Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

chevymotocross · 02-21-2009, 05:14 PM

Curious, I have an 87 1/2 ton swb with the 305. It does not have a hitch but it does have the bumper mounted ball. How much weight can these bumpers take? Would it handle a car trailer with an s10 pickup? I doubt it but curious.

*78 Chevyrado* · 02-21-2009, 06:06 PM

my stock step bumper on my 78 is rated for 4000lbs total trailer weight and 400lbs tonge weight.

66truckin · 02-21-2009, 06:37 PM

I would not trust it. I've seen some bumpers rigged on pretty badly but look good on the outside.

84 400 · 02-21-2009, 07:38 PM

Mine on the black truck pulled a boat that was heavery then that package you are talking about... Of course the area where my ball is now bent down.....

smashingchuck · 02-21-2009, 07:49 PM

I would say.... no.

**old Rusty C10** · 02-21-2009, 11:07 PM

Ive towed with that set up id just check out underneath and make sure the bumper and mounts are good and solid then id tow away

b454rat · 02-21-2009, 11:26 PM

I towed a 1 ton 4wd with my 1/2 ton 2wd using the bumper, up and down hills. Took it easy, got it there in one piece with zero issues. Like Rusty said, make sure it is solid and secure...

84 400 · 02-22-2009, 02:53 AM

yeah definably check how they mounted it and with what grade hardware they used.

SnS C10 · 04-01-2009, 10:18 AM

another question guys about the bumper- i have the same setup- an 84 chevy 1/2 ton shorty with the 305 and 700r4. it has a factory installed bumper with the ball. it is bolted to the frame rails underneath and looks very professional. if i remember right, it says 3500 capacity with 400lb tongue weight. can this tow a 2008 18 foot bowrider boat with single axle trailer? if in question the boat is a tahoe q4 fish and ski with the merc v6

**N2TRUX** · 04-01-2009, 10:26 AM

Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch?

What bumper do you have? It's impossible to give a correct answer with out knowing what bumper you have and how it's attached.

boatpuller · 04-01-2009, 11:07 AM

that''s pushing the limit,no matter what bumper you have.if your going to do any amount of towing in the future.get an easy lift type hitch.towing is nothing to mess around with.it's not only your safety but.everyone around you.check your state laws on dmv site for towing laws.it may even be illegal to tow that in yuor area with a bumper ball.it's better to be safe then sorry.if i remember correctly..tounge weight is 10 to 15 percent of total weight of a properly loaded boat and trailer.but,like i stated if your going to tow once in awhile.why not do it right and not have to question it?

TexasJeff · 04-01-2009, 12:24 PM

I would have to agree with Boatpuller, if you are going to do any towing what so ever get the proper equipment and do it safely.

85Bowtie · 04-01-2009, 01:26 PM

I towed an early 90's Buick Century on a dolley with mine, didn't hurt anything. I had to drive careful but that was about it.

thirdstreettito · 04-01-2009, 04:23 PM

Some bumper hitches can tow 30,000lbs, other only 2,000lbs.

We tow a 12' trailer that has weighed about 5,000lbs, with no problems with an F150 bumper hitch.

*78 Chevyrado* · 04-01-2009, 07:18 PM

As long as you stay within the weight ratings it will be perfectly fine as long as it's a Stock step bumper. I don't know about aftermartket setups. I think the thickest pieces of metal on my whole truck are the two step bumper mounts and the part around the tag in the bumper. The stock step bumpers are attatched better than some frame mounted hitche's I've seen.

larrystone · 04-02-2009, 08:33 AM

4500 pounds is too much weight for any bumper. I would not pull any more than 3000 pounds total trailer weight off a bumper.

Look on the Craigslist for a frame mount hitch. I just picked up a like new adjustable fit Reese 600lb/6000lb frame mount for $50 off CL last week.

powerdriver 1958 · 04-02-2009, 09:34 AM

Missouri DOT(Department Of Transportation)has been pulling over pickups with lawn mowing trailers,boats, car trailers and the like.So make sure your right.Safety chains hooked up and all.DOT fines can be a lot higher.For me,Its nothing less than a 3/4 ton and a frame mounted hitch.

bumper hitches on three of the 4 pics and are unused by me.

