1990 F150 4x4. Bumper is rated for 8000# and 800# tongue. Trying to keep costs down, I was thinking of using the bumper for the current time for short hauling of a boat (total weight, including trailer, is 5000#). What's your guys thoughts on using the bumper? It seems a bit high (24" to the top of the ball) - I thought the optimum height for the (top of the) tow ball was supposed to be around 18" or so. The truck is 100% stock, including tire size.

Just trying to keep costs down. This is a recently purchased 2nd vehicle - an unplanned expense. Anywhere I can save a couple hundred bucks would help.

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If I end-up spending for a hitch:

If I end up buying a hitch, what brand do you guys recommend? I used Hidden Hitch on my Toyota P/U and was pleased with the ease of installation and quality of the hitch (a class 3).

Are hitches for this truck a simple bolt-on, or do you have to do any frame drilling? All the holes in the back of the frame are being used to hold the bumper.

If I'd like to (eventually) be able to tow 7000#+ should I get a class 4 hitch? What's the difference (besides the obvious towing rating) between a class 3 and a class 4 hitch?

thanks,

Mark

 

For a short time you could get by with it but you may end up having to get a hitch for the correct ride hight

 

Hi Kook

Are you sure the rear bumper on your truck is rated for 8000#?

If that is correct...then at least ck. all the bolts etc. that hold it to frame. With max. 4 ton rating...thats alot of bumper wt.

I dont know how to adjust height between bumper and trailer?

On the frame mounted hitch receiver...there are different type ball mounts used to adjust for hi/low height between truck and trailer.

I think most aftermarket receivers are usually bolt on..Has been posted...maybe you'll get up date or search.

If you decide on frame hitch receiver...getting a heavier rated hitch (more than you presently need) could come in handy. Never know when you might need to tow more than your hitch is rated for. My 99SC.. OEM V5..wt 5000/500TW. Can increase with wt. dist. (load equalizer) but not sure if that would work on your boat trailer.

My hitch is mounted to underside of frame with bolts...the bumper is mounted to end of frame bracket.

Good luck...OT

 

8000#. I'll have to step up and say no way. 4000# maybe but on a bumper I wouldn't do it.

If you're towing a 5000# boat, I would assume it's a tandem axle and has surge brakes. Get a receiver and do it right. They are not expensive at all. I replaced my OEM class III with a Putnam class IV and it was about $100. And yes, they should bolt right up.

I would guess that you couldn't get near the ride height with the bumper which means your surge brakes wouldn't work well at all not to mention you'd probably be fighting the trailer trying to porpous so you wouldn't have dafe control.

All that being said, a good aftermarket receiver that willbolt up in about 15-30 minutes - $120 (we'll say), the appropriate ball mount and ball - $50 (and for a 5k rating it should be less than that) and of course wiring for the lights - $?? who knows.

Do yourself, your passengers and more importanly other drivers a favor and set yourself up to tow safely.

Click on the Boat name in my sig and you can see how mine sits. Now keep in mind, while parked, it's slightly low in the rear but the rear LLS leveles it when I start her up. In my case the Expy is low enough I use a straight shaft (10000# rated with 8000# rated ball) ball mount high side up which is actually close to the bumper height. When it's leveled, it's LEVEL and for over 7000# worth of fiberglass and gas slugging big block, it handles great!!

 

How short it short? If it's only a couple of miles and the speedlimit is 35 mph, then you might be able to get away with it. Otherwise, do what FamilyRide says.

Hell, I know of a guy who tows his 10,000 lb boat with a little Bronco II. The ramp is less than 3 miles from his home and the speedlimit is no more than 30 mph. It looks funny as hell, but at those speeds, he doesn't have any problems stopping.

Another friend of mine used his rusty old Jeep CJ to tow his twin diesel 28' Skipjack for a while. He only had about a mile to tow to the ramp. He replaced it with a used Suburban when the back end of the Jeep fell off when he was backing the boat down the ramp.

 

Spending a few bucks now to get a receiver and drop hitch will cost you much less than if your damage your truck or boat. Peace of mind is invaluable! GOOD LUCK!

 

Wouldn't do it. If you have a Sams Club nearby, they carry a class 3 hitch that looks pretty good with all hardware, adjustable drop hitch, and ball for about $90. This is cheap insurance. It will also make turning and backing that boat easier.