Factory bumper hitch?

Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 20, 2019

Blue Ox said:
I'll probably regret this, but if you look you should be able to find receiver adapters that bolt on to a step bumper.

I'd rather have it bolted to the frame just for strength. Probably overkill, but I'm having a hard time getting it out of my head. I would always be worried about ripping my bumper off if I tied a chain around a log and took off hard to yank it out of some stuff.

Big Chip · Oct 20, 2019

Blue Ox said:
Yeah, but where's your spare?

The spare is laying in the back. It was like that when I got it except there was no bumper. I put that on after I got the truck home.

Big Chip · Oct 20, 2019

Ewhitaker0020 said:
Could you show me a zoomed out pic of your bumper? Is it a step bumper like mine?

It’s the same bumper you have. I won’t be able to get a picture until tomorrow.

Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 20, 2019

Big Chip said:
It’s the same bumper you have. I won’t be able to get a picture until tomorrow.

Don't worry about taking the picture. I was really just wondering if it was the same as mine. If I can't mount the hitch I bought, I will be purchasing the one you have.

Blue Ox · Oct 21, 2019

I just checked, my truck has a similar bracket that ties the bumper brackets to the frame.

You're never going to tear that bumper off unless, as lego said, you've got corrosion issues. I'd rather have the spare under the truck. Having it in the bed like I've suffered with for 34 years just seems to defeat the purpose of having a bed for cargo.

Craig 85 · Oct 21, 2019

I agree it's the factory bumper and those brackets with the curve that attach to the frame and bumper are factory. I've been able to run a spare under the bed on a few of my trucks with a receiver hitch. I recall on my other trucks the back of the receiver tube was flush with the main cross tube for the receiver (photo). I was able to run the 235/85R16 spare. I'm pretty sure you have to remove those support brackets to fit the receiver.

On my K30, it has an aftermarket receiver. Unfortunately, the receiver tube has brackets that project about an inch into the area my spare would fit and forces me to keep the spare in the bed.

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Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 21, 2019

Blue Ox said:
I just checked, my truck has a similar bracket that ties the bumper brackets to the frame.

You're never going to tear that bumper off unless, as lego said, you've got corrosion issues. I'd rather have the spare under the truck. Having it in the bed like I've suffered with for 34 years just seems to defeat the purpose of having a bed for cargo.

The idea of tying a chain to a log and taking off full throttle to yank it out of a pile still scares the crap out of me. The tire in the truck bed does suck. Maybe I can fabricate a bracket to hold my spare tire.

Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 21, 2019

Craig 85 said:
I agree it's the factory bumper and those brackets with the curve that attach to the frame and bumper are factory. I've been able to run a spare under the bed on a few of my trucks with a receiver hitch. I recall on my other trucks the back of the receiver tube was flush with the main cross tube for the receiver (photo). I was able to run the 235/85R16 spare. I'm pretty sure you have to remove those support brackets to fit the receiver.

On my K30, it has an aftermarket receiver. Unfortunately, the receiver tube has brackets that project about an inch into the area my spare would fit and forces me to keep the spare in the bed.

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Should I try to find a way to install the hitch and keep those factory brackets?

Blue Ox · Oct 21, 2019

Ewhitaker0020 said:
The idea of tying a chain to a log and taking off full throttle to yank it out of a pile still scares the crap out of me. The tire in the truck bed does suck. Maybe I can fabricate a bracket to hold my spare tire.

I get that. I don't know if trying to slingshot a log is the best way to do it, but I don't do much of that so I leave technique up to you.

The factory receiver hitch option had the tire mounted upright the side of the truck bed, and a conventional bumper. On a fleetside there was a bracket to secure it upright inside the bed. On a stepside it would have been outside. Both in front of the wheel tub. Not a place or a look that I like, although it's not as bad on a stepside, but it's all personal preference.

78C10BigTen · Oct 21, 2019

Pretty irrelevant but i thought id toss this in. My 78 with factory hitch (according to spid) and non step bumper. Thought maybe someone would like to see. Also factory option in bed spare.

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78C10BigTen · Oct 21, 2019

Blue Ox said:
I get that. I don't know if trying to slingshot a log is the best way to do it, but I don't do much of that so I leave technique up to you.

The factory receiver hitch option had the tire mounted upright the side of the truck bed, and a conventional bumper. On a fleetside there was a bracket to secure it upright inside the bed. On a stepside it would have been outside. Both in front of the wheel tub. Not a place or a look that I like, although it's not as bad on a stepside, but it's all personal preference.

I just posted pics of my 78 that has those options. My spare was removed for a tool box and is bed laying lol

Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 21, 2019

Blue Ox said:
I get that. I don't know if trying to slingshot a log is the best way to do it, but I don't do much of that so I leave technique up to you.

The factory receiver hitch option had the tire mounted upright the side of the truck bed, and a conventional bumper. On a fleetside there was a bracket to secure it upright inside the bed. On a stepside it would have been outside. Both in front of the wheel tub. Not a place or a look that I like, although it's not as bad on a stepside, but it's all personal preference.

I was exaggerating a little, but I don't want any risk of tearing off my bumper. I'm glad to know I can use the bumper hitch in normal situations though.

Craig 85 · Oct 22, 2019

Ewhitaker0020 said:
Should I try to find a way to install the hitch and keep those factory brackets?

If you're installing a receiver, I wouldn't worry about the brackets. If you are going to pull or tow anything you will use the receiver vs. the bumper anyways.

Ewhitaker0020 · Oct 22, 2019

Craig 85 said:
If you're installing a receiver, I wouldn't worry about the brackets. If you are going to pull or tow anything you will use the receiver vs. the bumper anyways.

That's true. If I can find an easy way to reinstall the brackets, I will. If not, oh well.

Encinoman45 · Oct 26, 2019

Just get a B&W hitch. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Chevrolet/C/K+Series+Pickup/1984/BWHDRH25122.html?VehicleID=198422501

It will clear the step bumper and you can still use the spare tire underneath. They include a relocation bracket for the spare tire. I looked at my B&W hitch and it looks like you could still possibly retain your curved brackets, and if not, just take them off and use your hitch for towing like Craig 85 said.

Factory bumper hitch?

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