alright my truck came with the towing package from the factory, but the previous owner was hit in the back end by another car and when they replaced the bumper they did not replace the trailer hitch.

i have a couple problems- first off i dont know if the rear bumper that they had put on as a replacement was exactly the same as the stock bumper or not. if i were to buy a hitch would it possibly interfere with the rear bumper?
and my other question is do hitchces bolt on or are they supposed to be welded? (wondering if i can do it, or have to have it taken in to be welded)


thanx for the help

 

Snap a pic of your bumper and we'll tell you if its a factory replacement. And any kit you buy for our trucks will clear the bumper. They bolt on, at least my Tow Package one from the factory does [:'(]

Since you wheel alot I assume you want this mainly as a recov. point. Get a Class V and pull right off that, its dangerous to pull off a droped hitch (like one with a 2" drop or anything) and its also dangerous to pull off the ball on the reviever. They can sheer off. Just some tips

 

the only picture i have of my bumper isnt a very close one. i actually took it to show when i had ripped up my exhaust. so yall can laugh at me for that too


yea thanx for the tips, its stuff ive already read up about (the class stuff and whatnot)

and yes, its for a recovery point.

 

That's a factory bumper.

Class III hitch should work just fine for recovery. The stock one is only class III. Class Vs are harder to come by...and cost quite a bit more.

 

i've had a jeep rubicon take a running start and try to pull my truck out of mud/water up to the doors, using a 40,000 lb tow strap and my receiver. worked fine. and yes i eventually got out

 

Yeah they don't break all the time but they CAN break. I have some articles about 2 people who died in two diffent situations because tow ropes or recov points broke. Its a big reality check

Me and my friends had a rope break a few years ago when we were as safe, needless to say, back window on the Explorer was shattered and a kid had class all over him and his face was cut just a little

 

Id just buy a class 3 frame mount hitch. If you find an used one make sure you are careful there is a recall on some factory hitches.

 

The Reese I have works fine. Bolt on and go. Has held up to several jolts and still there. It used to be almost hidden until the body lift. All that was seen was the reciever and chain hooks.