OrangeAnimal · 04-02-2009, 10:02 AM

I too have similar question. I just did a heavy duty bolt in C-Notch on my 82 it's bolted in with 8 grade 8 bolts and is made from 1/4 inch plate steel. With that said has anyone towed with a notch installed? I want to tow a 12 foot trailer with a Yamaha Rhino on it. My total weight would be about 2200 lbs. I will try to get a picture of the notch and how it's installed. It seems pretty solid and wraps around the frame but first hand info is always nice to have.

SnS C10 · 04-04-2009, 09:56 AM

thanks for the replies guys. well, i stated this wrong, it reads 4000lb capacity with 400 lb tongue weight. this is a 100% stock/original to this truck step bumper with ball mount. the bumper is secured to the frame and looks to be very sturdy. and actually i just found out the boat it will be towing is a 2008 bayliner 185. now, this boat with trailer weighs 2895 lbs. since it is more than 1000 lbs under my capacity i will give it a try. Also, i do want to be safe and im not towing on the limits of the truck or bumper. if i dont like how it works, i will go to uhaul and have them put on a class 2 or 3 hitch. the bumper is hard to see, but its the one in my avatar

boatpuller · 04-04-2009, 10:19 AM

good call.a frame mounted hitch is designed to distribute weight into the frame of the tow rig.you'll get far less squat for a better tow.if your going to be doing alot of it.why not do it right ? iv'e towed alot of boats over the year's and it's the way to go in my opinion.

andrewmp6 · 04-04-2009, 10:12 PM

I always use a hitch i have seen many trucks and suvs here with bent down rear bumpers its from towing too much weight with one or crappy bumper brackets.

billnorman · 04-06-2009, 05:00 AM

I have an '85 C-10 half ton with the rear bumper off of a 78 Big10. It is that "boiler plate" pattern steel. I have towed a 4 wheel car trailer with 14.5" house trailer axles and tires and no brakes. It has a 2&5/16" ball. I guess the trailer weighs about 2000+ pounds. I used to tow it with my V W race car on it. I once towed it with my '92 Olds Toronado diesel (5200 pounds) on it 75 miles after my daughter hit a house chasing her boyfriend, but that's another story. It seems to hold up pretty well, it never fell off. I'd consider the bumper mount pretty sturdy. Tow a boat? NO problem.

Russell · 04-06-2009, 10:03 AM

The bumper on my K25 is rated for 6000 lbs towing, and 800 lbs tongue weight. It has 3 bolts through the side of the frame on either side, and lower supports, all of the metal is made of what looks like 3/8" plate, and the hitch mounting plate is at least 1/2" thick.

I know for a fact that my bumper has pulled well over 10 000 lbs in bulls + cattle trailer by my grandfather, and the bumper doesn't look any worse for wear. BTW, grandpa used to haul that load without any trailer brakes either (yikes!)

I'd honestly say it looks about as tough as any hitch receiver I've seen. That said, my K25's towing days are over. She is too tall for it now. Infact, she is the one on the trailer most of the time

02-21-2009, 05:14 PM	#1
chevymotocross Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: East Haven, CT Posts: 882	Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Curious, I have an 87 1/2 ton swb with the 305. It does not have a hitch but it does have the bumper mounted ball. How much weight can these bumpers take? Would it handle a car trailer with an s10 pickup? I doubt it but curious. __________________ 87 Chevy 2wd SWB: 305/700r4 Dual Exhaust, K&N Filter, Injector Pod Spacer, TBI Spacer, Belltech Front Sway Bar, Corvette Servo, Western Chassis 4/6 and c-notch

02-21-2009, 06:06 PM	#2
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? my stock step bumper on my 78 is rated for 4000lbs total trailer weight and 400lbs tonge weight.

02-21-2009, 06:37 PM	#3
66truckin Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Springfield, IL Posts: 185	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I would not trust it. I've seen some bumpers rigged on pretty badly but look good on the outside.

