I have an '87 Ramcharger Wagon 4WD with a rear step bumper with holes to accomdate a hitch ball. I would like to use it to pull a flatbed landscape type trailer and the bumper step is way too high for this. Ball woul dneed to be 10
'-12" lower to keep trailer fairly level.

Is there some kind of inexpensive drop down hitch that I can bolt to the bumper, or frame? Hopefully this is a dirt simple qurestion. I am not much of a truck guy, have been using this truck only for snowplowing on my property but want to register it this year and use it for towing a bit. I have seen drop downs for box receiver type hitches, but no just a step bumper.

 

No real cheap solution. The bumper is not made to pull that much weight so you would need a hitch(UHaul installs them for example). I think the biggest drop hitch they make is 8" but not sure. Is the RC lifted? Keep in mind the short wheelbase is not ideal for towing heavy loads but that depends on what you are wanting to tow.

 

They do make a little receiver hitch type thing that bolts to your bumper but they usuall don't fit very good and they don't hold a lot of weight. Look up the specs for your rear bumper before you do anything. Most only have a 200-250lb tongue weight and a max trailer weight of around 2,000lbs. I've technically overloaded 1/2 ton bumpers by jumping up and down on them. If you add a drop like that the force is multiplied by the drop (torque) and it will most likely ruin your bumper and possibly rip it off. If you overload a bumper like that you are liable for any damages. I'd be safe about it and buy a receiver hitch...I usually put Class 5's on everything because I always tend to find something heavier to haul then I intended. They are only $150-200 depending on where you get them. Some are direct bolt ons and others just need a hole or two drilled.

Derek

 

Thanks for the leads. A bit of searching hitch sites has lead me to the sam conclusion. I usually use the trailer (5x12) for a yard or two of bark mulch or wood chips. Once in a while a yard of loam or gravel that might get to 2000+ lbs. The trailer is rated for 3000lbs.

What bothers me more is how rusty the frame is on the truck. I the body is near rust free, but 3-4" flakes of rust regularly drop off the frame making me wonder 1) how secure the bumper is anyway and 2) how good would it be to even try to bolt a hitch to it anyway.

Perhaps this is all moot, as I bought the trailer years ago because I didn't HAVE a truck to drive on the public roads. I used to pull it with my VW Jetta (real light loads) or a Ford van. If I can use the truck for loads, then maybe I'll never even need to pull the trailer.

Hopefully my $500 truck can pass inspection, that is the only wildcard. The bed is certainly big enough (and totally rust free) to carry anything I probably would ever use the trailer for anyway....