Bumper towing 84 Bronco II

[dbh666]

What is the towing limit on an 84 Bronco II's rear bumper?

 

[wildbill23c]

If I recall is was only 1,000lbs or something close to that. I seriously would buy a proper frame mounted hitch for a couple hundred bucks and be setup properly, and if I recall the B2 only had a 3500lb tow capacity anyways LOL.

 

[4x4junkie]

I think it was 2000lbs for the bumper, with a 200lb tongue weight (it should be stamped into the bumper near the hole for the ball mount).

BII max tow rating was closer to 5000lbs w/3.73 or 4.10 axle gears, but was lower for manual-trans models.

Agreed, a frame-mounted hitch is best.

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

The factory bumper and hole are a great light duty tow point.

The big drawback to me is that depending on high the trailer wants the ball to be...you are kind of stuck at sometimes a bad match. The other is that with a receiver there are tons of options.

Sort of helpful link; http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/Fall2003/TowingTrailers.htm

 

[Slammin Sam]

My 1989 owners manual states 2000 pounds with a 200 pound tongue weight bumper capacity. Max for 5 speed is 3,000 with 3.73 gears, automatic 5,000 with 4.10 gears, both with a frame hitch.

 

[wildbill23c]

My 1989 owners manual states 2000 pounds with a 200 pound tongue weight bumper capacity. Max for 5 speed is 3,000 with 3.73 gears, automatic 5,000 with 4.10 gears, both with a frame hitch.

I don't think I'd want to try towing 5k with a bronco 2 LOL. That just doesn't seem very logical, nor does it sound like a good idea LOL. I'm sure the engine/transmission would handle it but I don't think the vehicle itself would for very long. Even my little pickup bed trailer really squashed the back end of my B2 down...even without a trailer it was already sagging in the back due to needing new springs & shocks. I don't think it would handle a 5k load very long even with new suspension. The Ranger might but I don't think I'd try it with a B2.

2k using the bumper for towing I don't think I'd try that one either. I'd buy the proper tow hitch receiver and do it the right way.

 

[Die.Fledermaus]

I prefer the b2 over a HD2500 because, it fits, turns around, and puts the trailer in spots where not even 900lbs of torque is useful.

Of course this changes on roads/tasks where space isn't as big of a deal

 

[wildbill23c]

I prefer the b2 over a HD2500 because, it fits, turns around, and puts the trailer in spots where not even 900lbs of torque is useful.

Of course this changes on roads/tasks where space isn't as big of a deal

HAHA, yeah the B2 was great for getting into and out of small areas. Doesn't help with the towing capacities though LOL. I've had 2 RBV's and I wish I still had them, but the B2 I had needed a lot more work than I could afford, and it was time to put an end to the misery LOL. The Ranger though I'd love to have it back knowing now about being able to get rid of the feedback computer crap.

 

[4x4junkie]

I've towed about 4K lbs with mine on several occasions... Using a weight-distribution hitch I've had no issues with handling, getting up to speed (and maintaining it on a grade) are where the bigger issues are lol (also having to plan ahead more for braking too).

With just a plain hitch however, I can see how a trailer weighing more than a couple thousand pounds swaying might easily whip a short wheelbase BII right into a ditch (enclosed trailers seem to be especially good at this).