Do I really need a hitch????

[prls1power]

I'm proud owner of 97 Ford Ranger with the 2.3 and manual tranny. I just bought my first boat yesterday(WOOHOO!). Its only a 15 footer and with the trailer its about 1400lb total. My truck doesn't have a hitch, but when I bought it did have the hitch ball on the bumper. Knowing its only 1400 lb, do I really need a hitch? or can I just use the bumper?
Thanks in advanced

[97ranger4x4]

Your bumper should be adequite. If you look on the step it will tell you what the max is. For instance mine is 500 lb tounge weight and 2000 trailer weight. the tounge wait should be between 5-7% of the trailer. For instance I have picked up the tounge on a 2500 lb boat before. Also for your lights, you can go to any autostore or towing place and get the light converted that plugs into your taillights and then you dont have to splice any wires.

Hope this helps and happy towing.

[prls1power]

Ok, awsome. Thank you for your help.