Hitch Compatibility on 1986 Chevrolet C/K Series Short-Bed Pickup

Question:

I have a 86 Chevy 1/2 ton short bed pickup. Id like to consider your BandW BWHDRH25198 Class V hitch, not for the towing capacity which exceeds what my truck could do but for the ability to mount the original spare in the original location. Would there be any problems with using this hitch on a 1/2 short bed? Do you have any class IV hitches that would similarly allow me to keep the spare in the correct location? On your install video, you have the rear bumper removed. I currently have a standard step bumper but want to move to a smooth AKA California bumper with the installation of the receiver hitch. Will the Class V BandW work with the smooth bumper? Will it clear the bumper ok, and will it not stick out too far below? Thanks.

asked by: Mark N

Expert Reply:

For your 1986 Chevrolet C/K Series pickup with 6-foot bed and step bumper we have no B&W hitch fits confirmed. Hitch # BWHDRH25198 fits only the version of your truck that has the deep drop bumper.

The hitch options that do fit your truck are shown on the linked page and these come from Curt and Draw-Tite. The Curt Class III hitch # 13028 does fit your truck and allows re-installation of the full-size spare in most instances (some cases will require minor re-positioning of the spare).

However, no hitch makers test their products with other companies' aftermarket products, such as your AKA bumper. The folks at AKA may be able to offer you some guidance based on their experience but we have no way to know for sure since we have never installed these two items.

expert reply by: Adam R