Help needed.

Fisherman_Mark · 12-09-2005, 01:17 PM

I know this is off topic, but I am not sure where else to post. I need to buy a bumper for a truck, but want to buy something I can use to tow my future boat with. Can anyone point me to an aftermarket shop where I can buy a nice bumper for this rig. Thanks, Mark :whazzup:

RODACTION · 12-09-2005, 02:07 PM

There are several places to buy a bumper for your truck...one is a dealership that sells you brand of truck...but OEM stuff can be expensive. I would try a truck and 4x4 accessory shop, or you may find a good used one at a wrecking yard. I don't know how big your future boat is going to be, but what you may really need is a receiver type tow hitch....bumper mounted towing will not allow very much weight.

broncos0707 · 12-09-2005, 02:39 PM

Tech here

You do not want to pull a boat with a bumper ( maybe a 14-16' aulm. but thats it) try northwest 4x4 on sandy or six states on columbia.

Bonita · 12-09-2005, 03:38 PM

I agree, you definately want a hitch if you might ever tow any weight.
U-Haul sells and installs hitches and the required wiring at pretty reasonable prices. Or, if you want to do the install yourself you can order the correct hitch from just about any auto-parts store.

1pump · 12-09-2005, 04:06 PM

I agree. Many years ago I used a bumper hitch for my little 14' Gregor. Even with that small amount of weight it sucked.

Never again.

Fisherman_Mark · 12-09-2005, 04:08 PM

Yeah i hear you about the receiver type. My neighbor told me I can buy a bumper that is also a receiver type hitch. It is suppose to mount like a receiver, but has all the bumper stuff on it. I am not sure if they are available, but it sounded good.

Thanks, I will look them up. Mark

Smj · 12-10-2005, 05:14 AM

I drive a GMC C1500 that I got new in 1984, it came with a " Hercules " rear bumper rated at 500# tongue weight and 10,000# pull. I've been pulling a 2600# Smoker Craft for almost 5yrs with it and I pulled my 13' Smoker for 10yrs before that. I check the through frame bolts at least a couple of times a year while I'm doing fluid checks or changes and I've never been able to see any probs with this set-up. I even had to lock up all fours once in a panic stop for about 20' and had no issues at the bumper. If there's anything that I'm missing here, that this set-up is dangerous somehow, I'd sure like it pointed out to me.

Smj

reeldick · 12-10-2005, 07:33 PM

Sounds like a heavy duty bumper. Pulling a light boat shouldn't be a problem.
I don't think I'd hang a 26' Glassply on there.

Fisherman_Mark · 12-11-2005, 11:18 AM

I am looking for something like 16 or 17 footer for bay, river and lake work next year. I don't think I will try to yank a 26' anything behind my little rig...:smile:

Mr. Fisherman · 12-11-2005, 06:23 PM

I agree... get a good receiver hitch that is able to handle the maximum rating for your vehicle.
Bags fot the rig and an extension will allow you to tow if your truck will handle it.
Make sure you look at your trucks capacity. A camper and a boat is a tall order and you will need a sturdy truck to handle it. 500# 0n the tounge only leaves 1000# of payload on a 3/4 ton. Not many campers that light out there.

MOLDY · 12-12-2005, 07:58 AM

Buckstop.......nuff said