Bumper Hitch
 

Hi all...Can someone tell me if they ever tried installing a step bumper hitch under the bumper of a 99 f-150. Im only gonna be hauling some lawn equipment so I figued I'd go this route instead of the chassis style hitch. Anyways under the bumper there is some kind of welded on bracket that interfers with the mounting of the bumper hitch. I was wondering if this is on all ford bumpers for that year/model. Also if I go buy the chassis hitch (hidden hitch, reese, valley etc) will this bracket interfere with that installation.
Thanks!

Does a ball in the stock bumper raise the trailer tongue too high?

Yes, the ball hitch that is on there will be way too high.....

Well, mine has the bumper with the ball mount, and it's got a what appears to be a factory frame hitch/receiver under it. I *believe* it's the factory tow package, I haven't run the VIN to find out exactly what it came with.

I'd go for a frame hitch - a class 3 is not that expensive and they should be predrilled for reasonably easy installation. This will also let you tow stuff bigger than your landscaping trailer if you ever need to. I believe the only F-150's that are not certified for a full class 3 (500/5000) are the 4.2 and 4.6 with the 5 speed manual M5OD, those are good to 350/3500.

Thanks for the replies guys.....
I'm guessing also that bracket under my bumper is for the frame hitch....it just would have been a lot easier to throw on that bumper hitch.....gotta start pricing frame hitches.....

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-H~41520.h...icleid=1999982

Free shipping - they have a couple slightly under $150 but you gotta pay shipping on them.

You'll be under $100 for an ok reese style hitch if you shop. It's worth that for the additional safety and it won't hurt resale any either. Distributing that weight to the frame vs the bumper mounts, no matter how minimal, is worth it. Good luck man!

I went out & bought the reese hitch class III/IV, at autozone $120.00. It took about 40 minutes to put on. No probs, Very easy.....

Now if anyone is selling an open trailer preferably 5x8 in the central NJ area I'll be in business....

A friend said Lowes carries 5x8...but to stay away from the trailers at home depot....

later

When I bought an ATV in 2006 I was desperate for a trailer fast. I called all the local joints because "real" trailer sellers needed several days to get in the right trailer. I ended up going to Tractor Supply Company and buying a 5x8 rear gate utility trailer with 13" rims for $699. Most of the others only had 12" rims and there's a big difference.

The first week I had it I went and bought treated 2x6s and put a wood floor in it. So in the end I spent more than I would have for a trailer from a "real" utility trailer company (mine is Carry-On) but it's worked fine for almost 2 years and still looks as new as the day I brought it home.

Here's a pic of it with my old ATV (bought a different one since). We utilized our space excessively well for rednecks. :)

http://www.gorsar.com/temp/do_not_de...y_trailer0.JPG


My new ATV can be SEEN HERE ..

Nice setup..thats exactly what I need....my friend suggested 15" wheels for the trailer...13" wheels would be alright??
As you can tell dont know much about towing....

15's would definitely be better. You have probably 16" wheels on your truck so think about how many more times a 13" wheel has to rotate to keep up with those 16's. I was cheap and in a hurry so I settled for the 13's. Most decent utility trailers come with 14's or 15's.

That said, I've taken this trailer to PA and back from NC twice, pulled it 100 miles every weekend round trip during hunting season for two years, and have never had a problem.

I have been told not to exceed 65 mph with 13's on a loaded 5x8 by a pro RV dealer.