02-21-2009, 07:38 PM	#4
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Mine on the black truck pulled a boat that was heavery then that package you are talking about... Of course the area where my ball is now bent down..... __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

02-21-2009, 07:49 PM	#5
smashingchuck It'd be alot cooler if you did Join Date: May 2003 Location: Three Rivers, MI Posts: 2,345	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I would say.... no. __________________ 78 Build Thread 4Runner Build

02-21-2009, 11:07 PM	#6
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,277	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Ive towed with that set up id just check out underneath and make sure the bumper and mounts are good and solid then id tow away __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

02-21-2009, 11:26 PM	#7
b454rat Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 3,454	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I towed a 1 ton 4wd with my 1/2 ton 2wd using the bumper, up and down hills. Took it easy, got it there in one piece with zero issues. Like Rusty said, make sure it is solid and secure... __________________ 2000 GMC CCSB 454/4L80 6” lift SAS 1999 Chevy CCSB 454/NV4500 6” lift 1999 GMC Yukon 350/4L60 4" SAS

02-22-2009, 02:53 AM	#8
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,741	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? yeah definably check how they mounted it and with what grade hardware they used. __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out

04-01-2009, 10:18 AM	#9
SnS C10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lomita, Ca Posts: 1,225	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? another question guys about the bumper- i have the same setup- an 84 chevy 1/2 ton shorty with the 305 and 700r4. it has a factory installed bumper with the ball. it is bolted to the frame rails underneath and looks very professional. if i remember right, it says 3500 capacity with 400lb tongue weight. can this tow a 2008 18 foot bowrider boat with single axle trailer? if in question the boat is a tahoe q4 fish and ski with the merc v6

04-01-2009, 10:26 AM	#10
N2TRUX Happy to be here Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Cypress, TX Posts: 39,023	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? What bumper do you have? It's impossible to give a correct answer with out knowing what bumper you have and how it's attached. __________________ Follow me on Facebook and Instagram @N2trux.com Articles- "Jake" the 84 to 74 crewcab "Elwood" the77_Remix 85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett" "Refining Sierra"

04-01-2009, 11:07 AM	#11
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? that''s pushing the limit,no matter what bumper you have.if your going to do any amount of towing in the future.get an easy lift type hitch.towing is nothing to mess around with.it's not only your safety but.everyone around you.check your state laws on dmv site for towing laws.it may even be illegal to tow that in yuor area with a bumper ball.it's better to be safe then sorry.if i remember correctly..tounge weight is 10 to 15 percent of total weight of a properly loaded boat and trailer.but,like i stated if your going to tow once in awhile.why not do it right and not have to question it? __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt." Last edited by boatpuller; 04-01-2009 at 11:15 AM.

04-01-2009, 12:24 PM	#12
TexasJeff Don't Crush em Restore em Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Pinehurst, Texas Posts: 764	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I would have to agree with Boatpuller, if you are going to do any towing what so ever get the proper equipment and do it safely. __________________ TexasJeff 2009 Silver with Linen Interior Cadillac DTS 1990 Red with White Top and Interior Ford Mustang GT convertible 1998 Red with Gray Interior, C3500 Chevy Crew Cab Dually

04-01-2009, 01:26 PM	#13
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I towed an early 90's Buick Century on a dolley with mine, didn't hurt anything. I had to drive careful but that was about it. __________________ '69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73

04-01-2009, 04:23 PM	#14
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Some bumper hitches can tow 30,000lbs, other only 2,000lbs. We tow a 12' trailer that has weighed about 5,000lbs, with no problems with an F150 bumper hitch. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

04-01-2009, 07:18 PM	#15
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? As long as you stay within the weight ratings it will be perfectly fine as long as it's a Stock step bumper. I don't know about aftermartket setups. I think the thickest pieces of metal on my whole truck are the two step bumper mounts and the part around the tag in the bumper. The stock step bumpers are attatched better than some frame mounted hitche's I've seen.



