Hitch and Weight Distribution Recommendation for 1972 International Trucks Scout II with Step Bumper

Question

Question:

Hello ...reviewing installation instructions for receiver #13580 for a 1972 International Scout II equipped with a step bumper. Considering purchasing this for use with equalizer hitch such as your FA92 or FA940600 equalizer hitches. This is ahead of purchasing a cargo trailer, dual axle 6 by 12 with electric brakes. My vehicle is rated with max. tongue weight of 500 lbs. and max trailer weight at 3500 lbs... so I am looking at best possible hitch options. While the step bumper is a Class III hitch, a weight distribution hitch would help me out I believe. I have a couple of questions given this information. I see that the receiver listed above includes in its feature statements not rated for weight distribution systems. The installation instructions also state bumper bracket modifications required for step bumper. Please advise if optional receiver is available that is rated for weight distribution hitches and also what are the needed modifications for use with a step bumper? I have photos available if needed. I suspect holes may need to be drilled to accommodate the existing step bumper bracket, but I would like to know if welding is also required. Thanks in advance

asked by: Haile M

0

Expert Reply:

You raised some great questions.When a trailer hitch like the Curt Class III # 13580 says "Not Rated for Weight Distribution" it means that the hitch cannot be used with any style of weight distribution (WD) system. This could be due to the size of the brackets on the hitch. (In this case, the brackets are very narrow where they mount to the truck frame.) Another reason may be that the manufacturer has tested the hitch with WD and found that either the hitch or the vehicle did not perform well.

We do have some alternate solutions that will work within the limits of your vehicle. Please keep in mind that your towing capacity will always be limited by the lowest rated link in your towing setup. So, even though your vehicle is rated at 3500 lbs. and your hitch is rated at 5000 lbs., you can still only safely tow 3500 lbs. If you are concerned about controlling sway, I would recommend the Reese Friction Sway Control Kit, # 83660, which is used to reduce trailer sway and improve handling in adverse towing conditions. You will also need Sway Control Bracket # RP26003.

As you mentioned, the instructions for # 13580 state that the bumper bracket for a step bumper will need to be modified. I reached out to one of the techs at Curt Manufacturing to ask for more details regarding the hitch installation on a 1972 International Trucks Scout II with a Step Bumper. He said that due to the age of the vehicle that cannot say for sure what, if any, modifications will need to be made to the bumper brackets. But, typically a bumper bracket may need to be relocated or notched out to allow for the hitch to be installed.

You will also need to install a 4-Pole Hardwire Kit Like # 18252 to connect to your trailer. I've provided a link to this harness being installed on a 1985 Monte Carlo, which will allow you to see the basic installation of the wiring.