Anyone Running Delta VS Rear Bumper with OEM Hitch Underneath? (1 Viewer)

[Dissent]

I'm looking at buying the Delta VS rear bumper but still need to tow with my OEM hitch. Is anyone running this configuration? Will the OEM hitch still bolt up?

I know about the Slee add-on hitch (not tow rated...I'm sure it's plenty strong) but after discussing with State Farm Insurance, I need to retain my OEM hitch should a disaster occur. They won't pay on a tow-related claim to a hitch that isn't tow rated.

I understand about the loss of ground clearance, that's not an issue at this point. It's all about the OEM hitch fitting underneath.

 

[SoTexCruiserDoc]

I’m not understanding your question. What is the need for an OEM hitch? Slee for example makes a hitch receiver (not intended for towing), then the overbuilt hitch that I have. It’s way stronger than anything OEM (but maybe not formally “rated”, I don’t recall?). Dissent makes awesome stuff. I hadn’t considered the insurance matter of towing. At this point, I consider the LC self insured. The argument for the value with the insurance company not likely worthwhile from what I’ve researched and experienced. The truck likely would be worth more as a part out than what the insurance company gives me if “totaled”. But with towing, I hadn’t really considered. I tow a small (~1000lbs) custom camping trailer regularly…

And I have State Farm as well. What do you think they’re going to pay you for anything, OEM hitch or not? (my intel is not so much)

 

[cahill]

In my reading of his post, I'm not sure he is worried about his insurance not covering damage to his vehicle but more about insurance not covering damage to other vehicles/people/property if found to be using a tow hitch that isn't rated regardless of how well built or strong it is.

 

[96bruizer]

I think you are opening a pandoras box of issues by bringing up a non-issue with your insurance company. If we go down this route will insurance also claim they cannot payout on other things because the parts are not OEM rated (i.e.... big brake kit, suspension, drivelines, lights, etc...)

 

[Kabanstva]

I run a Slee rear bumper with a factory hitch. Zero clearance issues. Just throwing out some ideas if you’re not dead-set on getting a Delta.

 

[Delta VS]

you can easily add the OEM hitch below our bumper

 

[SoTexCruiserDoc]

I think you are opening a pandoras box of issues by bringing up a non-issue with your insurance company. If we go down this route will insurance also claim they cannot payout on other things because the parts are not OEM rated (i.e.... big brake kit, suspension, drivelines, lights, etc...)

You’re right Mike. But I’d love to hear what your insurance guy tells you about your irreplaceable truck . God forbid it ever gets wrecked…it’s a beaut!

 

[96bruizer]

You’re right Mike. But I’d love to hear what your insurance guy tells you about your irreplaceable truck . God forbid it ever gets wrecked…it’s a beaut!

my insurance guy is my BFF. he basically said the insurance will bend me over if I crash my rig. God forbid is right!!

 

[Dissent]

I’m not understanding your question. What is the need for an OEM hitch? Slee for example makes a hitch receiver (not intended for towing), then the overbuilt hitch that I have. It’s way stronger than anything OEM (but maybe not formally “rated”, I don’t recall?). Dissent makes awesome stuff. I hadn’t considered the insurance matter of towing. At this point, I consider the LC self insured. The argument for the value with the insurance company not likely worthwhile from what I’ve researched and experienced. The truck likely would be worth more as a part out than what the insurance company gives me if “totaled”. But with towing, I hadn’t really considered. I tow a small (~1000lbs) custom camping trailer regularly…

And I have State Farm as well. What do you think they’re going to pay you for anything, OEM hitch or not? (my intel is not so much)

Insurance wise, I'm more concerned about liability in the case of an accident. The LC is always self insured given the age. I was reading about a wreck where a trailer was blamed for the accident and insurance didn't pay out. State Farm said in that case, if was not an approved hitch, they wouldn't cover the liability.

 

[Dissent]

you can easily add the OEM hitch below our bumper

Awesome, thanks!

 

[Dissent]

I think you are opening a pandoras box of issues by bringing up a non-issue with your insurance company. If we go down this route will insurance also claim they cannot payout on other things because the parts are not OEM rated (i.e.... big brake kit, suspension, drivelines, lights, etc...)

I always like to understand what Pandora has in store for me. I asked about the ABS delete and it took some going up the ladder but ultimately they wouldn't accept liability if the ABS were to be removed. Since I'm part time, when in the hubs are unlocked, the ABS doesn't work anyway but that's technically not the same as removing the ABS system. It's a fine line but removal of OEM safety equipment is something they won't cover if it boiled down to finding a reason not to cover it. I just left ABS in place.

 

[SoTexCruiserDoc]

Thanks for clarifying your concerns. Good information to add to the forum.

 

[CharlieS]

I don't understand why a person would install an expensive high clearance bumper only to add a low hanging trailer hitch... Is it all about aesthetics versus functionality?

 

[Kabanstva]

I don't understand why a person would install an expensive high clearance bumper only to add a low hanging trailer hitch... Is it all about aesthetics versus functionality?

Yes

 

[Kabanstva]

I don't understand why a person would install an expensive high clearance bumper only to add a low hanging trailer hitch... Is it all about aesthetics versus functionality?

Most aftermarket bumpers aren’t even high clearance unless you’re getting the bumpers that require cutting off the rear crossmember. The corners of the bumpers are higher clearance but the middle rally isn’t at all.

 

[CharlieS]

Most aftermarket bumpers aren’t even high clearance unless you’re getting the bumpers that require cutting off the rear crossmember. The corners of the bumpers are higher clearance but the middle rally isn’t at all.

I completely disagree. The difference between stock and dissent are significant. But I'm happy agreeing to disagree.

 

[Kabanstva]

I completely disagree. The difference between stock and my dissent are significant. But I'm happy agreeing to disagree.

I have both Slee and dissent. Neither one required removing the crossmember. So how much clearance are you actually adding to the center? Did you measure it?

 

[tmxmotorsports]

Have you looked at 4x4 labs rear bumpe?

 

[CharlieS]

I have both Slee and dissent. Neither one required removing the crossmember. So how much clearance are you actually adding to the center? Did you measure it?

You are right

 

[Dissent]

Have you looked at 4x4 labs rear bumpe?

Yes, it was my solution initially but I really don't want to lop off the subframe.