tow rating 86 F150 bumper

jsgold · 06-03-2007, 06:14 PM

I just bought a sharp 86 F-150, 300 cyl., 2WD, long bed, 4 speed standard, with 127K on it, and was searching for a tow hitch for it when I began thinking that I might not need one, at least now. The bumper is a heavy duty looking type with a hole for a tow ball and it has slots for safety chains already. I would assume most people use standard tow hitches since you can adjust them(I have one on my Blazer) but, if this bumper is the right height, what tow rating normally comes with this? I do not have a manual yet so I do not know myself. I have a small pop up camper that I have been using a class II hitch for, I think fully loaded the camper weighs right at 2000 lbs.

2.2 Straight six · 06-03-2007, 06:30 PM

should be ok.

bumper hitches are really for shifting empty trailers, they can't pull much.

jsgold · 06-04-2007, 05:20 PM

Thanks. I did find the owner's manual later on, had missed it earlier. If I read this right I have a 7" step bumper, but am confused at what it reads on rating. It would seem this might be capable of around 4000 lbs or more, but I think I will opt for a tow hitch just in case. At least that way I can be sure. On a separate note- where is a good place to buy seat belts for these old trucks? The driver side is very restrictive, hard to drive in it. On my other cars and trucks I do not have this. The belt has to extend all the way out for me to click it, then I have NO room to move.

2.2 Straight six · 06-04-2007, 05:41 PM

it's best to get a hitch that bolts the the chassis. bumper hitches are for people pulling little things. overload that hitch and it pulls the bumper off the truck.

there might be something wrong with your seatbelt, a deal should be able to get you a replacement.

jsgold · 06-11-2007, 01:15 PM

Bought a nice class 3 hitch on Ebay, should be here in a few days. Thought better to do this.

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