. your pipes look to be in the same place as mine

[71Shortbed]

I just got one of these. Haven't installed it yet. It is very well made and finished in a heavy splatter type paint. http://www.truckn-store.com/product....t.asp&ID=86034

[mr402]

71 Shortbed. That's a pretty good price for one of these. Not clear to me what the rating is though. Do you know what class it is?

Thanks

[71Shortbed]

Sorry, I don't know the rating and there is nothing stamped on it. It's all 1/4 inch steel with a 2 inch box tube. More than adequate for my needs.

[68C15]

the one shown in that link will put the ball 2 inches lower than mine is. if you are building a lowered truck that may be an issue. I suggest having a welding shop make one for you. but then again maybe its just my "evil side" not letting me accept the run-of-the-mill products.

[mr402]

For this case it would be for my GMC 3/4T. 2" lower could be a good thing but it just doesn't look heavy enough the way it mounts on there. Once I get the seat figured out and installed I'll take another look at this area. Will look around at the Portland swap meet to see what's there. I like the ECE one just because I know their reputation.

[71Shortbed]

Here are a couple of pics of the hitch for comparison.

[Hook'em]

Pretty good price, but I don't see anything to attach safety chains to.

[dtlilly]

Here's a pic of one under the chrome sport bumper as originally asked.

[71Shortbed]

Hook'em - The chains attach to the steel rod loops shown in the first picture. They appear to be a little to far apart but I'll see how it does when I get it installed.