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03-28-2021, 10:39 PM | #1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: North Tonawanda, NY
Posts: 236
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Towing with a Step Bumper
Can I tow with an original step bumper that gets bolted to the frame via the bumper brackets? I have a 1972 GMC 3500 1 ton truck. I guess I am asking if the original bumper, which is in very nice condition, is strong enough to tow. Thanks in advance!
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03-28-2021, 11:01 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: Post Falls, ID
Posts: 896
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
Lots of trailers have been pulled with a bumper hitch. I pull my motorcycle trailer off the bumper of my k10 but I sure wouldn't pull anything heavy with that setup.
Regardless, a receiver hitch bolted to the frame is always the safest option.
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03-28-2021, 11:39 PM | #3 |
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Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: North Tonawanda, NY
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
maybe i will go the u haul route. thanks
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03-29-2021, 10:52 AM | #4 |
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colfax-California
Posts: 8,573
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
I think you can go up to 3500 lbs with just the bumper. Anything over should have have a receiver
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03-29-2021, 01:30 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Portland Oregon
Posts: 11,226
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
Like most things, not all bumpers back in the day had the same capacity. Long before the receiver style hitches became available people pulled heavy trailers every day.
The K20 my dad owned came with service boxes and a step bumper. That box and bumper got transferred to the next 2 trucks he owned. I will swear that bumper weighed 250 pounds. The first time moved it we did it by hand. The next time the old man got a friend with a fork lift to help. The actual service box was easier to swap than the bumper was. A careful inspection of the materials used and the design of the bumper and its mounting should determine it's ability tow. The fact it is on a 1 ton may mean it is heavier duty. After all who ever heard of a dealership missing a chance to sell a more expensive bumper.
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03-30-2021, 04:34 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Jurupa Valley, Ca
Posts: 1,210
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
the bumper that came on my truck must be pretty strong. Not only did my dad haul the 2 horse trailer with 2 horses in it, he hauled a huge boat for his neighbor with it. He had a drop welded on it for the correct height. I put a receiver hitch on it now and cut off the drop, looks way better.
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Terry 1970 Custom Camper/C20 , GM Crate 350/7004R, Dana 60, factory AC |
03-30-2021, 09:02 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Posts: 7,723
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Re: Towing with a Step Bumper
The step bumper on my short step looks pretty robust, but it attaches to the frame with 1/8" angle L brackets that are made from 2 1/2" strap. I wouldn't tow more than 2000# max with that setup. I added a receiver and have pulled at least 4000# short distances.
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