Can Flat Bed Directly Tow with Bumper
Question:
I have a 1991 Chevy 3500 flat bed do I need a hitch installed or can I just hook it up straight to the ball?
asked by: Robert
Expert Reply:
In your photo it looks like there could be a hitch ball hole in the cross brace on the back of your Chevy flatbed. If you can find a sticker or plate that indicates a tow rating, and a hitch ball of the appropriate rating and with the shank diameter to fit correctly, then you can tow.
It also looks like there is not a lot of clearance for the trailer coupler, due to the vertical support near that hole. A coupler like # CT-5003-Z has a flat lip around the ball cup and this may contact that vertical support. You'll need to test fit a hitch ball and coupler to see if there is enough clearance for the coupler to pivot around the ball.
I linked our range of hitch balls and you can click on the correct shank diameter. We have hitch balls with shanks as small as 5/8-inch like # C40097 and as large as 2-inches, with many sizes in between.
The existing bumper structure does not appear to leave much room for a hitch to install.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt 2" ATV Hitch Ball - 5/8" Diameter x 1-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 1-3/4 Inch Shank Length
- 5/8 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class I
- Class II
- CURT
more information >
Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 5,000 lbs
- Straight Tongue Trailer Coupler
- Standard Coupler
- 2 Inch Ball Coupler
- Bolt-On
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 3 Inch Channel
- Trigger Latch
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 10000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 1000 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Replacing the Bearing, Races and Seals on a Trailer Hub
- Video: CE Smith Trailer Fenders - No Step - CE19501 Review
- Shop: Bearing Kit for 1" BT8 Spindle, L44643 Inner/Outer Bearings, 34823 Seal
- Q&A: Measurements Of The Single Axle Trailer Fender With Top Step Style C For 8-13 Inch Wheels
- Q&A: Bearings Seem Loose on Strait Trailer Spindle
- Q&A: Trailer Fender Installation Brackets for CE Smith Trailer Fenders
- Shop: Kenda 5.30-12 Bias Trailer Tire with 12" White Wheel - 4 on 4 - Load Range C
- Q&A: Replacement For Shelby 5135 Coupler With 3 Channel
- Q&A: Inner Channel Dimensions Of Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler # CT-5003-Z
- Q&A: Are Trailer Leaf Springs Directional, Is there a Front and Back
- Q&A: 1995 Coleman Utah Replacement Leaf Springs Needed
- Shop: Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 1-7/8" Ball - Bolt On - 2,000 lbs
- Shop: CE Smith Tongue Skid for Pole Tongue Trailers - Galvanized Steel
- Shop: Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 5,000 lbs
- Shop: Single Axle Trailer Fender w Top Step - Style C - Black Plastic - 8" to 12" Wheels - Qty 1
- Shop: Kenda Karrier S-Trail ST145/R12 Radial Tire w/ 12" White Spoke Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - LR D
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Most Popular Wheel Bearings
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Search Results: safety chains
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: l44649
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation