hitch upgrade question

[strvger]

ok, my 1983 reg cab Ranger has the original factory step bumper on it. any ideas on welding a 2" receiver onto the bumper step, then fabing in some reinforcements to the frame (either bolted or welded). i plan on removing all the spare tire hardware so there will be plenty of room for bracing. i would also try to get some additional bracing for the rest of the bumper welded/bolted in there as well. pics would be great if anyone has some. thanks.

 

[Jason]

It seems like it would be about the same cost and a lot less effort to install a proper hitch that was built by engineers that know how to build a proper hitch.

I am sure it could be done but I prefer to think that the thing holding a thousand or more pounds in line on a public roadway was built by a professional.

 

[strvger]

well, the factory bumper with a ball is rated for #2000. i just prefer using a 2" receiver so i can get the right drop/lift so the trailer will be level when pulling it. that's all.

 

[Will]

What are you towing?

 

[strvger]

folding camper, about #1200 with a low profile. i just don't like seeing a big angle from the trailer to the ball because of trailer-to-truck height differences. the old military pintle's and towing rings don't have that problem, but a 2" ball can only fit into the trailer receiver cup up to a certain angle without it being dangerous in my mind.

 

[Iron Ranger]

I don't know if this helps or not, but I removed my bumper for a rollpan. I still wanted to have a hitch receiver, but I didn't want to shell out $150 for a crappy one.

So, I took some measurements, bought about $50 worth of square tubing and a $25 hitch ball/mount combo.

These are old pics, I welded a 1/4 plate with some 1 1/4" holes for the safety chains:

These are in the stock bumper frame holes. I only had to drill 2 more holes for the rear portion of the mount.

As far as hauling something with the bumper hitch, I wouldn't trust anything past a small trailer with an ATV on it.

EDIT:
I found the one with the safety chain plate

 

[strvger]

excellent pics!! didn't think of swapping out the bumper for a roll pan. that looks sweet!! thanks for the idea!

 

[Will]

Yeah but he built a receiver hitch. Which is $100. I wouldn't waste the time to save $50.

For what you are towing the bumper is absolutely fine. You can buy a little receiver plate that bolts though the holes on your bumper--if its a 3-hole bumper.

And I don't use ball hitches at all. I had two sheet metal hitches pluck themselves off of the ball on two different trailers. I grew up in the military with lunettes and pintle hooks and that's all I use now.

 

[whitebassbenny]

I got my hitch from a junk yard for $50.....

 

[Iron Ranger]

$100 for a hitch receiver? Not around here(not for a good one, at least).

I also had a little edge to begin with. I have access to a hydrolic shear, brake, cold bandsaw, and a $65,000 jig table.

But if time isn't a factor, then this could be done at home. Where ever I can save $$$, I go for it.............................

 

[RedComet6342]

i got me a curt hitch for $150 and it was just bolt on, it looks almost exactly like irons rangers just painted

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't know if this helps or not, but I removed my bumper for a rollpan. I still wanted to have a hitch receiver, but I didn't want to shell out $150 for a crappy one.

So, I took some measurements, bought about $50 worth of square tubing and a $25 hitch ball/mount combo.

These are old pics, I welded a 1/4 plate with some 1 1/4" holes for the safety chains:

I think it would have looked and performed much better if you had built the receiver to be behind the license plate. The less distance from the frame would have made the hitch stronger overall, and hiding it would have done wonders for the appearance of your truck.

 

[woodhead]

I got a Curt hitch off Ebay for $89. Had it on in 20 minutes It's a class 3 reciever. Ever thing is set up perfect. Holes are drilled in the right spots a perfect fit. It's sold as a U Haul hitch. Brand new. Can't go wrong.

 

[Crunchy]

I got a curt for $40

Included 2 balls, 2 sleeves.

 

[Iron Ranger]

What the heck?

We're being shamboozled up here on hitch prices!!

No, I trimmed the hitch a little bit because it looked a little bulky. Maybe if I'm bored and have some spare $$$ laying around, I'll make a more "discrete" hitch.