Tow Hitch Receiver

[AZ66GMC]

I will be towing a car trailer with a vehicle occasionally and don't want to rely on this bumper that is installed incorrectly.

Does anyone have pics of their hitch receiver that they can post for me? I want to change out my rear bumper to either the original bumper with a receiver, or a rollpan with a receiver. I'm not sure which direction that I wand to go yet.

I also plan to relocate the fuel tank to the back and move my spare tire to the inside of the bed.

Any pictures, part numbers and pros/cons would be appreciated






Thanks,

Tony

[vin63]

Here's a photo of my old receiver and rear of my chassis. This hitch poked out underneath the bumper. Is this what you were looking for in a photo reference?

[AZ66GMC]

Thanks, that helps. I'm trying to decide which way that I want to go, bumper or rollpan.

You had a stock rear bumper? It looks like you had no interference between the hitch and the fuel tank.

My plans are to get a hitch next, but I want to make sure that I can put in a rear fuel tank later and not have to change out the hitch.


Tony

[Clyde65]

I have a roll pan on my 65 with a rear mount fuel cell and the hitch. It is not a hidden hitch, I dont thing the hidden hitch will work because of the fuel cell. BTW I tow occasionally with my truck and I have no issues at all.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

I have a roll pan on my 65 with a rear mount fuel cell and the hitch. It is not a hidden hitch, I dont thing the hidden hitch will work because of the fuel cell. BTW I tow occasionally with my truck and I have no issues at all.

Thanks Clyde, do you have any pics? I checked your profile pics, but it was hard to see the back. How many gallons of fuel does your fuel cell hold?



Tony

[markeb01]

Here are a couple of threads that might help:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=hitch

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ighlight=hitch

[Clyde65]

No I dont have any pics of the back, but I will get some today and put them up tomorrow. I have a 16Gal fuel cell right now, but in the spring I will be getting an aluminum tank from David Boyd. I think it should bolt up just fine though.

[vin63]

Originally Posted by AZ66GMC

Thanks, that helps. I'm trying to decide which way that I want to go, bumper or rollpan.

You had a stock rear bumper? It looks like you had no interference between the hitch and the fuel tank.

My plans are to get a hitch next, but I want to make sure that I can put in a rear fuel tank later and not have to change out the hitch.


Tony

Yes, stock bumper and no interference with the gas tank. My gas tank tapers in the back, so the receiver could actually tuck back further under the chassis if I wanted.

[AZ66GMC]

Mark, thanks for the links. I like how it's done on Corts60 truck. I wonder if it would interfere with a fuel tank?

Clyde, that would be great if you have time

Vin63, you wouldn't happen to know the manufacture and PN for your receiver would you? It sounds like your setup would be what I would use if I go with the stock bumper.

Thanks guys


Tony

[lakeroadster]

Since your truck is a long bed you will be able to make the rear tank, roll pan and hitch work. A short bed with a rear tank, roll pan and hitch would be very tight, I didn't have room for the hitch on mine due to the recessed license plate. But on a long bed you can hide the hitch behind the license plate.... that would be very slick!

[vin63]

Originally Posted by AZ66GMC

Vin63, you wouldn't happen to know the manufacture and PN for your receiver would you? It sounds like your setup would be what I would use if I go with the stock bumper.

IIRC, it is a (Towing Products, Cequent or Draw Tite) Pro Series 51017.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Since your truck is a long bed you will be able to make the rear tank, roll pan and hitch work. A short bed with a rear tank, roll pan and hitch would be very tight, I didn't have room for the hitch on mine due to the recessed license plate. But on a long bed you can hide the hitch behind the license plate.... that would be very slick!

Thanks, I like the idea of a hidden hitch behind the plate like Corts60 did. And if it will work with the rear tank, I think that this will be my route. Just not sure if the actual hitch that Corts60 used is what I would need.

I found some hidden hitches for the 67-72 truck, but not one for the pre-67. Will one of these work? Keep in mind that I have leaf springs and I don't know if that makes a difference.




Vin, thanks for the information. I looked that one up and it's on my list of options. Thanks for taking the time to get me that.



Tony

[lakeroadster]

Probably the most cost effective approach is to use an "off the shelf" roll pan and then go to a shop that builds hitches and have them build the hitch such that it locates the receiver in the licanse plate recess.

Chances are the hitch place will modify an existing hitch that they have in stock.

Got any local hitch shops around you?

[bubba327]

I found a hitch from a wrecked Dodge Ramcharger and narrowed it.
Made the side plates from 1/4 steel mainly to protect the aluminum tank if rear-ended. It also helps hide the fuel tank.
I don't plan on towing much I wanted it for extra support of the bumper and protection .
This is a short box 64, with a long bed you would have more room to work with.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Probably the most cost effective approach is to use an "off the shelf" roll pan and then go to a shop that builds hitches and have them build the hitch such that it locates the receiver in the licanse plate recess.

