Towing Question

[Charles Bush]

I just bought a 02 Tahoe and it just has a ball mounted on the bumper, I was told this is not suffice to carry a boat, that I would need a hitch installed, as he was trying to sell me a 229.00 hitch figured I would get expert opinion. Thanks

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Towing Question

Look at the rating on the bumper. Most will have a hitch rating (front weight) and total towing weight. IMO I'd purchase a hitch.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing Question

One other factor to consider (even if the bumper mount is within load limits) is whether or not the boat trailer sits level when connected to the truck. If not, you definitely need a receiver style hitch and a ball mount with sufficient drop to let the rig sit level. By all means, DO NOT buy a simple receiver that bolts to the bottom of the bumper. That provides no additional load capacity. A receiver unit bolts to the frame of the vehicle and I too suggest you go that route.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Towing Question

hitches.com cheaper and easy to install, if you know the difference between the end of a wrench. usually no drilling. put mine on in 20 minutes. although $229 installed isn't a bad price.

 

[KM2]

Re: Towing Question

You didn' t mention what size/wieght your boat is. Unless you have a big boat then the rating on the bumper would be enough but I would by a hitch and install myself. The bumper is not likely to be the right height. You want to tow your trailer level. Also, most bumper hitchs don't allow you to turn very sharply without hitting the coupler or tongue on the bumper. etrailer.com is another website with good deals on hitches. They just bolt right up to truck, very easy.

 

[Pony]

Re: Towing Question

I personally, and I know many disagree, feel that a bumper hitch is really not the way to go. Around here at least is is uncommon that I see one that hasnt bent the bumper some. Once a little rust starts then forget it all together.......

I watched my uncle try and move my trihull from the side of my house with a bumper hitch and I know he is sorry he ever did. He now has a bent bumper hitch and a big ole dent in his liscense plate.

The few hundred it costs to mount a proper hitch is worth it IMHO. I know that the bumper hitch should be able to pull its weighted rate without issue, but how often unless brand new has a bumper gone uncompromised.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Towing Question

Put a hitch on, then you know what it is rated for and can adjust the height to your hearts content.

 

[atticus3600s]

Re: Towing Question

The frame hitch is the only way! It is also much safer than the bumper in terms of carrying capacity.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Towing Question

All the advice on what hitch you should use can't be correct...you haven't told us what boat and weight. 14' aluminum row boat or 28' cabin cruiser...??

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Towing Question

i still say install a hitch, the reason is, most our vehicles today have energy absorbing bumpers.

 

[BrianS.]

Re: Towing Question

You also didn't say what Class hitch they were putting on for that $200+

 

[ruf1967]

Re: Towing Question

Get a Class III/IV frame hitch. I had mine installed on my '04 Dodge Ram for $115 at Uhaul

 

[troypolla]

Re: Towing Question

At least class III. I know my Trailblazer came stock with it. Tounge 500 and total 7,500.

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: Towing Question

Agree with others about a proper platform hitch.
If you are pulling a BIG boat, consider a Putnum XBR class 5 with a 2 inch receiver - stronger and cheaper than the factory hitch.

Mike.

 

[SwampNut]

Re: Towing Question

i still say install a hitch, the reason is, most our vehicles today have energy absorbing bumpers.

I've never seen a hitch on an energy-absorbing bumper. I believe that would be impossible. Pickups don't have those bumpers, at least not on the rear.