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04-02-2009, 08:33 AM	#16
larrystone Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: White Haven PA Posts: 59	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? 4500 pounds is too much weight for any bumper. I would not pull any more than 3000 pounds total trailer weight off a bumper. Look on the Craigslist for a frame mount hitch. I just picked up a like new adjustable fit Reese 600lb/6000lb frame mount for $50 off CL last week. __________________ 1992 C1500 WT LWB 4.3TBI 700r4 4.10 limited slip= Work Truck 1986 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 4.3-4V TH350C 2.73 ac cruise tilt= Cowboy Cadillac

04-02-2009, 09:34 AM	#17
powerdriver 1958 Kid's Mechanic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 8,241	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? Missouri DOT(Department Of Transportation)has been pulling over pickups with lawn mowing trailers,boats, car trailers and the like.So make sure your right.Safety chains hooked up and all.DOT fines can be a lot higher.For me,Its nothing less than a 3/4 ton and a frame mounted hitch. bumper hitches on three of the 4 pics and are unused by me. Attached Images Last edited by powerdriver 1958; 04-02-2009 at 09:54 AM.

04-02-2009, 10:02 AM	#18
OrangeAnimal Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 702	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I too have similar question. I just did a heavy duty bolt in C-Notch on my 82 it's bolted in with 8 grade 8 bolts and is made from 1/4 inch plate steel. With that said has anyone towed with a notch installed? I want to tow a 12 foot trailer with a Yamaha Rhino on it. My total weight would be about 2200 lbs. I will try to get a picture of the notch and how it's installed. It seems pretty solid and wraps around the frame but first hand info is always nice to have. __________________ 82 Chevy SWB "OrangeAnimal" Lot of Goodies! Sold 93 GMC 1500 "Angry Red" 383 TBI Powered Fun! 300hp/410ft.lbs. 09 Yaris wife's daily.

04-04-2009, 09:56 AM	#19
SnS C10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Lomita, Ca Posts: 1,225	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? thanks for the replies guys. well, i stated this wrong, it reads 4000lb capacity with 400 lb tongue weight. this is a 100% stock/original to this truck step bumper with ball mount. the bumper is secured to the frame and looks to be very sturdy. and actually i just found out the boat it will be towing is a 2008 bayliner 185. now, this boat with trailer weighs 2895 lbs. since it is more than 1000 lbs under my capacity i will give it a try. Also, i do want to be safe and im not towing on the limits of the truck or bumper. if i dont like how it works, i will go to uhaul and have them put on a class 2 or 3 hitch. the bumper is hard to see, but its the one in my avatar

04-04-2009, 10:19 AM	#20
boatpuller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sun City West, Az Posts: 3,822	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? good call.a frame mounted hitch is designed to distribute weight into the frame of the tow rig.you'll get far less squat for a better tow.if your going to be doing alot of it.why not do it right ? iv'e towed alot of boats over the year's and it's the way to go in my opinion. __________________ " Never look up a dead dogs butt."

04-04-2009, 10:12 PM	#21
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I always use a hitch i have seen many trucks and suvs here with bent down rear bumpers its from towing too much weight with one or crappy bumper brackets.

04-06-2009, 05:00 AM	#22
billnorman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: glen burnie md Posts: 174	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? I have an '85 C-10 half ton with the rear bumper off of a 78 Big10. It is that "boiler plate" pattern steel. I have towed a 4 wheel car trailer with 14.5" house trailer axles and tires and no brakes. It has a 2&5/16" ball. I guess the trailer weighs about 2000+ pounds. I used to tow it with my V W race car on it. I once towed it with my '92 Olds Toronado diesel (5200 pounds) on it 75 miles after my daughter hit a house chasing her boyfriend, but that's another story. It seems to hold up pretty well, it never fell off. I'd consider the bumper mount pretty sturdy. Tow a boat? NO problem.

04-06-2009, 10:03 AM	#23
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	Re: Safe to tow vehicle with bumper hitch? The bumper on my K25 is rated for 6000 lbs towing, and 800 lbs tongue weight. It has 3 bolts through the side of the frame on either side, and lower supports, all of the metal is made of what looks like 3/8" plate, and the hitch mounting plate is at least 1/2" thick. I know for a fact that my bumper has pulled well over 10 000 lbs in bulls + cattle trailer by my grandfather, and the bumper doesn't look any worse for wear. BTW, grandpa used to haul that load without any trailer brakes either (yikes!) I'd honestly say it looks about as tough as any hitch receiver I've seen. That said, my K25's towing days are over. She is too tall for it now. Infact, she is the one on the trailer most of the time __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

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