Chances are the hitch place will modify an existing hitch that they have in stock.

Got any local hitch shops around you?

I'll have to check on that. We have a hitch place a few mile away. You gave me an idea of finding something close for cheap on Craigslist and then ask them to modify to fit rather than buying a new one.

I think that I will call them today and see what thy can do.


Tony

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by bubba327

Attachment 673930 I found a hitch from a wrecked Dodge Ramcharger and narrowed it.
Made the side plates from 1/4 steel mainly to protect the aluminum tank if rear-ended. It also helps hide the fuel tank.
I don't plan on towing much I wanted it for extra support of the bumper and protection .
This is a short box 64, with a long bed you would have more room to work with.

Thanks for the pic. That looks pretty good. Sounds like modifying one to work may be the way to go.



Tony

[Clyde65]

I believe mine is from Uhaul and was for a 72 Chevy truck

[kieth]

their are some universal class 3 hitches made that attach to the frame and the square tubing part (that runs across the frame) slides within the frame mounts to adjust for width. one then bolts or welds the 3 pieces together, do not know part numbers but have seen them in the past. Kieth

The hidden hitches are pretty simple they just vary in width and fit inside the frame instead of outside,

[AZ66GMC]

Thanks guys, I've seen some of the ones that bolt together and probably are adjustable. One could probably modify it to fit and then fully weld it up to be sturdy as a vehicle specific model.




Tony

[astrochimp]

I put a "Reese Towpower 33065 33 Series Class III / IV Professional Hitch Receiver" on my '63 long fleet. $175 from Amazon(free shipping)

Nice well made heavy. You have to drill to install, (one hole on each side lines up) Easy install, use small diam bolts to hold in place, then center punch and drill frame with a uni-bit.

It sits slightly in from the stock bumper, but because you drill you have room to move it around.

I did a lot of research last summer and this should let me install a gas tank back there (lots of room).

I'm very happy with it.

[tenni126]

FWIW, I just ordered one from u-haul's website for my '64. $164 delivered, I believe. Using the drop-down menus I was able to pick out the one for my truck. Hasn't shown up yet, but says it'll work. I figure as long as it fits between the frame rails, you should be able to get it positioned properly to clear everything.

[AZ66GMC]

Thanks for the info astrochimp. Do you have any pics of it installed?

Tenni126, keep me posted on how it works out. Is it a class III/IV?


Thanks guys


Tony
Posted via Mobile Device

[tenni126]

The one I found through uhaul is a class III, rated to 5,000lbs. Which will cover most of what I'd want to haul around with this thing anyway, I suppose. I think it's Part#75034. The only thing will be if it clears the bumper, but I'm sure it won't be that far off. Won't be here for a week, and the disc brake swap/seat belt install is first. Safety first and all...(plus, my wife keeps threatening to wear a helmet inside until I put proper seat belts in. Geesh.
I'll post pics when I find the round tuit I've been looking for.

[AZ66GMC]

Originally Posted by tenni126

The one I found through uhaul is a class III, rated to 5,000lbs. Which will cover most of what I'd want to haul around with this thing anyway, I suppose. I think it's Part#75034. The only thing will be if it clears the bumper, but I'm sure it won't be that far off. Won't be here for a week, and the disc brake swap/seat belt install is first. Safety first and all...(plus, my wife keeps threatening to wear a helmet inside until I put proper seat belts in. Geesh.
I'll post pics when I find the round tuit I've been looking for.

Sounds good,

I hear you about the safety first comment. I did the brake swap, now just need the seat belt upgrade. I'm looking for some late model Silverado seats with the built in seat belts. I have been too late on the tan ones that I keep finding/wanting... May just go with installing 3-point seat belts and using my current seat for now...


Tony

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by AZ66GMC

Thanks guys, I've seen some of the ones that bolt together and probably are adjustable. One could probably modify it to fit and then fully weld it up to be sturdy as a vehicle specific model.




Tony

Yep, done it. Looked at a bunch in person and online, and ended up buying a universal fit class III unit from Reese. Super beefy and also the nicest looking one I saw. Cost was about $125 from Pep Boys. It tucked in pretty tight under my Suburban bumper and still (but just barely) left room for the spare.
I clamped it in place, bolted it together, then removed it from the truck and welded it solid. I also welded on a couple flanges that bolt to the bottom of the frame for extra security. These mods void the warranty, but there's just no way it's going to fail.
I think I nailed cost, looks, and build quality all in the same hitch.