okay....what is the difference between a ball hitch on a bumper and and one that sets below the bumper with a square hole to put the ball. I mean, I know that the latter probably can tow a whole bunch more, but what things can be towed with the bumper ball hitch, or does it matter other than the weight?
Thanks!
the ball on the bumper is very limited in tongue weight capacity.
using the hitch receiver, since it's attached to the frame, allows you to carry more tongue weight and use weight distributing hitches.
your bumper should have a weight capacity number on it or it's in the owner's manual. you can't put very much other than U-haul or popup, so it probably maxes out at around 250lbs.
It depends on your bumper and TV. I have a 1994 E150 that has a bumper hitch with a tongue weight of 500#'s and a max towing rate of 5,000#'s. There are some pretty lightweight bumpers that would have a lower tow rating. Engineers develop and test the bumper and rate it. They are not going to stamp it with a rating that the bumper can't handle. They do say rated up to XX #'s but do not exceed the TV rating. My E150 has a serious bumper on it.
As for the receiver hitch being attached to the frame, yes it is. So is the bumper. When I installed my receiver hitch on my Tacoma I used the same mounting holes for the bumper. I just unbolted the bumper, put the hitch around the frame and put the bolts throught the bumper and the hitch through the frame.
As long as the bumper is stamped with a tow rating that can accomodate your trailer and your TV can handle it, the difference between a bumper hitch and a receiver hitch is height adjustment so your trailer tows level.
Matt O 2006 Skyline Nomad 27' travel trailer. Previously owned 1986 Coleman Columbia / 1992 Coleman Senecca / 1989 Born Free Class C RV.
Forgetting weight capacity, you have no height control with a bumper hitch. With a standard receiver, you and use a drop bar of different lengths to raise or lower the ball to get your trailer to ride level.
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Along with the points already mentioned, before you use the bumper for a hitch, check very carefully for corrosion under the bumper. I've seen a lot of stock bumpers on otherwise good looking trucks that had a lot of rust underneath and starting to show along the rear edge.
My last truck had a lot of rust under the bumper when it was 4 years old and my neighbor is on the second bumper on his 2003 F150, and that one is rusting after 2 years.
John
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