Trailer hitch recommendations

[JM in KY]

I’d like to add a trailer hitch to my truck. 1987 GMC regular cab with 8 foot bed.

Is there one that allows me to keep my spare tire under the truck and does not require drilling new holes into the frame?

Not planning on doing any heavy duty work - pulling small trailer with Allis-Chalmers D12 on it.

 

[MarineOne]

Everything is prettymuch going to require drilling unless you find a factory original hitch and your truck had one from the factory.

I recommend anything drawtite. it's all I have and will ever put on my vehicles when available. For this application part number is #41938
2" standard receiver
Class 4
1,200 lb tongue weight
12,000 lb towing

With Weight distribution hitch
1,500 lb tongue weight
15,000 lb towing

 

[75gmck25]

I have an old draw-tite class 3 on my ‘75 K25 and my 16” (about 31” diameter) spare tire fits. It takes a little work to get it into position, but there is enough space. Make sure you have the stock cross members for the spare tire mount because they keep the tire from tilting enough to slip off the brace/support that holds it.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I just added a ball to my step bumper. Lots of people say I should put an actual receiver hitch on my truck, but I haven't had any issues with just using the bumper/ball setup

 

[Redfish]

The PO of my '87 installed an Acme hitch. This little hitch simply bolts to the underside of the bumper with 4 bolts. Obviously the weight rating of the bumper is the limiting factor here. It allows me to use any length drop or rise ball mount I need and it sets the trailer back far enough that I never hit my license plate with the trailer tongue.

We used to pull any and every trailer from a regular ball mounted to the regular bumper. According to TractorData.com your old Allis Chalmers D12 weighs 2800 pounds. With whatever implements you have and the sort of trailer you would need you will probably be just under the rating of my Acme hitch.

Is this your Tractor?

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I took a couple quick pics of my hitch. There is no welding involved. The PO did some things that I still have to undo...

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[75gmck25]

Harbor freight still stocks this type of bolt-on receiver hitch for a step bumper.

 

[Doppleganger]

Does anyone have underneath pics of this mounted? I just bagged a new 41938 for cheap. Hoping my full size spare still fits.

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I modded the rear brake line feed - was able to move the spare about 3" forward.

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