RockyWA

Hey guys I have a 96 Taco and am in need of an aftermarket bumper. I'd like to get one that doesn't interfere with the Uhaul hitch I have on there- one that doesn't block the square hole. Right now, my Uhaul hitch(the square hole) hangs below my stock bumper on my truck- just as it should.

I have been looking at all these fancy rear bumpers by different fabricators but it seems that my Uhaul hitch might get in the way. Is there any that would still allow me to use the stock Uhaul hitch? Do you guys have any good suggestions for an aftermarket rear bumper for my 96 Taco that would not interfere or block the square hole from my Uhaul hitch? Thanks

http://www.uhaul.com/hitches/

ScottyC

iTrader: (1)

Why not buy a bumper with the hitch in the bumper instead of below it?

rocket

iTrader: (1)

^ x2

http://www.demello-offroad.com//cata...a387da7683230c

http://www.allprooffroad.com/9504tac...504rearbumpers

RockyWA

Thanks for the responses but those hitches are "not rated for towing" whatever that means- kinda silly to have a hitch that you can't tow anything with. What's the point of that? I want to be able to haul a U-Haul Trailer when I move.

galloway

you can still pull stuff dude. it just the bumper that you have on it right now that cant pull of tow that much. my bumper on my truck can tow a bunch and its after market

Benny_Wiskas

if you are really worried about towing with an custom bumper, then you could try to flip your hitch and build a bumper off of it.

Gerdo

I would think that most if not all aftermarket bumpers would be high enough and would not interfere with you hitch. As stated by AllPro "Bumpers are built to provide maximum rear ground clearance". With that said it does look like the receiver is under the bumper and may be in the way. You could easly cut it off to make room or order one without.

SoCalPaul

I suspect the aftermarket bumpers "not rated for towing" are an attempt to limit their liability in case of some kind of accident or failure. I would buy a bumper & then go to a hitch installer & have the receiver reinforced or a custom hitch made up.

crolison

That and you have to spend money to get them tested and certified. I would definitely trust my custom bumper to pull more weight and be stronger than my stock receiver.

My bumper full hugs the frame on both sides and has more mounting points than the stock receiver.

The only way I would keep a stock hitch would be if i towed for work and had to have a tow rating for insurance.

laxyoat99

cut a hole in it if its that much of a problem

ScottyC

iTrader: (1)

They aren't rated because testing them costs money. A LOT of money. I wouldn't use an All-Pro bumper to tow anything just because its only .120 wall tubing, but if you have a company build you a custom bumper capable of towing, you will be fine. No, it won't be "rated", but it will be made out of the same material thickness as your U-haul hitch.

Gerdo

Do you wheel your truck? If you do you may not have hit your hitch YET but as you get more conifident/skilled you'll be draging that hitch all the time. Then you'll want to get rid of it to raise your departure angle.

(I speak from experience) This is the start of my bumper/hitch and I draged it all over Moab. It's about 6" higher than stock.


I would also suggest either buying a good aftermarket one and have it reinforced by a hitch shop. OR. Have a custom hitch bumper built.

You could have a bumper made by Armorology.

Have ScottyC build you one. I've seen his work, very nice.

RockyWA

Ahhh yessss!!!! stupid liability- it's all about suing everyone for everything these days-I forgot LOL

Your explanations make sense- Thanks guys I'll check out those options.

4x4phil

I run a Double tube smitty built bumper on the back of my 02 Tacoma and it pulls everything without any problems