Run-of-the-mill Trailer Hitch

[Creeker]

I don't think I'm ready to spend $1,000 + on a rear bumper upgrade, so I'm wondering if there's any recommendations out there for a rear trailer hitch assy. I see that SOR has a class II hitch for a reasonable $139.00, and U-haul sells a class III (Draw-Tite 75025) for $179.

Specter Off-Road-Land Cruiser Parts - Page 241-Trailer Hitches & Accessories-Wagons

I was planning on going with the class III on the assumption that my 12H-T can handle it.

Any advice on garden variety trailer hitches? I did a search, but mostly found some incredibly bitchin' and too much money rear bumper builds, as well as some good discussion on recovery points.

 

[chicago]

Ive got my old hitch chillin on the floor of my garage if you want it?
It will need a GOOD cleaning as its pretty rusty, but its still in good structural shape.

Shoot me a PM if youre interested.

I built a bumper, and put a hitch on it incoporated into the bumper.
Do you have the ability to build your own?

Chicago

 

[Creeker]

My weld skills are pretty low, definitely not structural class. For now I think a manufactured hitch makes more sense.

I'm sending a pm to ya.

 

[Downey]

Hey Creeker, how much weight do you want to tow? Class 1 (tent trailers, small u-hauls, alum boat, jet skis) you'd be ok on the rear bumper only (probably like some of the SOR hitches). Class 3 (travel trailers, large boat trailers, and so on) you'd be better with the full frame mounted Class 3 hitch.

 

[Creeker]

Hi Downey - I have a 5,000 lb sailboat that I would like to be able to move. I won't be towing it any farther than down the street to the dock, and I'm not sure my truck could handle it even then.

Other than that, I plan on hauling at least 275 gal of oil on a trailer (~2,000 lbs + trailer + container + pump) so that's probably 2,500 lbs. or more.

I was planning on the frame attached hitch for that reason, also to use for recovery should the need arise...

 

[Eporter]

I bought the SOR one last year. Worked fine, drove across the country with 3 bikes on a bike rack hitch & towed a trailer from WY to OR.

It's a hitch, nothing too special. I had to grind parts of it to clear the rear frame horn/wings. I also had to drill two holes for two of the bolts. Other than that no big deal. It's rusting after one rainy winter in OR, though. I would definitely prime and paint it with something decent if I was installing one on another truck.

It is just a generic hitch, I might buy whatever's local to save on shipping $$.

No matter what route you take, once you buy and install yours you'll find one down the street at a yard sale for $20!

 

[Nemesis Gnat]

i have the draw tite one, and it work great for me... and i use it as a bike rack holder (for downhill bikes), rock masher/skid plate, tug of war attachment point... o ya and it pulls trailers too