Factory bumper hitch?

[Ewhitaker0020]

http://imgur.com/gallery/LsYETRL

Is this bumper hitch factory? I didn't know they would tow so much. I purchased a Reese class 3 hitch today and I looked at my truck to see the holes the instructions mentioned using. I noticed that there are already 2 brackets in those locations. What are they for? There's also a cross brace in that area. Is this something to do with a spare tire carrier?

When I got the truck the spare tire was just laying in the bed.

Edit: I forgot to add that this is on an 84 Chevy K10.

 

[legopnuematic]

Yes that is a factory bumper. Can tell by the 140 part number. Whether or not it can tow to that capacity is dependent on the condition of the vehicle. The frames like to rot out or get thin around the bumper mounting holes and you don't want to have that fail. When new it would, but nearly 40 years later, ehh.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

Yes that is a factory bumper. Can tell by the 140 part number. Whether or not it can tow to that capacity is dependent on the condition of the vehicle. The frames like to rot out or get thin around the bumper mounting holes and you don't want to have that fail. When new it would, but nearly 40 years later, ehh.

Thanks for the info! Do you know what those brackets are mounted on my frame? They're curved like they were for holding something.

 

[Blue Ox]

I think the bracket is part of the step bumper install. But I'll look at mine tomorrow for you. The cross brace is definitely for the spare. You should check the tech section here, they have towing guides for these trucks. You'll probably find that the step bumper exceeds the towing capacity of your truck. Also, if you go with the receiver hitch you'll probably need a different bumper, and of course the spare won't fit under the truck if you ever decide you want to put it back there.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

I think the bracket is part of the step bumper install. But I'll look at mine tomorrow for you. The cross brace is definitely for the spare. You should check the tech section here, they have towing guides for these trucks. You'll probably find that the step bumper exceeds the towing capacity of your truck. Also, if you go with the receiver hitch you'll probably need a different bumper, and of course the spare won't fit under the truck if you ever decide you want to put it back there.

I can't keep my bumper and install my hitch? The brackets don't seem to go to anything. They curve inwards But don't attach to anything

 

[Blue Ox]

Don't they connect the bumper bracket to the frame?

Also, I think the step bumper hangs too low to clear a receiver hitch. But I guess you'll have to try it and see.

 

[Blue Ox]

Here's the link to the towing guide:

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/1985-gm-towing-guide-and-1981-dealer-towing-video.16699/

Unless you have a towing package with the extra coolers etc. you're going to be limited to 4,000 lbs anyway.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

Here's the link to the towing guide:

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/1985-gm-towing-guide-and-1981-dealer-towing-video.16699/

Unless you have a towing package with the extra coolers etc. you're going to be limited to 4,000 lbs anyway.

Thanks. I'm not planning on towing anything very heavy, I just don't like bumper hitches for their versatility. I plan on putting one of these on my hitch.

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[bucket]

My factory step bumper doesn't have those curved brackets. But maybe they were removed, there's some other bracket boonrigging that has went on under there.

Of could they be guide brackets for the optional 'glide out' tire carrier? They were uncommon and I don't remember what that setup looks like.

 

[Blue Ox]

My factory step bumper doesn't have those curved brackets. But maybe they were removed, there's some other bracket boonrigging that has went on under there.

Of could they be guide brackets for the optional 'glide out' tire carrier? They were uncommon and I don't remember what that setup looks like.

I'm about 90% certain that my truck has those brackets and it never had a tire carrier.

Eric, if you do end up having to swap the bumper and are willing to part with the step bumper (as long as it's straight) let me know.

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

I'm about 90% certain that my truck has those brackets and it never had a tire carrier.

Eric, if you do end up having to swap the bumper and are willing to part with the step bumper (as long as it's straight) let me know.

If I end up going that way, which I doubt I will, you'll be the first I let know.

 

[Blue Ox]

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

 

[Big Chip]

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[Blue Ox]

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Yeah, but where's your spare?

 

[Ewhitaker0020]

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