Towing with an aftermarket bumper

[vanguard]

Friends,

While I'm not about to pull the trigger I do daydream of buying/building a new rear bumper with a hitch receiver built in. On the east coast the expedition options are more limited so it's mostly trail riding out here. I mention that because the depart angle penalty of the hitch matters to me.

Today I have a hitch for the occasional tow but I do more recovery than towing with my rig. What are the forum's opinions on towing with your aftermarket bumper receiver? Is it legal? Is it safe?

 

[mountainpete]

Vanguard,

I asked a similar question at TTORA last year...

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15236&highlight=custom+bumpers+towing

In the end, I have concluded that from a safety standpoint there are no concerns. If the bumper is made properly it is stronger than a hitch. From a legal concern, there is the potential for liability issues if the bumper fails.

Your call...

Pete

 

[vanguard]

Thanks for the reply.

 

[p1michaud]

Same dilema

While I'm not about to pull the trigger I do daydream of buying/building a new rear bumper with a hitch receiver built in....

...What are the forum's opinions on towing with your aftermarket bumper receiver? Is it legal? Is it safe?

I have the exact same dilema. I've got access to a great garage with all the tools for this kind of fab work, but I've been struggling with the very same issue. To date I have not built a custom bumper because I do have to tow a trailer. The trailers I tow are not heavily loaded, but I'd rather not take the chance at this point.

...I asked a similar question at TTORA last year...

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...mpers+to wing

In the end, I have concluded that from a safety standpoint there are no concerns. If the bumper is made properly it is stronger than a hitch. From a legal concern, there is the potential for liability issues if the bumper fails.

Your call...

Pete

Pete,
thanks for posting that again. I had followed that same tread with interest last year for reasons mentioned above. I’ll second what you said, when built properly (i.e. correct material selection and welded by a competent welder) they are as strong if not stronger than a hitch. On the legal end of things, I’d rather have a purchased receiver if there were a failure.
One thing to note with aftermarket bumpers is keep in mind what you are fastening to a frame that is only about 1/16” thick (Tacoma). I’m not sure I fully understand why you would used anything larger than 3/16” for mounting brackets.
Cheers :beer:,
P