Hidden through the bumper hitch

[NoMoreFires!]

I want a hitch for my 80, but I dont want to give up the extra ground clearance in the back, is there a "through the bumper" style hitch available or has anyone tried to make their own? Ive seen the extension that bolts on to the 4 holes in the back bumper but its not made for hauling, I want to be able to tow a minimum of 3k lbs.

[sandcruiser]

4x4labs.com

[bowyer2002]

Are you wanting to fab up something or write a check?

The 4x4labs are pretty cool!

I fabbed up my own thru the bumper hitch (for my Tacoma) and it has towed my trailer several times with 2000# loads of pellets for my pellet stove w/o any problems.

I will post pictures after I get home.

I still have CADD dwgs too if that would help I could maybe post them as PDFs even though they are designed for my Taco - It would give you sone ideas at least.

[Atoyot1031]

Search for it. One guy used Slee's 2" receiver. If you really want to save pennies, get the receiver tube from Northern Tool or the like.

[corsair23]

Originally Posted by Atoyot1031

One guy used Slee's 2" receiver.

I believe that was Nay who dun did that

As for giving up the "extra ground clearance"...To the OP, are you running the stock bumper then? You know a hitch makes a good skid plate and protector for the stock bumper

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Might wanna checkout your local hitch installation shop for pricing...

My local shop (Weld-Rite) wanted $200 to cut the center of the bumper for a 2" receiver and attach it to a set of rails that would bolt in the OEM hitch location surrounding the spare tire

They would also rate it as a Class 3 (I'm not sure how they go about doing this, but this is what I was told)


Since I don't really do any heavy towing, I opted to weld my own adjustable pinlte mount hitch

[LC80Ducati996]

Could do what I did. Photos and description of what you need to tweek in this thread. I mounted a std below bumper reciever on top of the frame as opposed to below it.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...lift-more.html

[hectorladron]

i bolted a pintle hook/ball combination right up to the 4 holes. its works like a charm. just make sure your trailer will match the height of your truck.

[NoMoreFires!]

Originally Posted by LC80Ducati996

Could do what I did. Photos and description of what you need to tweek in this thread. I mounted a std below bumper reciever on top of the frame as opposed to below it.

http://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-te...lift-more.html

I think we may have a winner!!!!
This is almost exactly what im looking for. Id like to just buy a hitch and do this, what an amazing idea, and this is exactly why I love iH8mud!

[NoMoreFires!]

Originally Posted by hectorladron

i bolted a pintle hook/ball combination right up to the 4 holes. its works like a charm. just make sure your trailer will match the height of your truck.

I think SLEE sells something like this but they say that it is for basically hauling bicycles, and not rated for any heavy hauling.....How much do you tow? Does it tow well. Id like to be able to at least tow a small car on a trailer. Although most likely I will be getting a pop up camper or a small standard pull behind camper.

[IdahoDoug]

I would not tow a 3000lb trailer using just the 4 holes.....

DougM

[NoMoreFires!]

I called my hitch supplier and theyve got a draw-tite for $130 shipped, anyone know of a better deal?

[sseaman]

check your local salvage yard, i just got a hitch for the 4runner for $50. and they had a ton of toyota parts, but i didnt see any 80s.

[sundaypunch]

Slee has the 2" receiver for their rear bumper. IIRC, Romer has it and it's detailed in his ROTW thread?

It looks beefy enough to tow about anything. It hasn't been tested/rated so it gets the "not rated for towing" designation.